What is Clean the World’s Global Recycling Program?
Clean the World’s Global Recycling Program is all about turning what hotels usually toss away—discarded soap and plastic—into something truly valuable. Instead of letting these items pile up in landfills, the program recycles them into new bars of soap that go straight to communities in need. It’s a smart way to cut down pollution, save water, and shrink the carbon footprint. Plus, it teams up with global NGOs like The WASH Foundation to make a real difference in people’s lives worldwide.
Main Benefits and Impressive Numbers
Here’s a quick snapshot of what Clean the World has achieved so far:
- Over 8,300 hotels and hospitality partners involved in the Global Hospitality Recycling Program.
- More than 29 million pounds of waste diverted from landfills since 2009.
- Over 90 million bars of recycled soap donated to communities in need.
- Significant reduction in pollution and water usage thanks to recycling efforts.
- Support for global NGOs, especially The WASH Foundation, to improve hygiene and health worldwide.
How Soap Saves Lives
It might sound simple, but hand washing with soap is a powerful lifesaver. It dramatically cuts down the impact of two deadly diseases: acute respiratory infections and diarrheal diseases. These illnesses are among the top killers of children under five years old. Clean the World’s recycled soap is at the heart of this global hygiene revolution, helping to protect vulnerable kids and families everywhere.
Turning Trash Into Treasure
Hotels around the world partner with Clean the World to collect their used soap and plastic amenities—think shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and body wash—that would otherwise be thrown away. All the soap gets recycled into fresh, new bars, while the plastic bottles are either recycled or converted into energy. Hotels use special Clean the World boxes to gather these products, then ship them back to the organization’s facilities. It’s a simple, effective system that transforms waste into something meaningful.
Supporting Sustainable Hospitality
Clean the World also offers a Sustainability Guide designed to help hotels and organizations make a real impact. This guide highlights the importance of adopting sustainable strategies that align with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. It’s a handy resource for anyone committed to doing better for the planet and their communities.
Global Impact and Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – by reducing disease through improved hygiene.
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – promoting handwashing and sanitation access.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – diverting waste from landfills.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – lowering carbon footprints through recycling.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – collaborating with hotels and NGOs worldwide.
Why It Matters
Every bar of soap recycled and every plastic bottle diverted from the landfill counts. Clean the World isn’t just about recycling—it’s about creating a ripple effect that reduces pollution, conserves precious resources, and improves lives globally. By turning what many see as trash into treasure, the program supports women, children, and communities, helping to build a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
