For the Germaphobes Out There...

I'm not a fan of "touching" things in the bathroom. If I could press a button and have the door swing open for me, toilet seat come down (yes, I'm referring to my husband) and door lock behind me, I'd be in heaven. Thank goodness for the proliferation of automatic soap dispensers, because trying get the soap out by using my elbow has been a fruitless effort many, many times. (I've also been known to flush a toilet or two using the sole of a stiletto, and not thought twice about it...better the shoe than me.)

Chick-fil-A, aka "the only fast food I'll eat and not hate myself afterward," is doing more to get me inside their doors. The chain is testing a new L-shaped door handle, which can be pulled open with the wrist or forearm. While this may sound silly to some non-germ freaks, listen to this: In a 2007 Kelton Research survey, nearly half or respondents won't use their hands to open a public restroom door--they either use a paper towel or their elbow. I'm an elbow girl, generally, but have kicked a few doors open in my time when applicable (again, blame the stilettos). But this L-shaped door handle could have something there. One step closer to the touch-free bathroom experience!

And if you think public bathrooms are bad, don't try thinking about the germs swaddling on the handlebars on those grocery store shopping carts. Bring on the hand sanitizer, please!

--Alison Embrey Medina

Comments

[Jessica]

Hello Diva,

I have to say I loved this post! I am the exact same way (closet paper towel grabber) and do not like to touch a thing in the bathroom.

I think this new door handle is innovative and solves not one, but two issues for retailers. Of course it helps germaphobes like us stay sain in a public restroom, but it also helps the environment!

When I read your quote that nearly half of respondents use either a paper towel or their elbow, I realized if they are anything like me, that means a whole lot of paper towels which get used simply for this purpose!

These new door handles should be marketed to retailers who are trying to go green! C'mon Whole Foods, you just got rid of your plastic bags, maybe the bathroom doors should be next?