Help AAOS “Clean the World”

Ever wonder what happens to the half-used soaps, shampoos, and conditioners left behind in hotel rooms? Thanks to the Clean the World Foundation, many of these products are being recycled, redistributed, and used to prevent hygiene-related illnesses and deaths.

Attendees are encouraged to write an inspirational note to include in the hygiene kits.

Here at the 2013 AAOS Annual Meeting, attendees can participate in this global effort by helping assemble hygiene kits for distribution. Tables in Academy Hall B are stocked with the materials—including a bar of recycled soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, and washcloth.

As you walk past, pick up a bag and fill it with the toiletries and other hygiene products. At the end of the table, write a personal inspirational note, insert it in the bag, and drop the bag in the collection box. At the end of the day, AAOS staff will deliver the boxes to the Pacific Gardens Mission, a homeless shelter in Chicago.

Soap saves lives
According to the World Health Organization, one third of the diseases that kill children younger than age 5 could be prevented by hand washing with bar soap. By recycling soaps and other amenities from its hospitality partners, Clean the World not only reduces the waste created by discarded soap and bottled amenities, it also helps prevent millions of deaths caused by hygiene-related diseases.

All materials are recycled in a process certified to be 100 percent effective in killing any pathogens, according to TriTech Laboratories, an independent certified environmental lab.

“A kit is about more than just the amenities inside,” says Susan McSorley, AAOS director of convention and meeting services. “It’s another way we can give back to the community that hosts our Annual Meeting. One kit for one individual can change one life.”

2013 Annual Meeting News
Tuesday through Friday, February 19 – 23, 2013.
http://www.aaos.org/news/acadnews/2013/AAOS21_3_19.asp