According to nonprofit The Water Project, as much as 80% of illnesses in developing countries are linked to poor water and sanitation conditions. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services reports that the world’s leading cause of preventable blindness—Trachoma—results from poor hygiene and sanitation. Approximately 41 million people suffer from active trachoma and nearly 10 million people are visually impaired or irreversibly blind as a result of trachoma. Trachoma infection can be prevented through increased facial cleanliness with soap and clean water, and improved sanitation.
This issue, we are proud to spotlight the C-suite from SoapBox Soaps, a team dedicated to using business to prevent needless deaths and illness due to a lack of soap and water. The company was created by co-founder David Simnick in 2010 to use the power of entrepreneurship to deliver hygiene aid around the world.
With origins rooted in a charitable cause, the team behind this personal care startup learned to compete in a crowded marketspace and came to understand that the best way they can give back is to build the most successful business possible. Today, SoapBox products can be found in Target, Walmart and many other brick-and-mortar and online retailers.
SoapBox isn’t the only socially minded business to be spotlighted in this issue. We also cover recent charitable projects by The Clorox Company brand Burt’s Bees and natural and organic nut products brand Justin’s.
And be sure to check out this month’s Toolbox for products that can make your brand’s marketing and package design campaigns more socially minded.
Sincerely,
Linda Casey
Editor-In-Chief