Have you ever thought what happened to the used soap bars in the hotels? In a 300 room hotel, even with 50 percent occupancy a lot of soap bars would get discarded daily. I was always curious about it but never found an answer before I came across the Soap for Hope project on #Escapers17 trip to Singapore and Myanmar. Accor Hotels, Scoot and Asia Holidays were the major sponsors of the event. We arrived at Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort and Spa and our task was to convert used soaps into new hygienic soap bars.
Stefan Phang was the man in-charge and it was easy to see he loves what he does. At Escapers17 there were bloggers from about 12 countries, all over from the Asia and Pacific region. Each team had to make a new bar of soap using the recycling process. Each bar had to weigh between 120-150g.
We were given used bars of soaps. We were supposed to scrape it for impurities and cut it into pieces so that they weigh 150g at the most. After scraping, we were using a chemical to remove any remaining impurities. We added lemon and orange peels to the soap mix and then put the ingredients in a cold press. Just like pumping water from hand pipe, I pressed the lever and when it became resistant, it was time to take out the new soap. It was so simple that even I could do it!
Sealed Air works with hotels world wide to collect soap. Accor is their partner in many parts of the world. The cold press machine can be folded and put in a stroller and it weighs less than 20 kg, so it can be carried by air. They work with the people who are on the margins of the society. It gives them a livelihood. The soaps are given to people who need them and also sold for charity. The money goes to funding more projects. And the soaps do not end up in a landfill.
This is a start for me. Often, I have wondered about the kind of life I got a glimpse into, because of blogging! I get to stay at fancy hotels, I get to visit beautiful places but in some corner of my mind, there has always been a question, is it enough? There should be more to it.
Writing and getting involved about with projects like Soap for Hope is certainly a step in the right direction for me. I am interested in Accor Hotels Planet 21 program and I hope I will get the opportunity to explore it more.
PS. #escapers17 was hosted in Singapore and Myanmar where Accor Hotels, Scoot and Asia Holidays were primary hosts.
This was by far the best part of the trip.. and I was about to write my post about it 🙂 But nobody can match your speed and passion…
You both made my day! I had a stressful day today and seeing this blog and Prasad’s comments that making soaps “was by far the best part of the trip” just perked up my spirits! Thanks!!
I agree Prasad, it was the most meaningful part of the trip! Waiting to read your post.
Stefan thank you for stopping by, you made my day. You an your work rocks, please remember it always!
This is brilliant Mridula 🙂 Recycling is very important for the planet at this stage, and it’s nice to see that these hotel chains are contributing their best..Last year In Sweden, the government announced tax benefits to residents who would repair their old cycles, clocks etc..Small things make huge difference, and Soap for Hope is one of them 🙂 Although in my opinion, they should just give away the soaps to needy people and not sell them for charity..
I am waiting to know more, I am sure there is a logic to it as to why they sell it for charity. Waiting to dig more.
Good to know about this recycling …Very interesting as well..
It was an interesting and meaningful activity for me too!
It’s interesting, Mridula. Never thought about what happened to soaps used in hotels. 🙂
Since I started to stay in hotels on a regular basis, this question popped up, as the small bar I could never finish, so I would carry it home and use it. But loved the recycling project and I wish to know more.
Good to know about the effort but did not like the concept….above all those are previously used soap. what about the germs?…whats the process to remove them, did you wanted to mean germs as “impurities”? did not get it.
Please Google it and read more!
Recycling of soaps in this manner is surely a great initiative. It becomes more interesting when you try it for yourself! Great experience indeed… 🙂
It was indeed a meaningful experience!
Very interesting….
Thank you Rajeev!
Lovely concept of reuse !
Yes indeed, I am impressed too!
I never knew about the Recycling of the Soap so this is a Gr8 insight for me 🙂
It was a valuable insight for me too Pooja!