064: Samir Lakhani of Project EcoSoap - Recycled soap and hygiene education around the world

064: Samir Lakhani of Project EcoSoap - Recycled soap and hygiene education around the world

Author: Marjorie Alexander May 12, 2019 Duration: 38:48

Samir Lakhani, 26, is a social entrepreneur dedicated to restoring health and dignity to developing countries through environmental initiatives. Prior to founding Eco-Soap Bank in 2014, Samir was deeply involved in climate-resilient aquaculture and nutrition projects in northern Cambodian villages. He has also developed solar lighting social enterprise projects in Cambodia, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Currently, he serves as the Founder & Executive Director of Eco-Soap Bank—a global soap-recycling organization—which operates in 10 countries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. To date, Eco-Soap Bank has reached over 1.1 million people with recycled soap and free hygiene education. In 2017, Samir received a CNN Hero Award for his work with global hygiene.

In this episode we cover:

  • How do you recycle soap in a sanitary way?
  • How is soap that is not recycled impacting our environment?
  • Where do you get the soap and who receives the recycled soap?
  • How do you change the everyday habits of a community that is respectful of their history and traditions?

Key Takeaways:

  • 5 million bars of soap are thrown away EACH DAY! And it's not biodegradable!
  • Recruiting hygiene ambassadors that are of the local culture helps spread the message more effectively.
  • When you have big ideas, don't wait for it to be perfect, launch it now! But also consider longevity.
  • Get involved with Project EcoSoap - donate to the Kickstarter and help spread the word!

Samir Lakhani and Project Ecosoap Online:

Suggested Resources from Samir:

Suggested online resource:

  • YouTube! You can learn anything from how to build wind turbines to how to drive stick shift!

Books:


Marjorie Alexander hosts A Sustainable Mind, a weekly conversation with people who are actively reshaping our relationship with the planet. This isn't a series of abstract lectures; it's built on the real-world experiences of environmental changemakers, from scientists and grassroots organizers to entrepreneurs and artists who put their values into practice. The discussions naturally weave through topics of science, culture, and society, reflecting the interconnected nature of sustainability itself. You’ll hear stories about the challenges and triumphs of creating change, whether that's launching an ethical business, advocating for policy, or rethinking daily consumption. The aim is to move beyond inspiration alone and into practical understanding, offering listeners a genuine sense of how action unfolds in different forms. Tuning into this podcast feels like joining a thoughtful, committed community where ideas are translated into tangible steps, all through the voices of those doing the work. It’s for anyone who has ever felt that curiosity about how to live and act more thoughtfully on the Earth and is looking for a grounded, human-centered place to start.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

A Sustainable Mind - environment & sustainability podcast
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