This article explores the initiative by Sustenta Honduras, where recycled cooking oil is converted into valuable soap, contributing to environmental sustainability and social empowerment.
Turning Waste into Wealth: The Innovative Soap Solution from Used Cooking Oil in Honduras
Turning Waste into Wealth: The Innovative Soap Solution from Used Cooking Oil in Honduras
Hugo Daniel Chávez and his team at Sustenta Honduras transform used cooking oil into soap, tackling both waste and health issues.
Hugo Daniel Chávez, a 27-year-old project manager at Sustenta Honduras, has discovered a sustainable way to repurpose used cooking oil into soap, aligning with his commitment to environmental responsibility. "We have so many businesses and domestic practices that create waste, so we are trying to transform waste and give it a second life," he tells the BBC. In countries like Honduras, where deep-fried foods reign supreme, millions of tonnes of cooking oil are consumed annually, leading to health risks and environmental damage if improperly handled.
The disposal of used cooking oil has become a growing problem; when disposed of carelessly, it can wreak havoc on plumbing and pollute water sources. A major issue in Honduras is the black market for used cooking oil, where people sell oil meant for safe disposal. To combat these issues, Sustenta encourages businesses to engage in responsible disposal of their waste oil. Their approach is to incentivize legal disposal by offering to buy the used oil from local eateries and businesses.
Sustenta's aim is not only to reduce waste but also to create jobs and foster a circular economy. They have begun recycling oil into products like soap and dog food, after attempting to establish a biodiesel market, which ultimately failed due to market constraints. Their innovative approach has garnered the attention of international organizations, positioning them as a model for sustainable practices in Central America.
Sustenta's efforts were recognized when they won a $20,000 award in the 2023 Youth4Climate Energy Challenge, co-led by notable global bodies. In addition to international support, they also have developed partnerships with entities such as Walmart to ensure a steady supply of used cooking oil. This collaboration adds integrity to their model, allowing the retail giant to profit from their waste while contributing to sustainability initiatives.
At their processing plant in Comayagua, the used cooking oil undergoes purification and is transformed into soap through a process known as saponification, which combines oils with an alkali. The organization emphasizes a circular ecological system, strategically partnering with other local businesses, such as water purification plants, to reuse resources effectively.
The soap produced is sold at an affordable price, generating significant revenue that supports local job creation. Sustenta’s dynamic team, mostly composed of aspiring young environmentalists, approaches challenges differently from many traditional organizations by focusing on solutions rather than resistance. Their efforts prove that inventive solutions to pressing environmental issues can spark significant change in both local communities and broader social dynamics in addressing climate concerns.
The disposal of used cooking oil has become a growing problem; when disposed of carelessly, it can wreak havoc on plumbing and pollute water sources. A major issue in Honduras is the black market for used cooking oil, where people sell oil meant for safe disposal. To combat these issues, Sustenta encourages businesses to engage in responsible disposal of their waste oil. Their approach is to incentivize legal disposal by offering to buy the used oil from local eateries and businesses.
Sustenta's aim is not only to reduce waste but also to create jobs and foster a circular economy. They have begun recycling oil into products like soap and dog food, after attempting to establish a biodiesel market, which ultimately failed due to market constraints. Their innovative approach has garnered the attention of international organizations, positioning them as a model for sustainable practices in Central America.
Sustenta's efforts were recognized when they won a $20,000 award in the 2023 Youth4Climate Energy Challenge, co-led by notable global bodies. In addition to international support, they also have developed partnerships with entities such as Walmart to ensure a steady supply of used cooking oil. This collaboration adds integrity to their model, allowing the retail giant to profit from their waste while contributing to sustainability initiatives.
At their processing plant in Comayagua, the used cooking oil undergoes purification and is transformed into soap through a process known as saponification, which combines oils with an alkali. The organization emphasizes a circular ecological system, strategically partnering with other local businesses, such as water purification plants, to reuse resources effectively.
The soap produced is sold at an affordable price, generating significant revenue that supports local job creation. Sustenta’s dynamic team, mostly composed of aspiring young environmentalists, approaches challenges differently from many traditional organizations by focusing on solutions rather than resistance. Their efforts prove that inventive solutions to pressing environmental issues can spark significant change in both local communities and broader social dynamics in addressing climate concerns.
