In modern times, surgical site infections (SSIs) are defined as infections occurring within 30 days after surgery (or 1 year in patients with implants) at the incision or deep tissue level. Purulent drainage should be observed and organisms from the site should be isolated for epidemiological purposes. Most of the factors contributing to SSIs are patient-related, as the majority of infections are caused by endogenous flora. It has also been suggested that unclean operating hands due to glove contamination do not affect rates of postoperative infections. While the traditional surgical scrub has so far stood the test of time, it is important to consider its environmental impact. There have been multiple attempts to reduce the carbon footprint of the surgical hand scrub, including usage of a different model of tap but there is an easier option available to us: hand rubbing. It takes up significantly less water, as reported by some of the studies given above. It is also particularly beneficial in resource-limited settings. All studies except one reported that hand rub solutions are also more affordable, making them accessible in poorer countries and hospitals. Our study results similarly suggest that waterless hand rubbing is at least as effective as hand scrubbing in preventing SSIs, and is a viable solution to address water scarcity concerns.