At Clean the World, we’re honored to share the journey of our founder and CEO, Shawn Seipler—a story recently spotlighted in Green Lodging News that began with a simple yet profound realization. Read the original article here.
How It All Began
In 2009, Shawn Seipler asked a question that would redefine sustainability: “What happens to the millions of barely used soap bars discarded daily by hotels?” Learning that these bars were trashed while children worldwide died from preventable diseases like pneumonia and diarrhea, he transformed that question into action. Partnering with 8,300 hotels globally, Clean the World has since diverted 28.8 million pounds of waste from landfills, repurposing 18.7 million pounds of soap and 10 million pounds of plastic into life-saving resources. To date, 8.6 million bars of soap have reached families in 127 countries, contributing to a 60% reduction in child mortality rates in vulnerable communities.
Innovating for Global Health
Shawn’s vision extends beyond recycling. Through CTW Events, volunteers assembled 1.5 million hygiene kits in 2024 alone, providing critical supplies during disasters. The WASH Foundation, serving 16.8 million people globally, focuses on expanding hygiene access—including mobile shower programs, offering dignity to those experiencing homelessness.

A Year of Accelerated Impact
Last year marked unprecedented growth: 886 new hotel partners joined our mission, adding 178,000 rooms to a network now spanning 1.3 million rooms worldwide. Innovations in plastic recycling—turning bottles into lumber, detergents, or energy—diverted 10 million pounds of plastic from landfills. As Shawn shared in Green Lodging News: “Every hotel room added means more soap for kids who need it and less plastic choking our planet.”
Looking Ahead
Clean the World represents what’s possible when compassion meets action.
Here’s how you can help:
- Hotels: Join our Global Hospitality Recycling Program to turn waste into wellness.
- Volunteers: Host a hygiene kit event with CTW Events, to support disaster relief.
- Supporters: Donate to The WASH Foundation to expand hygiene access.
Why It Matters
- Soap Saves Lives: Pneumonia and diarrhea—preventable with proper hygiene—claim over 1.5 million children annually. Our soap donations are changing that.
- Plastic with Purpose: Every recycled bottle supports a circular economy, reducing waste and pollution.
Learn More:
- Watch Shawn’s story: “Cleaning the World” (CGTN America Interview)