Everything we do at Clean the World starts with our amazing hotel partners. Here are the most recent additions to the Clean the World family:

We regularly spotlight new hotel partners in the Clean the World newsletter. However, we have an unprecedented number of hotels joining since Hilton announced that all 750 properties across its All Suites brands will recycle discarded soap and amenity bottles through Clean the World. We want to make sure all our fans, followers, and supporters get a chance to see the parters that have come on board. So please check out this list from just the past few weeks:

International Housekeepers Week is every year during the second full week of September and is sponsored by IEHA. It is dedicated to recognizing the efforts of hard-working custodial staff members. This year we invited some hotel partners to brag about their room attendants.

Elan Hotel in Los Angeles

The team does an amazing job. They pride themselves on being part of the Greystone family of hotels. Blanca Gonzalez (first photo below) has been onboard since 2006 and has learned all of the trades of the job. She is currently our housekeeping supervisor and oversees the housekeeping team when Carlos is not on property.

Bristol Hotel in San Diego

The Bristol housekeeping team members have been with the company for over 10 years. Two women, Dora Mendoza and Rosie Hernandez, have been with the company for 16 years. Every day they work with a smile and are full of energy.

King George Hotel in San Francisco

Dieu Ly, the housekeeping room attendant at the King George Hotel in San Francisco, has been with the property since 1995! Dieu moved to San Francisco from South Vietnam and has made it her home. Right now she is learning yoga and spends her time reading anything about Buddha and meditation. Dieu has been at the hotel so long because she considers her co-workers to be her second family.

Empress Hotel in La Jolla, California

General Manager Joel Majors of the Empress says, “It is because of our great team that we continue to get the good ratings on the Internet and many satisfied return guests. They all deserve a shout-out!”

The Inn at Union Square in San Francisco

Each of the attendants cares deeply about the Inn and stuck with us through the massive job of renovating the bathrooms. Some of them went to work at sister properties during the renovation. However, they all wanted to come back to see the Inn full of life with happy guests once again.

Discarded soap and bottled amenities left behind by guests at all Neema Hospitality hotels now have a second life thanks to the company’s partnership with Clean the World.

Founded as a family business in 1986, Neema Hospitality is a privately held owner/operator of limited-service hotels. Neema’s portfolio includes franchise licenses with Hilton, Intercontinental Hotel Group and Choice Hotels with brands such as Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Comfort Inn, and EconoLodge and Suites. The firm manages properties in multiple states including Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Maryland. It provides complete services including operations, sales and marketing, and revenue management.

“After visiting Costa Rica last summer and seeing all of the conservation efforts that take place in hotels there, I knew I had to come back and help make a difference with our properties. One of our properties found Clean the World through their partnership with Hilton and we decided to roll it out to all Neema Hospitality properties this year prior to Earth Day,” said Sandeep Thakrar, president of Neema Hospitality.

With over a quarter century of experience, Neema Hospitality continues to grow, partner, and create long standing fruitful relationships by developing its staff and employees and focusing on the needs of its customers.

Collaboration Sets an Example for How Companies Can Work Together for Social Good

Just seven years after starting in a small Orlando garage, Clean the World has grown into a worldwide social enterprise with operations on three continents. The organization’s resources are primarily focused on recycling, soap distribution, and hygiene education. Therefore, international expansion would be impossible without the support of dedicated corporate partners, such as Hilton Worldwide and Guest Supply, a Sysco company.

When Clean the World made the move to launch a European operation last year, founder and CEO Shawn Seipler turned to those hospitality icons for advice, collaboration, and assistance.

“Since shortly after we founded Clean the World in 2009, Guest Supply has supported our mission with generous assistance across every area of the organization,” Seipler said. “And when it comes to hotel partners, we have more Hilton affiliates than any other hospitality flag – nearly one thousand Hilton properties. Both Hilton and Guest Supply have a deep commitment to our mission of saving lives through soap, and they reinforced their dedication to corporate social responsibility (CSR) when we approached them about our expansion into Europe.”

Seipler says the innovative three-way partnership between Hilton Worldwide, Guest Supply, and Clean the World not only helped his organization open up a new region, but it sets an example for how companies can work together for social good. “This relationship is the true definition of corporate social responsibility – this is what CSR looks like,” Seipler said. “Hilton and Guest Supply have set the bar high and provided a perfect example of how companies can come together with a social impact organization to drive social change and sustainability.”

That’s exactly what Hilton’s Max Verstraete wanted to accomplish. As Hilton Worldwide’s vice president of corporate responsibility and ADA compliance, he helps his company unite around global issues that connect business to society.

“We are building an integrated sustainability culture and creating programs that drive positive social impact,” Verstraete said. “Many of our employees are on the front lines working directly with collecting discarded soap and amenities for Clean the World. Now we are offering a deeper immersion experience by inviting team members to join us on a Clean the World soap distribution trip to Guatemala as part of our recognition initiative.”

Since 2009, Guest Supply has supported Clean the World’s mission with assistance in areas including logistics, soap donations, manufacturing consultation, sales and marketing support, and by contributing items for hygiene kits. Seipler says the ongoing assistance from Guest Supply is a testament to the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility.

“It is our goal at Guest Supply to help in making the life-saving efforts of Clean the World as successful and far-reaching as possible,” said Paul Xenis, president & COO of Guest Supply. “We have leveraged this sustainability program as a foundation to build a culture of social responsibility and we are proud to partner on this European expansion initiative.”

About Clean the World
Clean the World is a social enterprise dedicated to the mission of saving millions of lives around the world while simultaneously diverting hotel waste from landfills. The organization collects discarded soap and other hygiene products from more than 4,000 hotel and resort partners and operates recycling centers in North America, Asia, and Europe. Clean the World provides hygiene education and microlending to make hand washing and local soap purchases a lifelong habit in developing regions. Through its hygiene kit program, Clean the World provides personal care items to relief organizations throughout North America. Since 2009, more than 34 million bars of Clean the World soap have been distributed in 100 countries. More information: http://localhost:8888/cleantheworld

About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company, comprising more than 4,660 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties with nearly 765,000 rooms in 102 countries and territories. For 96 years, Hilton Worldwide has been dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences. The company’s portfolio of 13 world-class global brands includes Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Curio – A Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors®. Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to benefits including exclusive member rates, free standard Wi-Fi, as well as digital amenities that are available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton HHonors app, where HHonors members can check-in, choose their room, and access their room using a Digital Key. Visit http://news.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

About Guest Supply
Guest Supply, a Sysco company, has been the leading provider of hospitality products to the lodging industry for more than 35 years with more than 30,000 products sold in more than 25,000 well-known chains and independent properties around the globe. As the only global provider to the hotel and lodging industry, the company maintains relationships with leading hotels around the world. Manufacturing, distribution, and purchasing resources are strategically located in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, ensuring superior product selection and availability, as well as quick and efficient response to meet virtually every need. For more information, visit https://www.guestsupply.com.

Clean the World and The Super Recyclers, a winning partnership for hotels wanting to reduce their environmental footprint

Montréal, June 13th, 2016—Two innovative recycling teams have joined forces to offer hotels in Canada an easy way to go green. As a team, Clean the World and The Super Recyclers are helping this hospitality service reduce their environmental footprint and at the same time give back to those in need.

“We recuperate all of the soap and amenities, such as shampoo, conditioner and hand lotion, that is left behind by the customers,” says Pierre Daigneault, Chief Sustainability officer at Clean the World (CTW). “CTW then recycles these into new commercial quality products. For example, last year, we produced approximately four million new bars of soap from the used soap we collected. The new products are distributed to people in need in Canada and around the globe. It seems simple but it is a highly logistical operation since we have about 4,000 hotels participating in our program. And it is growing every day.”

So it made sense to Daigneault when he was recently introduced to Marie-Claude Guérin, founder and president of The Super Recyclers—a newly formed Montreal business that collects and recycles fabrics that are no longer used—that they join forces.

“Once collected, the used clothes and textiles get sorted and transformed accordingly and a percentage of the profit is given back in order to finance social projects,” explains Marie-Claude Guérin.

“To begin, we will offer this joint service to our hotels in Canada (more than 20,000 rooms) with whom we currently partner,” says Daigneault. “Eventually, I see this service being offered around the world to all of our hotel partners.”

The process for the hotels is simple: they are provided bins where they dispose of the recyclable items and then the bins are collected. “We have agreements with most of the big flag hotels says Daigneault. “Because we have offices in Orlando, Las Vegas, Canada, Europe and Asia, we are able to fulfill needs worldwide.”

“We are very happy to be teaming up with Clean the World on this initiative,” says Marie-Claude Guérin, president of The Super Recyclers. “Together, we want to offer hotels the peace of mind of going green effortlessly.”

According to Daigneault, the merger is one of a kind. “This is a trend—a shift of thinking in the hotel business,” he says. “The hospitality industry is now more conscious than ever about its impact on the environment. So we offered one solution and we now offer two. We have no doubt it’s the way of the future.”

About The Super Recyclers

The Super Recyclers, a business launched in 2015, aims at fulfilling the needs of the community by mobilizing citizens around an environmentally responsible movement and raising awareness of the benefits of recycling. Every one of our used clothing and fabrics (torn, stained or in good condition) drives help finance a social project that improves the lives of our citizens, according to the total weight of the collected linens. The lot is sorted, then transformed, shredded or redistributed. The Super Recyclers invite the community to a more socially responsible approach, both environmentally and economically. www.SuperRecycleurs.com

About Clean the World—Canada
Clean the World has a three-part mission: Collect and recycle soap and hygiene products discarded every day by the hospitality industry and other sectors that generate environmental waste; prevent hygiene-related illnesses through the distribution of these and other donated products to people in need; and finally, to become the sustainability solution for the hospitality industry by providing expertise and services to our network. www.CleanTheWorld.org

For more info:

Marie-Claude Guérin
President
Super Recyclers
Tel. : 514-813-3861
Email: mcguerin@SuperRecycleurs.com

Pierre Daigneault
Chief Sustainability officer
Clean The World Canada
Tel. : 514-688-9236
Email: pdaigneault@CleanTheWorld.org

All properties under the umbrella of Vision Hospitality Group work to further the life-saving mission of Clean the World by recycling soap and hygiene amenities. Vision Hospitality places great emphasis on sustainability efforts, providing a great example to the hospitality industry as a whole. With 38 properties (and counting) recycling soap for Clean the World’s Hospitality Recycling Program, Vision’s recycled materials have resulted in the distribution of over 3,600 bars of soap.

In more ways than one, Vision Hospitality Group aims to preserve the future of our environment for generations to come through sustainability efforts at each and every Vision hotel. Not only do Vision’s properties apply Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) measures to all rooms, but its Hampton Inn & Suites Chattanooga/Downtown was the first Silver LEED Certified Hotel in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Vision Hospitality Group does consistently implements new recycling and conservation programs into its business model to aid in reducing the carbon footprint made by the hospitality industry.

Next to sustainability, community service is engrained in the company culture of Vision Hospitality Group. Each Vision property aims to serve and make a positive impact on the surrounding local community. Vision’s staff actively participates in volunteering with local non-profits and charities. By giving back and showing gratitude to the community, they help to create a bright, hospitable future.

Vision’s partnership with Clean the World helps to eradicate the hygiene-related illnesses that result in approximately 6,000 deaths a day among children less than 5 years of age. Every guest who stays at one of these properties is assured quality service and will find comfort in knowing every discarded bar of soap and bottled amenity will help someone in need of hygiene essentials stay healthy, rather than adding to waste in landfills. This partnership saves lives locally and globally while setting a high standard for hospitality sustainability. The company’s motto, “One Team. One Vision” can attest to Vision Hospitality Group’s exemplary work and dedication to making the world a better place, one hotel at a time.

Based in Colorado, Providence Hospitality Partners is a prestigious management company composed of various beautiful properties with a common goal, “forge a legacy of corporate excellence and social responsibility”. Providence has been recognized by Forbes Magazine for its 5-star properties and has a reputation for outstanding service. Clean the World is grateful to have the support of Providence in our mission to save lives with soap. The partnership between Providence Hospitality Partners management group and Clean the World means countless lives saved with recycled soap and bottled hygiene amenities.

Unlike most hotels, Providence offers a unique, historical twist to the guest experience. The company has a program called “1883 Hospitality” which takes guests back in time to the late 1800’s for the duration of their stay on select Providence properties. Employees dress in time-appropriate costumes, also taking into account the historical heritage of the surrounding area and place great emphasis on gracious hospitality, respect and genuine concern for the wellbeing of guests. From the moment customers pull up to the property to the last moments of their stay, guests are lead through a time warp to almost 150 years in the past. Details like this set Providence hotels apart from others and create a memorable experience for those involved.

Providence Hospitality Partners work to create a sustainable future and preserve the environment by actively participating in Clean the World’s Hospitality Program. Room attendants collect all used soaps and bottled amenities after each guest’s stay. These materials are stored in recycling bins provided by Clean the World before being shipped off to one of our recycling facilities. These bars of soap and bottled amenities are continuously being diverted from landfills and going to the people who need these hygiene necessities the most. Providence has contributed to the distribution of over 2,000 bars of soap through its partnership with Clean the World. Every bar of soap promotes a healthier lifestyle and wards off preventable diseases that often result in death for children and families that lack the necessary resources to stay clean and well.

With eclectic offerings and sustainable practices, you can be sure Providence Hospitality properties are at the forefront of guest experience. With each stay, you can know you are doing good in the lives of others around the globe while also preserving our precious ecosystem.

Silverleaf Resorts is built around four defining qualities: value, variety, convenience and flexibility. The  commitment to those key factors is what made the company a leader in the vacation ownership industry.

Ranked by “Forbes” magazine in the Top 100 of the Top 200 Best Small Business Companies, Silverleaf places great emphasis on providing great vacation experiences from a network of high-quality resorts with country-club style amenities at affordable prices. The Silverleaf team provides s a diverse selection of on-site programs and activities at premiere resort properties strategically located in Texas, Missouri, Illinois, Georgia, Massachusetts, and Florida.

This week we want to recognize Clean the World partner anniversaries for two incredibly supportive management companies: Real Hospitality Group is celebrating two years in our soap and bottled amenity recycling program, andPacifica Hotels has been with us for one year.

Since joining in 2012, Real Hospitality has contributed enough discarded soap for us to manufacture almost 21,000 new soap bars. And we have repurposed more than 5,400 of their amenity bottles into ONE Project hygiene kits. The company adopted Clean the World as part of its corporate social responsibility platform: Real Responsibility.

Pacifica Hotels is the largest owner and operator of boutique hotels on the Pacific Coast. The company strives to reduce waste and operate environmentally friendly properties, which is why they teamed up with Clean the World last year. Since then, we have received enough soap from Pacifica to produce more than 23,000 bars of recycled soap. Their contributions also include approximately 5,500 amenity bottles.

Thank you, Real and Pacifica, for helping us fight hygiene-related illnesses in North America and throughout the world!

The following press release was issued by Clean the World today:

ORLANDO, FL. — (June 26, 2014) – Clean the World today recognized Hyatt Hotel Corp. for reaching a significant milestone. More than 25 percent of Hyatt properties now participate in Clean the World’s soap and bottled amenity recycling program. The soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion and shower gel is recycled with the aim of fighting hygiene-related illnesses and decreasing the company’s environmental footprint.

Hyatt, which is based in Chicago, has contributed 81,000 pounds of soap and 80,000 pounds of bottled amenities to Clean the World’s Global Hygiene Revolution since 2010. Those discarded items translate to 431,000 new bars of recycled soap, and 160,000 bottles that can go into ONE Project hygiene kits.

“I am so proud of the commitment and effort our hotels have shown not only when it comes to recycling but especially when it comes to helping those in need and supporting the health and wellness of others, which is a key tenet of Hyatt Thrive,” said Henning Nopper, Corporate Director of Rooms for Hyatt Hotels. “It is wonderful to see how such a simple and small act can save so many lives, and we look forward to continuing our work with Clean the World for many years to come.”

Clean the World’s simple mission is to recycle hotel soap and save lives. The organization has partnered with more than 2,000 hotel and resort partners to put life-saving hygiene products in the hands of those who need them most. About 2 million children under the age of 5 die every year due to hygiene-related illnesses. Hand washing with soap is a low-cost intervention that can reduce those deaths by almost 50 percent. Since 2009, Clean the World has distributed more than 17 million bars of soap in 96 countries.

“Hyatt properties have been essential to the success of our mission,” said Shawn Seipler, founder and CEO of Clean the World. “Ongoing support from major hospitality companies shows large-scale acceptance by the industry, and validates our goal of saving millions of lives with soap.”

About Clean the World
Clean the World Foundation Inc. is a social enterprise with the mission of saving millions of lives around the world. Clean the World leads a Global Hygiene Revolution to distribute recycled soap and hygiene products from more than 2,000 hotel and resort partners to children and families in countries with a high death rate due to acute respiratory infection (pneumonia) and diarrheal diseases (cholera) – which are two of the top killers of children under 5. Since 2009, Clean the World has distributed more than 17 million bars of soap in 96 countries. Through the “ONE Project,” Clean the World provides hygiene kits to relief organizations throughout North America. More information: http://localhost:8888/cleantheworld

CONTACT:
John Terry
Clean the World
jterry@ctw2.wpstagecoach.com
407-574-8353

The Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi is one of the latest properties to embrace the Clean the World Hospitality Recycling Program. Anasazi is a Navajo word that means “the Ancient People”, and The Rosewood Inn certainly embraces the feeling of days past. Mixing the frontier west with a mix of Native Americain pride, The Rosewood, found here http://www.innoftheanasazi.com/, is a one of a kind property. Walking in the front doors one would feel as if they had been transported to another place in time. Glancing around the lobby you might expect to catch a glimpse of Doc Holliday or Billy the Kid. Don’t be mistaken though, The Rosewood Inn is certainly no sawdust on the floor flophouse. It is a world-class retreat and easily New Mexico’s most lauded hotel.

Situated in the heart of Santa Fe, surrounded by mountains, deserts, and the kind of sunsets that are usually only glimpsed in paintings, this four star hotel boasts hand carved wooden doors, sandstone walls, and sculptured stairways that all whisper of a people from long ago. The rooms are beautifully decorated with hand crafted furnishings, authentic artwork from New Mexico’s diverse population, and the beautiful geometric rugs indigenous to the area. Another amenity that adds to the feel of the Old West are the gas-lit kiva fireplaces in each room.

The Rosewood Inn offers many luxury amenities to its’ guests. Concierge service, Valet, In-Room massage & aromatherapy, a business center, and a pet friendly policy are just a few of the perks offered at this rustic escape. Chances are that if you are staying at The Rosewood you have a streak of frontiersman in your heart, and there is plenty to do to feed the hunger for adventure. Golf, skiing, mountain biking, fishing, white-water rafting, hiking and day trips to nearby Taos or Bandelier National park are just a few of the many activities to choose from in this New Mexico vacation destination. Santa Fe is loaded with history. Founded in 1609 by Spanish missionaries the city is in the midst of their 400th anniversary. Within walking distance you will find the cultural heart of the city known as the Plaza Dsitrict, authentic Native shops, museums, and galleries tell the rich history of the city and its people.

Whether you are on business or pleasure, The Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi has everything you will need to experience the Southwest as it once was. Next time you travel to Santa Fe, be sure opt stay with our friends at The Rosewood Inn, and who knows, you may walk into a saloon and hear someone whisper “I’m your Huckleberry”.

Part tropical hacienda, part modern hideaway, and all good. We at Clean the World couldn’t agree more. The Wyndham Garden Hotel in beautiful Boca Raton, FL is an exquisite mix of old-world Spanish architecture and new world luxury. From the terracotta tile roof to the stone fountain in the middle of the courtyard, the Wyndham Garden Hotel is as close to paradise as you can get, short of Eden itself. A pristine establishment located in the beautiful resort town of Boca Raton, the recent multimillion-dollar renovations have created a true jewel in South Florida.

The Wyndham Garden Hotel, http://www.wyndham.com/hotels/FLLBR/main.wnt, is the most recent addition to our life saving, soap and bottled amenity recycling program. Whether you are traveling for business, pleasure, or both you will find everything you need at this palatial resting place. From heated octagon shaped pool in the courtyard, to a 24 hour fitness center for those of you who enjoy the occasional 3am workout, or the 24 hour business center for those last minute proposals are just a few of the luxurious amenities provided at the Wyndham garden Hotel.

If you are looking for something to do with the family, The Boca Raton Museum of Art is a great place to educate and enrich your children, while enjoying some classic works of art. If fun is what you are looking for then head over to the Everglades National Park, or Boomers!, a local fun spot with bumper boats, laser tag, and go-carts.

If you are looking for a luxurious, feature rich hotel for your next trip, please consider our friends at The Wyndham Garden Hotel Boca Raton, FL. And be sure to say “Thank you” on your next visit for their commitment to Clean the World!

Clean the World is proud to announce our latest partner, La Quinta Inn & Suites Ardmore Central. http://www.lq.com/lq/properties/propertyProfile.do?ident=LQ6323&propId=6323  Located in Ardmore, Oklahoma La Quinta has teamed up with Clean the World through a statewide program called ECO (Encouraging Conservation in Oklahoma). This program was initiated to promote, encourage and develop sustainable travel practices within the state of Oklahoma. Clean the World is an ECO Advocate within this dynamic, revolutionary program. To find out more on about this program, please click here: http://travelok.com/eco/index.asp

La Quinta Inn & Suites offers a cozy, amenity rich experience. A wonderful mix of frontier adventure and modern comfort, La Quinta offers free high speed internet, a business center, as well as a fitness center. Outside of the hotel there is plenty of amazing family adventures waiting to be discovered. Just a short drive from the hotel you will find plenty to quench the explorer within you. Spend the day taking in the natural wildlife at the Arbuckle Wilderness. Or if a good hike is what you’re looking for, pack a daypack and head to Turner Falls for a beautiful day in the foothills of the Arbuckle Mountains. If shopping is more your fancy, you will find plenty of great finds at the nearby Ardmore Commands Mall. Be sure to make it a point to stop by the Windstar Casino and try your luck at some slots, or see if you can take the house in some blackjack. Whatever your fancy, Ardmore, Oklahoma has plenty to offer.

Next time you find yourself in Ardmore, make sure to stop and stay with our friends at La Quinta Inn & Suites.

LET’S GO GATORS!!

The Hilton University of Florida Conference Center in Gainesville, Florida is the latest hotel to join Clean the World’s unprecedented Soap and Bottled Amenity Recycling Program. Not only are they the latest to join, but they have the distinction of being the first in the Gainesville area. Situated on the Southwest corner of the University of Florida campus, in the heart of “Gator Nation”, a stay at this beautiful property will find yourself within earshot of Ben Hill Griffen Stadium, otherwise known as “The Swamp”.

Blending the comfort of Hilton hospitality with the convenience of an IACC Conference Center on campus, the Hilton University of Florida Gainesville, is the perfect spot for conducting essential business without missing out on the pleasure and fun of one of the nation’s top collegiate atmospheres. There is 25,000 square feet of meeting space on the property, and a short drive off to the beautiful Butterfly Rainforest, the Florida Museum of Natural History, and the University of Florida Golf Course.

Check out the Hilton University of Florida here: http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/GVNCCHF-Hilton-University-of-Florida-Conference-Center-Gainesville-Florida/index.do

Clean the World is proud to have a partner hotel amongst a sea of blue and orange. We have enjoyed a wonderful reception with other Universities around the country and are excited to be landing in The Swamp. We would encourage you on your next trip through Gainesville to stop and stay at The Hilton University of Florida Conference Center & Hotel. They will be delighted to welcome you as a guest, even if you happen to be a Florida State fan. Who knows, you may even catch a glimpse of the legendary Tim Tebow.

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!

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.

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!

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.

Orlando, FL. — February 16, 2010 — Westgate Resorts has partnered with Clean the World to recycle all the partially used amenities from their Central Florida hotel rooms. Clean the World sanitizes the soap and shampoo that would have been discarded, ending up in landfills, and distributes these amenities to needy people around the world.

“By joining our Hospitality Recycling Program Westgate Resorts will help provide even more supplies for those in desperate need,” said Shawn Seipler, co-founder and executive director of Clean the World. Through the Clean the World Hospitality Recycling Program hotels donate a tax-deductible fee in exchange for the collection, recycling and redistribution of partially used amenities to those suffering due to a lack of available hygiene products.

“We were looking for a way to recycle these products,” said Mark Waltrip, Chief Operating Officer of Westgate Resorts, “When we realized we could also save lives, it became a simple decision to participate in the program.”

The Westgate Resorts participating properties include:

• Westgate Blue Tree- Lake Buena Vista, FL
• Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa- Orlando, FL
• Westgate Leisure Resort- Orlando, FL
• Westgate Palace- Orlando, FL
• Westgate Towers- Kissimmee, FL
• Westgate Vacation Villas- Kissimmee, FL.

Haiti Relief Efforts
In response the devastating earthquake in Haiti on January 12, 2010 Westgate Resorts also donated approximately 6000 pounds of amenities prior to their formal participation in the Clean the World program. 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 distributed over 230 tons of hygiene products to countries worldwide. This year they have distributed to even more countries including: Haiti, Mexico, Honduras, Bahamas, Cook Islands Zimbabwe, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Swaziland, Mali, Mongolia, Honduras, Romania, Uganda, and Lesotho, Africa.

About Clean the World, Inc.
An Orlando-based charitable organization, Clean the World Foundation, 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 and other sources to be recycled and distributed 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 is one 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.

Clean the World is currently mobilizing and organizing several large hygiene product collections that have been committed today in addition to the normal processing and collection we receive because of your commitment to our recycling program. Additionally, we call on all soap manufacturers and amenity providers to donate as much over stock or inventory to Clean the World.

We will partner with World Vision, Harvest Time International and Feed the Children to send containers of sanitation products into Haiti as soon as they gain clearance to deliver.

Additionally, Royal Caribbean has graciously offered space on cruise ships this weekend and next weekend to deliver hygiene products into the northern region of Haiti, where Clean the World has direct distribution on the ground. We are coordinating with our partners, Cap Haitien Health Network and Evangelical Church of Haiti (ECH) to provide transportation from the northern region into the impact zone as soon as the items arrive.

Many Clean the World Partner Hotels have contacted and requested how to help. There are three ways:

1) Please contact your local media (TV, radio, print, etc) and ensure that Clean the World is listed as an International AID organization with direct relief support to Haiti. We need this awareness to be built at every level

2) Ensure you are maximizing your current collections. Please make sure every room attendant and house keeper is fully participating so that we can receive as much soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion and bath el as possible.

3) We are calling on all our Florida AND National Clean the World Hotel Partners to serve as collection points for individuals in your community that want to donate unused, unopened hygiene products. It will work like this:

a. Individuals in your community should be notified by you and by Clean the World (we will reach out to all local media for all our partners) that you are receiving unused, unopened, new hygiene products that will be distributed directly into Haiti for the relief efforts

b. Allow your community to drop the items off at your hotel in an area you designate.

c. Place the donated items in your collection or shipping bins

d. Clean the World understands that this will increase our pickup frequencies and the number of bins being shipped in from across the US. Today, we received a high number of financial donations that will be used to supplement the additional cost of pickups and shipping due to this program.

e. There will be NO ADDITIONAL cost to your property to participate.

f. We anticipate heavy volumes of donations over the upcoming weeks, with donations subsiding some time after.

If you wish to participate in this local community collection program, please email me directly, copy Steve DeLisle, National Operations Director, sdelisle@ctw2.wpstagecoach.com and Steven Cooper, Operations, scooper@ctw2.wpstagecoach.com. 

Again, we will notify the general public and your local media. You should also do the same.

We are prepared to begin receiving the additional donations immediately. Please consider and email back as soon as possible.

PLEASE NOTE that because of legal and operational limitations, You must be a current Clean the World Hotel Partner to participate in this program. If you are not yet, please sign up today!

History has called us to this moment. We are incredibly happy that YOU are part of the Clean the World Hospitality Family!

If you are planning your family summer vacation right now to Central Florida, and are looking for a great value and an environmentally conscious and socially responsible property to spend your money at, let me direct your attention to a great hotel for the family this year: The Seralago Hotel & Suites Main Gate East is an affordable Kissimmee hotel located near Orlando’s number one attraction… The Big Mouse as we like to call him in these parts! 🙂

This 614 room property has everything for the family included 2 heated, Olympic size swimming pools (good for this time of year too) with poolside bar, kiddie pool, playground, fitness center and a food court. Basketball, sand volleyball and tennis accompany the “Dungeon” arcade room. Check out the Seralago Hotel & Suites and everything they have to offer here: http://www.seralagohotel.com/

With a complimentary scheduled shuttle to Walt Disney World, The Seralago Hotel & Suites offers everything you need to have fun before and after they personally deliver you to the greatest theme park in the history of mankind! Seralago is also part of the Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel Program with details here: (http://disneydestinationsales.com/econfirmations/GNH.html)

Seralago is not only a good neighbor to Walt Disney but they are a great neighbor to Orlando, our environment, and those less fortunate around the globe receiving life saving, hygiene necessities from Clean the World. Joining our program means every single day after each guest uses their soap and shampoo, this property collects those partially used items, places them in a Clean the World pickup bin, and ensures that they will not end up in a Central Florida land fill, but instead that those items will be recycled and delivered to impoverished people in Haiti, Africa, Mexico or any of the other 50+ countries that have received deliveries of Clean the World soap.

This is such an incredibly important recycling program on so many levels and so it is incredibly important for Clean the World to tell you about the properties that have made a commitment to our program. Thank Jan, Seralago’s General Manager, by phone, email or by booking your next family vacation to Orlando at their property.

As many of you know, Paul Till, Clean the World’s co-Founder and Managing Director, manages the Hospitality Recycling Program sign up process. Every single day he is speaking to hotels all around the country, answering their questions, and providing key information for them to join our program. Next week, we will debut a new Clean the World Hospitality Recycling Program presentation that can be emailed by any individual to a hotel General Manager, Director of Housekeeping, or Corporate Officer so stay tuned.

As I have an opportunity to review the new properties that join Clean the World in a commitment to Save our Planet and Save Lives, I am continually amazed at how beautiful and unique our partners properties are. Today, our newest hotel partner, The Whiteface Lodge located in Lake Placid, New York perfectly fits that billing.

The Whiteface Lodge, nestled in the Adirondacks, is a Four Diamond, gorgeous resort and spa, rated the #22 Best Resort in the Continental US and Canada. You must go to their site. They even have a great video overview of their lodge when you go to their online photo gallery here: http://www.thewhitefacelodge.com/about/video.php. 

From skiing in the winter to hiking and relaxing on Lake Placid in the summer, The Whiteface Lodge is a wonderful, natural experience anytime of the year. And their spa experience is incredible- a 5,800 square foot mountain spa hideaway. They are the first resort in the Northeast with a private residence club offering members full and partial ownership throughout 85 magnificent suites. From one-bedroom to three-bedroom suites and Grand Lodge Suites that can accommodate eight guests plus additional space for children, this is indeed an extended stay, family vacation spot.

Perfect for weddings and meetings, The Whiteface Lodge is also a great spot for retreats featuring numerous teambuilding and relationship building activities that will help renew one’s mind, body and soul. I believe it is in this type of atmosphere and surroundings, enjoying our beautiful land, nature and God’s creation, that we can also truly appreciate the commitment by The Whiteface Lodge and others to our recycling program.

It starts with a very clear decision to the reduction of waste by preventing the bath bar soap and bottled amenities from finding their way into the trash which will eventually go into a landfill. By collecting those items and sending them to Clean the World, our recycling and re-distribution process ensures that those less fortunate, even dying from a lack of hygiene, receive items that they desperately need. I believe that there is a true sense of the circle of life and goodness of mankind when somebody enjoying the incredible sights and feelings at a beautiful property like The Whiteface Lodge knows that a recycling process with a life saving result is occurring there every single day too. It feels right and after studying and seeing The Whiteface Lodge, it’s a perfect fit!

The Whiteface Lodge- Thank you for joining Clean the World’s Recycling Program!

At Clean the World, we often speak or write about “Spreading the Word”. One of the big reasons for our very early and quick success has been because individuals, corporations, friends, family, and hoteliers have been telling others about Clean the World. When this happens a phenomena occurs we refer to as connecting the dots. This is how a new hotel eventually joins our recycling program, or a new distribution charity that is in need of hygiene products contacts us and receives help. This is how a new grant becomes available or an opportunity for Clean the World to be mention within a media venue for more exposure presents itself. It starts with you simply Spreading the Word about this charity that is collecting and recycling hotel soap and shampoo all across the country to save lives.

One of the areas in 2010 that Clean the World will focus on with respect to Spreading the Word is with local and state agencies and government officials. So many states across the country have two groups that we really need to hear about Clean the World: 1) State Tourism agencies that have access and communication regularly with all the hotels, lodges, and bed & breakfasts in their state and 2) State Environmental agencies that are working hard to promote sustainable and eco friendly practices to organizations in their states, including those in the hospitality industry.

In 2009, Clean the World officially partnered with the State of Oklahoma on such an initiative. We are an ECO Advocate within the state’s certification program or Encouraging Conservation in Oklahoma (ECO). Clean the World participated in the inaugural press conference launch with state officials, partnered on ways to promote our program to state hotels and lodges, and we are being talked about at various workshops and conferences as the beautiful state of Oklahoma looks for ways to engage and promote all the wonderful practices contained in the ECO program. Here is a great link to all the details on Oklahoma’s ECO program and how they promote it: http://eco.oklatourism.gov/ and here is a great article at Green Lodging News, which we highly recommend you subscribe to as well, that describes the program, its benefits and the Clean the World partnership: http://greenlodgingnews.com/Content.aspx?id=3920.

We wrote about a new Oklahoma hotel, The Colcord Hotel, several weeks ago. The Colcord joined our recycling program as a result of Oklahoma’s ECO Initiative. Well, in the spirit of Spreading the Word, we are incredibly pleased to announce a second Oklahoma hotel to join Clean the World’s Soap and Shampoo Recycling Program.

The Luxury Boutique Hotel Ambassador located in the heart of Tulsa, Oklahoma’s uptown, is now a member of the CTW family. This beautiful and indeed luxurious property is reminiscent of an Italian Renaissance villa. This ten story property was introduced by General Patrick Hurley in 1929 as one of the first “extended stay” hotels. It has all the amenities and is perfect for weddings and important business meetings. The photo tour says it all. Check it out here: http://www.hotelambassador-tulsa.com/photo_tour.html.

The Hotel Ambassador is not only committed to their guest with these luxurious accommodations but they are committed to their beautiful environment by participating in Clean the World’s Advocacy Program within Oklahoma’s ECO Certification Program. The Hotel Ambassador found out about us because of their desires to learn how they can participate in various programs that are intended to protect their land, and we were one of those programs. Isn’t that Fantastic!

In 2010, we encourage you to contact your state tourism agencies and hotel and lodging sustainability programs about Clean the World. We also encourage you to visit Oklahoma, visit Hotel Ambassador in Tulsa, Colcord Hotel in Oklahoma City, or another fine hotel participating in the wonderful, state led environmental sustainability ECO program!

Last week it was Christmas in Florida. This week, it’s a White Holiday in our Nation’s Capital! I apologized on the phone this week to an individual for the terrible snow storm that I felt slightly responsible for by blogging about our 70 degree weather here in Orlando. But you know what; a White Christmas is exactly what a lot of the Clean the World family absolutely loves. And so we are happy that you are happy enjoying the white, powder filled Holiday Season!

And there is no better place to enjoy the snow this year than at the newest Clean the World property: the Embassy Suites at the Chevy Chase Pavilion. Located in the upscale Friendship Heights district and walking distance from the Chevy Chase shopping district, it’s a perfect Holiday destination. The Chevy Chase Pavilion is located right above the Friendship Heights Metro Station which will quickly transport guest to all of Washington D.C.’s attractions, including the National Zoo, federal government buildings, historic monuments and the world’s finest museums. It is also a short ride to the commercial district and the Washington Convention Center.

And here is a very cool concept: And after a fun day of enjoying the sites of our nation’s capital or attending a conference, relax in your room with a personalized spa treatment by the professionals at Spa O. The fully equipped mobile Spa O will turn your room into a relaxing, Warm Spirit retreat.

This full service hotel recently completed more than $5.5 million worth of renovations updating all facets of the property, from the guest suites, restaurant to the entrance and health club. They tout excellent service and are dedicated to being your home away from home. Check out all the property pictures at their photo gallery here: http://www.embassysuitesdcmetro.com/photo-gallery.php.

Remember the name Destination Hotels? Well, the Embassy Suites at the Chevy Chase Pavilion is another Destination Hotel property. This marks the third Destination Hotels property that we have featured… We are very grateful that Destination Hotels are committed to Clean the World’s Soap and Shampoo Recycling Program and making a difference!

So if you are in the nation’s capital today, enjoy the snow! And if you are planning a visit there soon for site seeing or business, stay at the Embassy Suites at the Chevy Chase Pavilion to show your appreciation.

Have a great day and, if you are in it, enjoy the snow! 🙂

We are back after a short break. What an impactful blog written by Paul Till. I was in the room when Paul delivered the depiction of a mother losing her child to diarrheal disease. Paul incredibly brought the entire room to the scene as we witnessed the travesty. If you have not read the blog yet, please do so.

Did you know that 20% of children deaths under the age of 5 worldwide occur to acute respiratory illness and diarrheal disease? Diarrheal disease has now moved into the #2 spot for child deaths under the age of 5. Compare that to only 2% that die due to HIV/ AIDS. This is not meant to diminish the AIDS deaths but 10 times more die to diseases preventable by bar soap!!!

And so our opportunity to Change History becomes so much more impactful. There is no doubt that we can do this and that we must do this. The hospitality industry has already given an incredible response- a resounding “YES” to joining Clean the World on our mission to save our planet and to save millions of lives through the collection, recycling and re-distribution of partially used hotel soap and shampoo. These products are distributed domestically to those hurting at home and abroad to those dying to disease.

We are so happy to announce another hospitality partner that has joined the CTW family on our historic mission. The Intercontinental Tampa joins several West Florida properties that have recently joined Clean the World’s Hospitality Recycling Program.

The Intercontinental Tampa is a Four Diamond Award property owned and operated by Destination Hotels & Resorts. Remember the name Destination Hotels & Resorts as they are joining our program almost every week. They are truly committed to Saving Lives and Saving our Planet and we plan on featuring them soon as well.

From the moment you enter the spacious, airy lobby, you will be greeted by our professional and gracious staff. The InterContinental Tampa hotel offers a truly distinctive and warm hospitality experience to all guests, paired with the amenities and services expected by the most discerning travelers.

Intercontinental Tampa is Tampa’s premier, business hotel located in the Westshore business district. Five miles from downtown and the Tampa Convention Center, it features all the luxurious and necessities the business men and women desire. In the surrounding Tampa area, guest can golf the beautiful Southern Hills Plantation Club or enjoy some down time the Lowry Park Zoo or the Florida Aquarium. If you want exceptional service and a sophisticated styled hotel in Tampa, FL, this is where you stay.

As far as dining goes, look no further than Shula’s steakhouse. Having dined at Shula’s in the past , I can truly attest to the experience at Shula’s. The atmosphere is wonderful, the service is excellent and the steaks are incredible.

View their very professional web presence here: http://www.intercontampa.com/  

This is what it’s all about. A property with sophistication and a commitment to excellence is now participating in a program that is committed to Changing History. With so many professionals making short stays at the property, it just makes so much sense to prevent their soap bars and shampoo bottles from hitting Tampa’s beautiful land, instead being repurposed and delivered to those that need them!

We are so grateful and appreciative of their commitment. Thank you Intercontinental Tampa for adding Clean the World to your list of exceptional property features.

Have a great week!

We have had an incredible Clearwater Beach Week this week. Thank you to every single property that has joined the Clean the World Recycling Program. And for the loyal blog readers, this is a perfect time of year to visit the beautiful beaches and white sands of Clearwater Beach. There are so many activities for adults and children. Click here to see everything Clearwater Beach has to offer: http://www.floridasbeach.com/

It is fitting that we cap off a wonderful week of new Clearwater properties joining Clean the World’s Soap and Shampoo recycling program with the beautiful Sandpearl Resort, the first new resort built on Clearwater Beach in 25 years.

This resort sits on 700 feet of Clearwater’s pristine beachfront, features 253 luxurious guest rooms and suites, fitness center, beachfront activities, and a gulf front lagoon-style pool and private cabanas. Perfect for enjoying sunsets!

Sandpearl also features Caretta on the Gulf, their signature Four Diamond rated, restaurant and lounge. And with a business center and over 25,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, Sandpearl is a perfect convention and conference location on the beach!

Sandpearl was event rated #8 in the world in the 2009 Insiders’ Select ranking based on customer satisfaction and value for the dollar! The photos of the Sandpearl Resort on thier site are incredible. Please visit and take a look: http://www.sandpearl.com/.

And now they welcome a new, fresh recycling program to their property. A recycling program that has a life saving benefits! One where the reduction of landfill waste results in soap being delivered to children living the villages of Lesotho, South Africa and in the overflowing orphanages of Haiti. This is such an important initiative for the hospitality industry to adopt and the Sandpearl Resort, along with so many other Clearwater hotels, is setting a wonderful example!

As we end Clearwater Beach Week (for now as I think another one is right around the corner 🙂 ) we send a special THANK YOU to all the properties that have joined: Sheraton Sand Key, Shephard’s Resort, Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort, Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites and the Sandpearl Resort. Please know this: there is no doubt that your participation in this program will make a difference to those that are hurting and save lives!

There is a great verse in the Bible- Matthew 25:40 that states: “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’

You are to be commended for your commitment and the example you have set!

Have a GREAT WEEKEND!

We are having a fantastic “Clearwater Beach Week”. Clean the World is so incredibly blessed and fortunate to have a wonderful group of hotel partners from America’s #1 rated beach and a top tourist destination, step up the plate to make firm commitments to Saving our Planet and Saving Lives.

Today, we have another beautiful, beachfront property to introduce you to: The Holiday Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach. If “location is everything”, then the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites on Clearwater Beach has it all!

Echoing a descriptive theme found on their website (http://www.clearwaterbeachholidayinn.com/), This is Where Mediterranean style accommodations and beautifully crafted facilities meet a perfect location as they sit directly on the Island of Clearwater Beach. This is Where one can go from Jimmy’s Stone Creek Coffee Shop in the morning, to the Kid Zone and top rated beach in the afternoon, to all of the entertainment and music at world famous “Pier 60”, all within minutes walking distance of each other.

This is Where one can see the most amazing sunsets and natural wildlife as the property can see both Clearwater Beach and Sand Key. It is common to see dolphin, pelicans and exotic shorebirds while enjoying a beautiful Florida West Coast sunset.

Really, is there anything better than having a loved one and children in hand, meandering on the white, powder-soft sands of Clearwater Beach, watching dolphins swim and a gorgeous sunset? This is Where memories are made!

This is what it is all about. A hotel committed to their guest satisfaction and enjoyment. Committed to the family and the necessary qualities of the vacation is also, firmly committed to helping those in need. When a guest stays at their property, the soap, shampoo, conditioner and lotion will be used. And in most cases, some will be leftover. Why discard it into the trash and then into a landfill when Clean the World can very easily collect, re-purpose the goods with a hygienically and environmentally safe recycling process, and distribute them to people in need here in the United Sates or people in places like Lesotho, South Africa, Freeport, Bahamas or Cap Haitien, Haiti. This is exactly what happens today with Clean the World.

So today, the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites can another item to the long list of their property features. This is Where lives are saved! This is Where the environment matters! This is Where we are committed to helping those that need our help by participating in a program that does that very thing!

Thank you Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Clearwater Beach!!

Nestled right in the middle of “Clearwater Beach Week” is a beautiful beachfront property nestled right in the middle of everything Clearwater has to offer.

We are very pleased to announce the third Clearwater property to join the Clean the World Hospitality Recycling Program- The Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort, found here online: http://www.clearwaterbeachresort.com/

Their 416 newly renovated rooms are now participating in a history changing recycling program. People across the US and in impoverished countries desperately need soap and shampoo, in some cases to save their lives. The Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort has recognized that need and committed to helping those that are hurting, and to protecting the beautiful environment they call home in Clearwater Beach, FL. By preventing soap and shampoo waste from hitting landfills and allowing Clean the World to recycle and re-purpose them for those in need, Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort is making a big difference!

And to show your thanks, you should pay them a visit. And I know they will return the favor by offering so many wonderful vacation treats. They reside on 10 acres of brilliant white-sand coastline, overlooking the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, next to the vibrant Pier 60 and overlooking the beautiful marina.

They have a newly designed beachside pool complex with a Jacuzzi and restaurant views that look right into the gulf. Beachside fun abounds with parasailing, kayaking and my personal favorite, wave running! Have you ever wave run in the ocean? Talk about the great wide open…. There is nothing funner! (not an official word but when speaking about wave runners, its acceptable)

The Hilton Clearwater Beach has a cardio room and a full service health club one block from the property. For your meetings and special events, how about 35,000 square feet of space.

As a father of four, one of the best features a property offers our family are the specialized kids activities. Kids Rule at Hilton Clearwater Beach! Check out their commitment to children having fun at the resort: http://www.clearwaterbeachresort.com/resort_activities/kids_fun_factory.cfm

What a great combination. Children having fun at the resort and participating in a recycling program that is saving children’s lives abroad!

Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort- Thank you for your participation in our program… You are truly making a difference and helping CTW Change History in Our Lifetime!

Day two of “Clearwater Beach Week” and we continue to have a tremendous response from Florida’s Beautiful West Coast. For those of you reading this blog not located in Florida, the weather yesterday was sunny, 79 degrees and beautiful blue skies. I can only imagine how white the Clearwater sands were yesterday and how nice the warm gulf water felt. This is one of the best times of the year to visit Florida’s Clearwater Beach. Want more proof? Check this link out with all the area attractions: http://www.floridasbeach.com/

Shephard’s Beach Resort is the second Clearwater Beach resort to join Clean the World’s Hospitality Recycling Program. After a quick review of their web site at http://www.shephards.com/default.asp it was very apparent what unique characteristic we would focus on with this resort- Having a Good Time, Day and Night!

Shephard’s Beach Resort has it all from beautiful beach front rooms and a fitness center inside to jet-ski and parasail rentals outside. Add their world famous Prime Rib and Seafood Buffet from Shephard’s Restaurant in the middle and your 8am – 1pm is accounted for.

Now how about from 1pm – 2am? First, pickup a tropical drink at Margarita Grill and then head over to Shephard’s Backyard Tiki Bar. Whether you enjoy live reggae or rock & roll, this may be the most entertaining beach side hang spot for a large group of people on Clearwater Beach!

Next, to the Sunset Lounge, where the Bay area’s best bands play dance hits from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and today! Still haven’t had your good times fill?

Then we head to The Wave. Take a peak at this incredible looking night club: http://www.shephards.com/wave.asp. Can you picture yourself dancing the night away here? Even though it would be extremely dangerous to my back and muscles, I can and hope to one day soon!

There is no doubt that this property has a good time written all over it. Yet, they know their responsibilities too. They are Globally Responsible to their beautiful environment in Clearwater Beach by reducing needless landfill waste and protecting precious water systems. And they are Socially Responsible to their hurting neighbor domestically and abroad by ensuring critical hygiene necessities, soap and shampoo, are being re-purposed and delivered to them by Clean the World.

Thank you Shephard’s Resort for bringing us the fun and enjoyment of wonderful music and good times and also setting a great example of responsibility. And thank you for being our second property to join on Clearwater Beach Week!

Getting ready for Turkey Day tomorrow we usually take this time of year to reflect on how thankful we are for many different things. Loved ones, dear friends, health, jobs, or living in the most wonderful and greatest country in the world! Indeed, we should be thankful for many things.

There are so many things that the Clean the World is thankful for. What an incredible way we have come since we incorporated in February of 2009. From kitchen to garage to facility, we have grown leaps and bounds in such a short period of time.

I credit a lot of our progress to something amazing: the incredible commitment by the entire Hospitality Community to global responsibility and social responsibility. At a time when sustainability is the talk of the industry, Clean the World Hospitality Partners have joined the fight to reduce additional landfill waste and to donate items that can be recycled and distributed to improve lives domestically and save lives worldwide!

Becoming a CTW partner is not easy. We ask for a small monthly cash donation to cover expenses related to materials, pickup, gas, transportation, recycling, repackaging, shipping, tariffs, customs, and distribution. And indeed we are in tough economic times so CTW Hospitality Partners that have stepped up to the plate to support Clean the World through critically important soap and shampoo donations AND monthly cash donations are really walking the sustainability and social responsibility walk. And for that, We are VERY THANKFUL!

Today, we give thanks for another beautiful property and their commitment to Saving our Planet and Saving Lives! The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club & Spa in Jupiter, Florida features Mediterranean- inspired homes on a secluded property just north of Palm Beach.

These beautiful homes are placed alongside an amazing golf course. This course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and is certified by the National Audubon Society for its environmentally friendly habitat. This course is beautiful and has protected the beauty of mother nature throughout. It is so wonderful to enjoy a golf course when you constantly tell yourself how beautiful surroundings are. Enjoying all the beauty of Mother Nature- now that is something to be thankful for!

The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club & Spa also features tennis courts, a 15,000 square foot spa and fitness center too. They also tout a very professional and wonderful staff. We can attest to that! Our champion, Begum, has been wonderful to work with and is no doubt a reflection of the properties commitment to others!

The photo gallery on their web site is fantastic. You will no doubt get a great sense of the properties beauty. Please visit them here and be sure to stay with them on your next visit to Jupiter, FL: http://www.ritzcarltonclub.com/ritz-carlton-luxury-resorts/jupiter-luxury-resort.html

Yes, we have a lot to be thankful for. Clean the World’s Hospitality Partners are the key to our success. And our success means lives are affected.

Have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING! (we will be back at it on Friday)

The name “Diplomat” is so inspiring and encouraging this week as yet another Diplomat has joined the CTW Family. Thank you to The Diplomat Golf Resort and Spa located in Hallandale, FL for their commitment to Saving our Planet and Saving Lives. The Diplomat Golf Resort and Spa is a luxurious, Four Diamond property, that has dined and entertained the most famous and powerful for over 4 decades. It touts world class service and after a quick review of their online presence: http://www.diplomatgolfresortandspa.com/ it is clearly true.

Take a look at the photos of this magnificent property. It is so elegant with beautiful stone and grounds outside and European style decor inside. The golf course, managed by world renown Troon Golf, is nearly 7,000 yards, manicured with Tif Eagle greens and rolling Bermuda. The Diplomat Golf Resort & Spa Golf Course is the only 5-Star Rated Golf Course in South Florida.

If the Spa is your pleasure, it appears you will be very satisfied here as well. They tout an infinitely appealing menu of facial and body services offered within a soothing, welcoming environment. Refined facilities and daily Yoga, Aerobics, Pilates, and Step classes are available.

From the décor to the saunas to the hot tubs to the par 5’s, The Diplomat Golf Resort and Spa has everything one would want to enjoy while staying at a luxurious, Four Diamond Property. And now, they have a very clear life saving, humanitarian, and eco-friendly trait to tout to their guest. Their participation in Clean the World’s Hospitality Recycling Program ensures that their guests’ partially used bathroom amenities will be collected, recycled with a hygienically and environmentally safe and tested process and then distributed to people hurting at home, finding solace at homeless shelters and missions AND to people dying because of a lack of hygiene in places like Haiti, the Bahamas, South Africa, Guatemala and abroad.

Thank you Diplomat Golf Resort and Spa for your truly commendable commitment to helping others in need and Saving Lives. We are truly grateful for your participation!

I cannot express to you how excited I am to write today’s blog. Today, I am incredibly pleased, even giddy, to announce that The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood, Florida has joined Clean the World’s Hospitality Recycling Program.

This beautiful, thousand room property, holds a very special place in my heart. It is one of my most favorite properties of all time. Being a traveler for many years, I have been privileged to stay at so many wonderful hotels and resorts. About 4 years ago, I attended a conference at the Westin Diplomat and remember how incredibly impressed I was with everything the property has to offer.

First, it is located in Hollywood, Florida, a place close to my heart. My parents had a yearly time share in Hollywood, Florida and I recall spending so many fun vacations there growing up. Hollywood is perfectly nestled between Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, minutes from countless number of shops and malls, golf courses, restaurants, night clubs, world famous South Beach and Land Shark stadium where my favorite football team, the Miami Dolphins, reside.

The Westin Diplomat sits right on the beautiful South Florida beach and has the most unique pool experience I have ever enjoyed. The hotel features two pools, one sitting on top of the other. When I used to travel, I never swam in the pools at the hotels or conferences I attended. That all changed when I saw the Westin Diplomat’s double-decker pool. I had to jump in and I did! You must see it here: http://www.diplomatresort.com/

I remember my room being so luxurious with the feather-light bed, large roman hot tub and separate shower. The stained glass, deep colored wood, and decorative colors inside the room were amazing and the wall separating the roman tub and bedroom slides open, providing a beautiful and romantic view to the bedroom, balcony and ocean.

The food was incredible. The staff was warm and so professional. The conference was a great conference with plenty of meeting rooms and trade floor space. I am telling you- I cannot think of another stay at a resort that was better than my time at The Westin Diplomat. It is a favorite and now that they are a member of the Clean the World recycling program, my affection for them grows.

Cheers to our champion, The Green Queen, Sharon. She is an incredible advocate for so many sustainable programs and initiatives, not only at The Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa, but for Starwood properties across the globe. She introduced us to the executive team and has diligently worked on our behalf. It is not an easy task for a property this large, and with such an attention to detail, to add a new program that touches every single room, every single day, but Sharon worked so hard and for its acceptance, and we are so incredibly grateful.

Trust me on this one: Stay at the Westin Diplomat, even if just for one night. Visit the Westin Diplomat. Eat at the Westin Diplomat. Everybody wants a vacation to South Florida, especially as the colder months set in for our Northern friends. You must pay them a visit and thank them for their commitment to Saving our Planet and Saving Lives.

Thanks Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa. http://www.diplomatresort.com/  

My apologies for missing the blog yesterday… With an incredible week of action and pushing our movement forward, I had a lot to catch up on.

This week we had a wonderful time at the International Hotel/ Motel and Restaurant Show in NYC. We made great connections with equipment providers such as Rational and Torrey. We had outstanding meetings with potential partners and fellow non-profits. And a number of organizations were exposed to Clean the World and our cause. The consensus from every single individual and corporation was the same: Your cause is wonderful, it is a no brainer, keep up the good work and we are behind you!

Wonderful inroads were made with new friends and existing partners at amenity providers and soap manufacturers, Gilchrist & Soames and Marietta Corp. And we had the pleasure of speaking to so many key executives at major hotel chains about our vision and cause.

This week, we made great strides towards a very key upcoming event: Changing History in Our Lifetime. We interviewed with several newspapers, including two high schools, University of Central Florida and Florida A&M University. More are scheduled for the upcoming week.

And, most importantly, we finalized our next trip to Haiti, which will occur next week. And we raised the money for the project. A special thanks to somebody very dear to my heart, a family member, my Uncle Mark, who provided the funding necessary for myself, Pastor Brutus and Bobby to fly to Haiti next week for two days to oversee the next major distribution of Clean the World soap. Approximately 150,000 bars of soap will be distributed to schools, orphanages, churches and the Cap Haitien Health Network. More to come on our distribution process later but a BIG THANK YOU TO UNCLE MARK for making next week possible.

In these tough times, donating money is very challenging and we understand the commitment behind it. We want to thank every single person that donated to Clean the World this week. We received donations from as far away as Washington, Michigan and Pennsylvania. Many donated online and many through checks. We really need them to keep coming. Thank you to every single person and look for your personal letter from Paul and I very soon.

And closing out the week, another property has shown their commitment to Saving our Planet and Saving Lives. The Triangle Motel of Alma, Michigan, located close to Alma College, Michigan Masonic Home and Soaring Eagle Casino, has joined the family. They have been American owned and operated for 18 years and by becoming a Clean the World Hospitality Partner, they show their commitment to Americans hurting right now in shelters and missions that need soap and their American spirit to those impoverished abroad that need it too. I cannot stress this fact: It doesn’t matter how big or how small your property is. We need every single one to join this important and unprecedented recycling program! Check out the Traingle Motel here: http://www.thetrianglemotel.com/index.php and say hello the next time you travel to or through Alma, Michigan.

A huge week ahead includes speaking at Center Pointe Church of the Nazarene tomorrow, Rotary Club on Tuesday, Sheraton Sand Key on Wednesday, the Westin Diplomat on Thursday and back to Haiti on Friday. A wonderful event is being finalized at the Green Lodging Hotel Conference in December in partnership with GMIC. Stay close and stay tuned.
Have a great week ahead!

One of the most enjoyable moments when I write these blogs about new properties joining the Clean the World Hospitality Recycling Program is learning about the property and identifying the unique features and characteristics the hotel provides.

The Rivertown Inn in Stillwater, Minnesota is no exception. Built in 1882, the Rivertown Inn is a restored mansion just blocks from the historic downtown of Stillwater, MN. It features European style luxury and elegance, touting a very romantic and private setting. Their online presence is another display of the properties elegance. Find them here: http://www.rivertowninn.com/, view the beautiful photos and read the details on wine dinners, cooking classes, and their gourmet breakfast.

And here is something very new about this historic property: they are committed to preserving their land and precious water systems in Stillwater, Minnesota by collecting and recycling the partially used bathroom amenities used by their guest instead of throwing them away. And further, they are committed to saving lives across the globe through their participation with Clean the World.

Isn’t it wonderful to see a property like the Rivertown Inn, so committed to their own beauty and preservation, also committed the beauty and preservation of impoverished people in the US and in countries so far away? Show your support by staying with them when you are planning your next romantic getaway.

Rivertown Inn- Thank you for joining the family and changing history with us!