The Hanky Campaign works to change student behaviour on campus by encouraging the use of handkerchiefs for hand-drying thus reducing paper towel consumption on campus. So far the survey has suggested that there is a relationship between hankie usage and reduction of paper towel use.

Reducing the Ecological Footprint of UBC Campus is a high priority for the Hanky Project. Paper towels = Water + Trees + Energy. Garbage = landfills–Recycling is good, but Reducing is BEST.

Involving other students is the main goal with any on-campus project. Throughout the Hanky Campaign, students were actively thinking about personal sustainability, and became more aware of the negative points involved with our disposable culture.

Reaching out and educating others is very important to the Hanky Project. The project felt that talking to students face to face is much more effective than reaching them through social media–face-to-face interaction helps students to think more about personal sustainability and raises consciousness of rampant disposable culture. Face-to-face interaction was conducted upon receiving the hanky.

The Hanky Project knew that there is longetivity and feasibility in the use of a hanky vs. paper towels. By charging for the handkerchiefs, the project can have funds for another wave of the campaign on UBC campus.

How has The Hanky Campaign impacted UBC? By the reduction of paper towel use, and increased awareness of disposable culture.