Soap, Shampoo Donation Organizations Expand Collection Efforts - By Glenn Hasek
Thanks to organizations such as Clean the World and the Global Soap Project, recycling partially used soap and shampoo has become much easier for lodging establishments. In a little more than a year, Orlando-based Clean the World, which was started by Shawn Seipler and Paul Till, has more than 200 properties in 25 states participating, almost 90,000 guestrooms represented, and 18 employees working.
The Atlanta-based Global Soap Project, also launched last year, has 50 properties participating—all in the southeastern United States. The Global Soap Project was founded by Derreck Kayongo, a humanitarian relief expert whose Uganda-based family fled the tyranny of Idi Amin in 1979.
The nonprofit Clean the World accepts donations of both soap and shampoo. It is distributed to those in need in the United States and places like Haiti. The Global Soap Project collects only soap. It is distributed to those in need in Africa. According to Shawn Seipler, executive director of Clean the World, his organization has donated approximately 200 to 250 tons so far. The Global Soap Project has collected more than seven tons.
Clean the World has been operating solely out of its Orlando recycling center but that is about to change. On June 1 the organization will open a recycling facility in Las Vegas and has plans to open similar centers in New York City, Chicago and Vancouver, B.C. Creating a nationwide network of centers is important, Seipler says, as it will help to reduce costs related to shipping and transportation. Currently, those participating in Clean the World's recycling program are required to pay $.65 per room per month. Green Lodging News contacted The Global Soap Project for details on its business model but had not heard back by press time.
Gilchrist & Soames Partnership
Clean the World just announced a three-year exclusive partnership with Indianapolis-based Gilchrist & Soames that will result in the amenities company funding the expansion of Clean the World's infrastructure. Additionally, Gilchrist & Soames has been given exclusive rights to offer Clean the World's recycling program to luxury hotels worldwide, either as part of an inclusive amenities program or as a standalone service offering, which means that any hotel property can join the Clean the World program by contacting Gilchrist & Soames.
Seipler says Clean the World is close to formalizing an agreement that will see one of the United States' leading gaming companies donate its partially used soap and shampoo to the nonprofit organization. Clean the World already has partnerships with all of Disney's properties in the Orlando area as well as properties such as the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago and The New York Palace hotel. In April, Clean the World and Sonoma Soap Company announced an agreement whereby Sonoma would start including the Clean the World logo on the packaging for its natural bar soaps.
In the time since launching Clean the World, Seipler says the organization has learned how to make it easier for hotels to participate. On-site assistance, posters and videos are available to help get a donation program underway. The Clean the World program is also incorporated into each property's procedures manual. Proper bin placement is key to the success of a collection program, Seipler emphasizes.
Importance of Hand Washing
Why are soap and shampoo programs important? According to the World Health Organization, 3.5 million children die from treatable illnesses such as pneumonia and diarrheal disease each year. That is the equivalent of 9,000 children daily. Up to 65 percent of the deaths could be prevented by simple hand washing with soap and water.
"There are lives at the end of our recycling program," Seipler says.
While there is a small cost to participating in the program that Clean the World offers, the return comes in reduced waste, positive employee morale, and public relations and marketing opportunities.
"We often hear from hoteliers who are surprised at the volume of waste generated by partially used soap and shampoo," Seipler says.
This article first appeared on the Green Lodging News website. To sign up to receive the weekly Green Lodging News newsletter, go to www.greenlodgingnews.com. Glenn Hasek can be reached at [email protected].
