M&R Hotel Management last week announced that its 13 hotels in the United States will participate in Clean the World’s recycling program, which recycles soap and bottled shampoo left behind by guests for distribution to people in need around the world.

Clean the World’s mission is to save lives by distributing hygiene products. The organization notes that 2 million children under the age of five 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.

“By partnering with Clean the World, we are reducing soap and shampoo waste while doing our part to help the disadvantaged and save lives,” said Amit Gandhi, M&R Hotel Management president and chief executive officer. “Our hotel team members support this effort and are happy to take the extra steps needed for this program to succeed.”

Since 2009, Clean the World has distributed more than 22 million bars of soap in 96 countries, according to Shawn Seipler, Clean the World co-founder and chief executive officer. The organization has partnered with more than 2,200 hotels and resorts to supply hygiene products to people who do not have ready access to them.

“We estimate the North American lodging industry throws away more than a million bars of soap each day,” Seipler said. “By recycling soap and bottled amenities, M&R Hotel Management will make a positive impact from both an environmental and humanitarian perspective.” The recycling process sanitizes the hygiene products prior to distribution.

I’m extremley proud that our company is participating in the very important global initiative. Learn more about the Clean the World recycling program at cleantheworld.org.