Soap Up!

Something is always left behind when it comes to packing for your upcoming trip. We’ve come to rely on (maybe even hoard) those mini hotel toiletries. While some of these products may sneak their way into your suitcase, the partially used bars of soap usually end up in the trash can. Our latest grantee, Sundara, is giving them a second life and saving real lives in India while they are at it.

Pune, India is a city of nearly 4 million people with 40% of its residents living under the poverty line in crowded urban slums. The sprawl is widespread, but access to soap — a simple substance that can ward off bacteria that takes the lives of many — is not. Meanwhile, gently used bar soaps are being thrown away at nearby hotels. That’s where Sundara comes in. This organization hires local, underprivileged women to collect the soaps from hotel partners, oversee the recycling process (check out the video!), and distribute the new (sanitized) soaps to communities in need. New soap, less trash, and more lives saved!

This grant will support various supplies and materials to help Sundara reach its goal to provide clean soap and hygiene education to 20 schools in the slums, serving 4000+ children. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook to follow the fun.