Clean The World is an organization looking to drastically reduce that total by taking used bars of hotel soap and turning them into brand new ones. They then take these pristine bars and deliver them to nations in need across the globe. Currently there are 4,000 hotels that donate used soap to aid in this life-saving effort. According to their website, Clean The World has donated over 22 million bars of soap to 96 countries (the video below states slightly higher numbers). Disease-ridden countries are now receiving a sustainable, sanitary solution to their plight and watching disease numbers decline. Hotels like the Venetian and Palazzo in Las Vegas, NV are just some of the big-name hotels with recycling facilities to help in this wonderful cause.

It's remarkable how many times I've stayed in hotels and not thought twice about how lucky I am to have such easy access to sanitation. In fact, it would seem odd to stay in a hotel that didn't include a bar of soap with the room charge. I never used to consider where my used bar went, but now I'll think about it every single time.