The Historic Inn at Ellis Square joins Clean the World's Hospitality Recycling Program...

Clean the World is delighted to announce our latest Hospitality Partner, The Inn at Ellis Square. http://www.innatellissquare.com/.  Located in Savannah's Historic District, it is known as the Grand Lady on Bay Street. This historic hotel in the recently renovated Guckenheimer Building (circa 1851) is steeped in the tradition of Southern hospitality and elegance. An absolute Belle of the South, The Inn at Ellis Square is everything southern hospitality should be. From the cozy Dominique’s Lounge to a leisurely stroll through Savannah’s Historic Riverfront District, it will seem as if you have stepped back in time to the days of Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler. If you are looking to slow it down, and enjoy some of the niceties that Southern living has to offer, be sure to book your next trip to Savannah with The Inn at Ellis Square.

While mastering the art of preserving history, The Inn at Ellis Square has recognized the value of our historic movement. By joining Clean the World’s recycling program, The Inn at Ellis Square will certainly leave yet another footprint in history. This footprint will stretch beyond American history, as this footprint will be seen the world over. Today, lives have been touched as Clean the World hygiene products have been delivered to those in need in Haiti, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Honduras. And as far away as Uganda, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Romania and Albania.

Clean the World is honored to bring on this magnificent hotel in our attempt to Change History in our Lifetime!

A Spotlight on Marriott Early Adopters...

Clean the World’s success within the hospitality industry was no doubt as a result of a few, key meetings and interactions. These interactions involved individuals at hotels that quickly understood our mission and impact and became the “early adopters” of our recycling program. Without these individuals, we would not be where we are today.

Our very first Marriott property was the Marriot Orlando Airport found here: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mcoap-orlando-airport-marriott.  Because our dear friends Glenn and Roy understood the impact that Clean the World could make in Central Florida and beyond, they brought us to a larger meeting of Marriott properties held by Ron at his beautiful property, the Marriott World Center- http://www.marriottworldcenter.com/.  This first presentation and acceptance launched a string of Marriott properties becoming Clean the World recycling partners in Central Florida. Other notable properties such as the Renaissance Sea World and the Residence Inn Sea World quickly came on board.

And we are pleased to announce that the latest Central Florida Marriott property to become a Clean the World Recycling Partner is the Ritz Carlton, Grande Lakes. Found here: http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Orlando/Default.htm, the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes is a stunning sister property to another beautiful Clean the World partner, J.W. Marriott Grande Lakes.

And beyond Central Florida, more Marriott properties continue to join the ranks of Clean the World Recycling Partners:

Our first stop on our tour is the beautiful Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch. Nestled in the beautiful snow covered Rocky Mountains in Avon, Colorado, The Ritz-Carlton is rightfully listed as one of the top 500 Best Hotels for 2010, as determined by Travel & Leisure. That is an understatement to say the least. Beyond the obvious attraction of natural scenic beauty, The Ritz-Carlton boasts 180 guest rooms, 40 suites, exclusive access to the Red Sky Golf Club, and a 21,000 square foot spa. This beautiful location will bring out the adventurer in all who stay there. On your next trip west be sure to stop and spend a couple nights with our friends at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch. Book your reservation at: http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/BachelorGulch/Default.htm.

Back in the sunshine state on the gorgeous gulf coast we have three new partners to share with you.

First up is the Residence Inn St. Petersburg/Clearwater, http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/piecw-residence-inn-st-petersburg-clearwater/.  Just a short drive from the western shore of Old Tampa Bay, The Residence Inn is a must stay for any traveler heading to the Tampa/St. Pete area. Aside from all of the traditional lodging comforts, The Residence Inn has some unexpected services like complimentary grocery shopping and daily housekeeping. You'll enjoy a beautifully redecorated suite with a full kitchen, a living area big enough for entertaining and a sleeping area with plush new beds and comforters. If you’re heading to the Clearwater/St. Pete area, whether for a Buccaneers’ game, or just a day at the beach don’t forget to stop and stay at this beautiful Marriot Property.

Our next stop in the Clearwater/St. Pete area is the Courtyard St. Petersburg/Clearwater. http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/tpapg-courtyard-st-petersburg-clearwater/. The Courtyard St. Petersburg Clearwater is located just 1 mile from the Carillon Business Park and St. Petersburg/Clearwater Airport. It is a short drive from both Ft. DeSoto and Caladesi Island and is a great place for business or leisure travelers alike. If you love to shop, take a short drive into Tampa and indulge yourself at the International Plaza or Westshore Mall. Please be sure to book your next trip to the bay at The Courtyard St. Petersburg/Clearwater.

Finally, a true gem of the hospitality industry. Known as the showplace of the waterfront, the Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club is the only luxury St. Petersburg, Florida hotel on the West Coast. http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/tpasr-renaissance-vinoy-resort-and-golf-club/. With the combination of a private marina, 18-hole golf course and 12-court tennis complex. Ideally situated on the water and just minutes from St. Pete beach, the Vinoy hotel in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida is a fine example of 1920's Mediterranean Revival architecture that has earned it a National Register of Historic Places designation. If you have a taste for the finer things in life be sure to stay at The Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club the next time you venture to the Gulf.

PRESS RELEASE: SONOMA SOAP COMPANY AND CLEAN THE WORLD CO-BRAND SOAP PRODUCTS TO SAVE LIVES AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Orlando, FL — Friday, March 5, 2010— Sonoma Soap Company is adding something to their all-natural line of Sonoma Soap Products. Starting in April 2010 the Sonoma brand will carry the Clean the World logo on its packaging. The co-branded natural bar soaps are part of a unique marketing effort with the non-profit, Clean the World. In addition to the awareness generated by the new packaging, Sonoma will donate a portion of the proceeds of each co-branded bar purchased to help in their mission of saving lives and recycling soap.

“We are proud of this alliance with Clean the World to generate funds and awareness to help save lives and the environment. Through our partnership, Sonoma Soap Company, along with our consumers, can play a role in the fight against illness and death caused by acute respiratory infection and diarrheal disease in countries across the globe. Now when you go with Sonoma Soap Company products, you can make good things happen,” said Peter Caparis of Sonoma Soap Company.

Soap Saves Lives
According the World Health Organization, 3.5 million children die from treatable illnesses, including pneumonia and diarrheal disease each year. That is the equivalent of 9,000 children daily. Up to 65% of these deaths could be prevented by simple hand-washing with soap and water. Details of these studies are available at http://www.cleantheworld.org/

Recycling Soap
Each day millions of pounds of soap, shampoo, conditioner and other personal care items are discarded by the hospitality industry as part of their normal housekeeping practices. Clean the World collects these items, sanitizes them and distributes them to people in need around the world. In the 2009, Clean the World has recycled more than 4 million bars of soap and 200,000 pounds of shampoo and conditioner, simultaneously eliminating over 380 tons of waste.

Sonoma Green Products
The Sonoma Soap Company’s commitment to the planet is clear: All of their personal care products contain at least 99% natural ingredients, they adhere to green chemistry principles and all product packaging is recyclable.

"The Sonoma brand is a great match for Clean the World. Their commitment to environmental issues and social responsibility makes Sonoma a perfect partner for us.” said Shawn Seipler, executive director and co-founder of Clean the World . “This is a great way to get the word out about our cause and help us reach more people in need.”

About Clean the World, Inc.
An Orlando-based charitable organization, Clean the World, Inc. is committed to the prevention of illness and death caused by acute respiratory infection and diarrheal disease in countries across the globe. In an effort to prevent these needless deaths from occurring, Clean the World collects discarded soap and shampoo from hotels to be recycled and distributes these soap products along with appropriate educational materials to domestic homeless shelters and impoverished people worldwide. In 2009, Clean the World collected, recycled and distributed over 230 tons of soap and other bathroom amenities to impoverished people worldwide. With the donations of these discarded soap and shampoo products, Clean the World is a step closer to reaching their goal of preventing the millions of lives lost each year — and they’re doing it one bar of soap at a time. Clean the World Foundation, Inc is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization.

About Sonoma Soap Company
Sonoma Soap Company, makers of all-natural body care products, recently introduced shampoos, conditioners, liquid soaps, bar soaps, bath and shower gels and body lotions, which, like the artisans before them, capture the essence and organic goodness of California’s wine country.

Every Sonoma Soap Company product is made from a traditional Sonoma blend of certified organic ingredients including lavender, citrus, wildflowers, cedarwood, oatmeal, maple and more. The products are between 99% and 99.7% natural, 100% vegetarian and paraben and phthalate free. The colors and fragrances are 100% pure, with nothing added to alter the lovely natural aromas. Using high-quality natural ingredients results in effective yet gentle cleansing, deep hydration and restorative nourishment for the hair and skin.

Each Sonoma Soap Company variety, including First Crush, Lavender Reserve and Citrus Medley, evokes an authentic Sonoma Valley experience. Products are available at independent health food stores throughout the country. For more information, please visit http://www.sonomasoapcompany.com/ or write to info@sonomasoapcompany.com.

A warm place in my heart for Intercontinental Hotel Group...

About 11 months ago, I arrived back to Orlando International Airport after another long business trip. I was flying back from Minneapolis, a city I visited frequently during my past business life. When I arrived back on this trip, I did something a bit different compared to my normal arrival routine. I was determined to walk into a nearby hotel to present the very first version of Clean the World’s recycling program.

I eyed a hotel that was very familiar to me. As a platinum Priority Club member, 90% of my hotel visits were at various Intercontinental Hotel Group hotels such as Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza’s and Hotel Indigo’s. I garnered up enough “guts”, and confidently walked into the Holiday Inn Select- Orlando Airport. I asked for the General Manager. Peter came from around the back of the desk and gave me his time. We spoke for about 15 minutes and the rest, as they say, is history!

So I get a special warming in my heart when an IHG hotel joins our recycling program. In addition to staying with them so frequently over the last 6 years, it was also a lot of Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza bar soap that was used in my kitchen to experiment with our first recycling processes. (a story for another blog is how I actually got that soap… and I didn’t steal it!)

We are welcoming three new Intercontinental Hotel Group properties, representing three distinct IHG brands to our family:

Lets start our IHG- Clean the World tour in Abingdon, Virginia with the Holiday Inn Express, found here: http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/abnex. In addition to being environmentally friendly, the Holiday Inn Express in Abingdon features a pet friendly property nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. With all of the clean and fresh features Holiday Inn Expresses are known for, our recycling program is a great fit for this 80 room property. If you are traveling on I-81 be sure to stop by and say "Thank you" to George and Angel for their participation in our Life Saving and Planet Saving recycling program!

Now southward to the beautiful Treasure Coast of Florida… Lets welcome the Holiday Inn Port St. Lucie to Clean the World Recycling Family. Their web presence is located here: http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/PSLFL.  Located on the historic US 1, the Holiday Inn Port St. Lucie is buzzing now as the New York Mets spring training camp, only minutes away, is ready to go into full swing. In addition, championship golf, deep sea fishing, Jensen Beach, and Hutchinson Beach are right around the corner. The Treasure Coast is rightly named and with four properties in the area now on our recycling program, it is incredibly clear that they are very committed to protecting their beautiful environment, adding to your vacation pleasure. Make sure to book with Lisa on your next visit to Port St. Lucie.

And now to come full circle, just one light up the road from where our Clean the World journey began 11 months ago, is our newest IHG hotel- one of my favorite brands, the Crowne Plaza- Orlando International Airport. http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/cp/1/en/hotel/mcohn?&stopredirect=true.  A truly beautiful and complete property located minutes from the airport and right in the middle of the Central Florida action is one of our newest partners. With a newly renovated fitness center, gorgeous outdoor pool perfect for catching Central Florida rays, restaurants and lounges both on the property and within walking distance, you will no doubt enjoy the Crowne Plaza experience the hotel brand is kown for. Special thanks to Shawn and Mark for implementing our recycling program and offering your guest yet another quality feature that makes the Crowne Plaza the special hotel that it is!

And from a special place in my heart for taking care of me for so many years- Thank you Intercontinental Hotel Group properties that are joining Clean the World’s Hospitality Recycling Program!

The Canebrake Philosophy...

As we blog to draw attention to the wonderful properties that have committed to Clean the World’s unique recycling program, we seek to find the characteristics and traits that define the property. With the Canebrake, found here: http://www.thecanebrake.com/index.html it is very clear: they are full and whole heartedly committed the beauty and preservation of our environment and total wellness of life.

From their web site, here is the Canebrake’s Philosophy:
“The Canebrake staff aspires to get the most out of life and to share that same desire with our guests. We are dedicated stewards of the earth’s abundance, obligated to enjoying all of it and committed to sharing our passion with our guests. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff provides personal service and attention to every detail, allowing you to participate as much or as little as you like.”

Located in northeast Oklahoma’s Green Country, The Canebrake is focused on their guest‘s ability to regroup and rejuvenate. With beautifully decorated rooms and cottages, that include spa tubs and fireplaces, the Canebrake is incredibly cozy and sets a relaxing atmosphere to regroup. And with incredible massage and spa experiences and a full slate of yoga activities, rejuvenation is clearly defined.

The Canebrake is also incredibly committed to their environment. They follow a very clear environmental policy which seeks to “lessen their impact on local and global environment conserving energy, water, and other natural resources; reducing waste generation; recycling and purchasing recycled products; and reducing our use of toxic materials.” How do we know this to be true? Well, they have now incorporated Clean the World’s recycling program into their environmental initiatives as a way to not only protect their beautiful Oklahoma land, but also to provide a life saving necessity to those in need across our globe.

As a clear testament to their stated philosophy, we thank The Canebrake for joining Clean the World’s Hospitality Partnership Program.

PRESS RELEASE: Walt Disney World Resort Joins Clean the World in an Innovative Program to Recycle Soap

Orlando, FL. — February 20, 2010 — Walt Disney World Resort hotels are working with Clean the World to recycle all the partially used amenities from their nearly 28,000 Central Florida hotel rooms Clean the World sanitizes the soap and shampoo that would be discarded and distributes these amenities to people in need around the world.

“With the support of with Walt Disney World, even more supplies will reach those in desperate need,” said Paul Till, co-founder and managing director of Clean the World, who is responsible for recruiting new hotels to join the “Clean the World Hospitality Recycling Program.” Through this program, hotels financially contribute a tax-deductible recycling fee in exchange for collection, recycling and free redistribution of partially-used amenities to those suffering due to a lack of available hygiene products. In 2009, Clean the World distributed more than 230 tons of hygiene products to countries worldwide including Haiti, Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Uganda, Mali, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Mongolia and Romania.

By participating in this program, Walt Disney World Resort hotels are showing a committment to saving lives and protecting the environment.

Clean the World in Haiti
In the wake of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Clean the World has stepped up its commitment to provide basic necessities to the impoverished people of the island nation, and has included medical supplies, food, water and other essentials as well. Since January 2010, Clean the World has delivered over 150 tons of supplies directly to Haiti.

In 2009, Clean the World delivered 200,000 bars of soap to schools, orphanages, clinics and churches in Cap Haitien, Haiti. Though its Haitian partnerships and distribution network, Clean the World is providing free soap to people desperate in desperate need for proper hygiene. In Haiti alone, 8,000 children die annually from diarrheal disease, which is preventable by up to 62 % with proper hand washing.

About Clean the World, Inc.
An Orlando-based charitable organization, Clean the World, Inc. is committed to the prevention of illness and death caused by acute respiratory infection and diarrheal disease in countries across the globe. In an effort to prevent these needless deaths from occurring, Clean the World collects discarded soap and shampoo from hotels to be recycled and distributed these soap products along with appropriate educational materials to domestic homeless shelters and impoverished countries worldwide. In 2009, Clean the World collected, recycled and distributed over 230 tons of soap and other bathroom amenities to impoverished people worldwide. With the donations of these discarded soap and shampoo products, Clean the World Foundation is a step closer to reaching their goal of preventing the millions of lives lost each year — and they’re doing it one bar of soap at a time. Clean the World Foundation, Inc is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization

The Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina joins the Clean the World family!

About as far away as a property in the continental US can get from Haiti, by participating in Clean the World’s bar soap and bottled amenity recycling program, the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina is helping those in desperate need in Haiti. Still greatly suffering from the effects of the recent devastating earthquake, this property is committed to helping them and so many others. This stunning 1,053 guest room, 2 tower property, located on beautiful Harbor Island Drive, is committed to Saving our Planet and Saving Lives.

As the partially used items are collected by housekeepers, they quickly make their way to reusable Clean the World bins. Once delivered to Orlando, Clean the World’s recycling experts and volunteers carefully surface clean, sanitize and sterilize the bars and bottles with an environmentally and hygienically friendly process. After being recycled, bars of soap and amenity bottles are “naked” packaged in an eco friendly way, palletized, and shipped directly to Haiti and other impoverished countries.

The concept is simply beautiful: A beautiful property, sitting on one of the world’s most beautiful marinas in one of the United State’s most beautiful cities caring so much about their hurting neighbors in need and their local environment that they would take the initiative to adopt and implement the program.
Ladies and gentleman, this is what it is all about. Take a look at what the Sheraton San Diego has to offer here: http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=127.
 
120,000 square feet of meeting space and only minutes from the San Diego Zoo, Old Town and Balboa Park. And when you lay your head down at night after a long day of fun activities, you will rest on Sheraton Sweet SleeperSM Bed.

Thank them by booking your next meeting, convention or family vacation at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina.

And a special thanks to Ann and the entire green team for your true commitment to our planet and her precious and beautiful inhabitants.