Hugo Daniel Chávez, a project manager for NGO Sustenta Honduras, has spotted a golden opportunity in used cooking oil — turning it into soap and dog food! In a country where deep-fried delights like chicken and plantains reign supreme, this innovative approach not only addresses waste disposal challenges but also significantly reduces environmental harm.
Every year, millions of tons of cooking oil are consumed, often leading to health risks when reused excessively, especially given the unofficial market for used oil. Hugo's team aims to generate a positive impact by encouraging businesses to dispose of their oil responsibly and offering incentives for legal recycling. They pay shops for their oil and collect it regularly to ensure a steady supply for their soap production.
With support and recognition through the 2023 Youth4Climate Energy Challenge, Sustenta is fostering a circular economy that empowers young people and women while creating green jobs. The initiative has even secured a partnership with Walmart to guarantee a reliable flow of cooking oil, enabling them to scale their operations.
The transformation process consists of purifying the collected oil through saponification, creating eco-friendly soap. Their yearly revenue from soap sales is impressive, proving that sustainability can be both profitable and beneficial for the community. The team of young enthusiasts is driven by innovation, seeking to create actual solutions for the environmental challenges facing their country. They believe in action over dialogue, demonstrating that even small-scale initiatives can lead to big changes in the fight against climate change.
