November 2021 – Signitizer

What Makes Hand Sanitizer Green?

The ethanol or ethyl alcohol in hand sanitizer is derived from natural sources, such as corn or sugar cane. The other major ingredient in most hand sanitizers is water. Additionally, few sanitizers contain fragrances or dyes. Since both plant-based ethanol and water are considered renewable, the product can be considered green.

What Makes Hand Sanitizer Bad For The Environment?

Arguably the biggest reason hand sanitizer could be considered bad for the environment would be because of the packaging. Consider the vast number of people who are using individual size hand sanitizers. Now consider how long those bottles last before they are discarded and a new bottle is purchased. Now consider all these bottles, which are derived from plastic, biodegrading over thousands of years and eventually ending up in our oceans as microplastic.

Is There A Certification For Environmentally Friendly Hand Sanitizer?

EcoLogo developed the standard for certifying hand sanitizers based on a combination of factors, including the use of less intrusive raw materials, a reduction of environmental hazards and an increase of product recyclability. These include:

Cannot use raw materials like Quats and triclosan.

Must use biobased content.

Must be readily biodegradable.

Must be fragrance- and dye-free.

Bulk packaging is excluded.

Bottle size minimum is 8 fluid ounces.

Primary packaging must be recyclable.

No secondary packaging.

Luckily our hand sanitizer kiosks feature a refillable tank! This allows managers to choose a green rated hand sanitizer to fill their kiosks with, and eliminates the need for staff members to carry a personal sized sanitizer.

Go green. Protect your people. Promote your brand. All with the Signitizer. Contact us at 416-640-4477 or info@thesignitizer.com for more information.

Flu season is officially upon us! Which means it’s a perfect time for a reminder on how to get the most out of your hand sanitizer. While washing your hands with soap and water is still the best defense against germs, hand sanitizer is a close second. Christmas shopping and holiday parties will be in full swing, making an on-the-go option more important than ever.

Use The Right Type of Hand Sanitizer

All hand sanitizers are not created equally. The CDC recommends using alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains a minimum of 60% alcohol. Studies have shown sanitizers with an alcohol concentration between 60% and 95% are more effective at destroying germs than ones with an alcohol concentration under 60% or those that are not alcohol-based.

Rub The Hand Sanitizer Into Your Skin

When you apply hand sanitizer, you should make sure that the product is absorbed into the hands; there shouldn’t be any lingering wetness. It’s important to continue to rub it into your skin until it dries to get the most out of it’s germ destroying properties.

Use Enough Hand Sanitizer

Despite instructions on some hand sanitizers to apply a dime-sized amount, research indicates that is insufficient. A 2016 study demonstrated that in order to sufficiently cover the front and back of both hands, people need to use more than half a teaspoon of hand sanitizer. The World Health Organization also recommends applying a palmful of sanitizer into a cupped hand.

Store The Hand Sanitizer Properly

To maintain the effectiveness of hand sanitizer, it should be stored at a temperature of 45 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Don’t Use Sanitizer On Dirty Hands

Hand sanitizer can work in a pinch, but if you notice grease and grime on your fingers, you need to wash your hands. The CDC says hand sanitizer may not be as effective if hands are noticeably filthy. In these cases, it’s recommended to wash hands with soap and water.

Our Digital Hand Sanitizer Kiosks are ideal for high-traffic areas such as entry points, lobbies, offices, retail spaces, restaurants, and beyond. Upgrade your business with the Signitizer, featuring a 21.5″ HD screen today. Protect your people. Promote your brand. Contact us at 416-640-4477 or info@thesignitizer.com for more information.