Home Publisher's Point of View Both Leading Soap Recycling Organizations Get Big Boost

Both Leading Soap Recycling Organizations Get Big Boost

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Our industry’s two leading soap recovery and recycling organizations both had big news to share in the past two weeks. First, Global Soap was part of an announcement by Hilton Worldwide. Hilton revealed that it will invest $1.3 million in that organization over the next three years (see article). Second, Carlson announced an agreement between Carlson Hotels and Clean the World that will result in 607 Carlson properties participating in that organization’s recycling of soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions and gels (see article).

Hilton expects its investment in Global Soap to result in the donation of more than one million new 4-ounce bars of soap to people in need. In addition to donating soap and dollars, Hilton is providing its operational expertise to help expand Global Soap’s processing capabilities. Hilton and Global Soap will work to develop a global system that can handle the high volumes of soap generated by the lodging sector, at zero cost to hotel properties.

The Carlson agreement blends well with its Responsible Business program, and represents a significant new corporate partnership for Clean the World, which presently has hospitality partnerships in place with more than 1,200 hotel properties throughout North America.

Many Benefits from Both Programs

It is exciting to watch the growth of both Global Soap and Clean the World. Both organizations are doing great deeds for people in need and helping to remove hundreds of tons of soap and plastic from the waste stream.

While in Orlando for a conference earlier this month, I had an opportunity to visit Clean the World’s headquarters. Shawn Seipler, CEO and co-founder of Clean the World, gave me a tour of the rapidly growing operation that now has 40 total employees at four recycling centers throughout North America (Vancouver, B.C., Las Vegas, Toronto, Orlando). A fifth collection center—in Cincinnati—will open later this year.

Shawn told me Clean the World has already diverted one million pounds of waste from landfills and distributed 10 million bars of soap. Not bad for an organization that is less than three years old.

Soap Press Cranks Out ‘New’ Bars

Clean the World recently added a soap press at its Orlando location. Donated bars are shredded and remolded into “new” bars. Volunteers—more than 5,000 so far—help to prepare the soap for repurposing. All partially used donations are sterilized prior to reprocessing. The soap press has the potential of cranking out 80,000 soap bars a day. It is now shaping 100,000 bars a week. Each bar is 3.5 ounces in size.

Walking around the Orlando facility, one can see not only used soap being delivered but also new soap from lodging industry vendors. Donated soap from properties is weighed so that “impact statements” can be submitted in return. Incoming plastic bottles that are at least 75 percent full with liquid product are prepared for donation. Those bottles with less than 75 percent are sent off for plastic recycling.

If your property participates in either Global Soap or Clean the World, I highly recommend a headquarters site visit. It will give you a new perspective on the impact of your work. It is a great story to take back to your property—one that will energize your employees and build their morale. If you are not currently involved with either organization, I highly recommend getting started.

It is amazing what not throwing away a little bar of soap or a shampoo bottle can do.

As always, I can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.

GLN Adds LittleFootprint Lighting as Directory Partner

Green Lodging News welcomes LittleFootprint Lighting as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. The company is the maker of the HeronLED Personal Task Light. It is the first desk lamp made from recycled ABS plastic from e-waste. The replaceable LED bulb lasts 15 years or longer and uses just 4 watts. The lamp produces a “warm white” light, more than 230 lumens, at 58 lumens/watt. The desk lamp and bulb are manufactured in the United States and can contribute to LEED in several categories. The desk lamp comes with a five-year warranty. The ergonomically designed, adjustable LED lamp is recyclable. For more information, e-mail nancy@lfplighting.com, call (831) 401-2007, or go to www.lfplighting.com.

Looking for Guest Columnists

Every two weeks Green Lodging News posts a new guest column on its website. (Click here for examples.) The guest column also appears in the weekly e-newsletter. Green Lodging News is currently in need of industry experts to contribute occasional guest columns. Experts may include consultants, architects, designers, suppliers and those who own or operate green lodging establishments. Columns may be articles that take a stance on a particular subject or be strictly educational in nature. Columnists benefit by having their photo included along with a one paragraph description of their company. Interested in writing a column? Contact Glenn Hasek, publisher and editor, at (440) 243-2055, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.

Planning Advertising for 2012?

Green Lodging News is accepting reservations for advertising spots for 2012. Many excellent spots are available on the website and in the weekly e-mail newsletter. Many Green Supplier Spotlight dates are also available. Interested in receiving a 2012 media kit? Be sure to contact me as soon as possible at (440) 243-2055, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com. A media kit can also be accessed by clicking here. Thank you to all of those companies that consistently support Green Lodging News.

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As always, I can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.

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