Hotel Chains Ditching Mini Toiletries

[RooFlyer]

I would not give them this. They are single use items and does not provide meaningful help.

Well, with respect, I hear this type of things a lot from those who don't need it about those who do need it, never from those that do need it.

When you are in the position of many of the women [EDIT: or men] in a shelter, I don't think "ewwwww, its single use plastic" comes to mind. That's a luxury of the bourgeoise.

 

[justinbrett]

Well, with respect, I hear this type of things a lot from those who don't need it about those who do need it, never from those that do need it.

When you are in the position of many of the women [EDIT: or men] in a shelter, I don't think "ewwwww, its single use plastic" comes to mind. That's a luxury of the bourgeoise.

If you've ever tried to donate clothes or furniture to a charity, I think you'd see @Quickstatus's point.

Sure if you have them already it's better than throwing in the bin (if you can find someone to accept them), but taking from the hotel for the express purpose of donating is misguided IMO.

You can buy full size toiletries from the supermarket for around $5 which is probably going to be a bit more useful, if not cash. Charities often have limited space so not surprised many aren't accepting single use.

 

[Quickstatus]

You can buy full size toiletries from the supermarket for around $5

Yes, I don't understand it.
You have $10. You go to buy toiletries. Then you take them to the shelter and arrange to hand it over. Many places are secretive of their location so you meet them somewhere to give them $10 worth of goods. Why not just give $10 online?. Saves all that handling, driving, time wasting?.

Many clothing bin donations for example are full of rubbish - clothes that really should not be worn again.

Give meaningfully.

 

[justinbrett]

Yes, I don't understand the economics of giving goods.

You have $10. You go to buy toiletries. Then you take them to the shelter and arrange to hand it over. Many places are secretive of their location so you meet them somewhere to give them $10 worth of goods. Why not just give $10 online?. Saves all that handling, driving, time wasting?.

Many clothing bin donations for example are full of rubbish - clothes that really should not be worn again.

Give meaningfully.

Also in many cases the charities can get the products donated - or at least purchased cheaply - directly from the manufacturer.

I really hesitate to discourage people from being generous, but unless you're dealing directly with those in need, you have to accept the realities of dealing with charities.

Even looking at Salvos, if you donate things, rarely do they go to those in need - they are sold to the public through their stores and the cash is used to fund programs to help those in need. That's why they're so fussy with what they accept. (Too fussy IMO - we were recently rejected by them so sold the items on FB Marketplace for quite a nice sum).

 

[Quickstatus]

When you are in the position of many of the women

What they lack is actually not toiletries believe it or not. I think that is shortsighted. They lack the resources to be able to independent. While it may appear on one level to be toiletries, it is actually better to give them $$ so they can use it in ways that are meaningful to them.

Edit: when I ask shelters the best way to donate - they always say $$$.

 

[Quickstatus]

That's why they're so fussy with what they accept.

We should be fussy in what and how we donate. Go into Vinnies and see the quality of things that are for sale. If what you want to donate is not of similar quality then don't donate it and take it to the tip or sell it yourself and donate the cash.

 

[RooFlyer]

If you've ever tried to donate clothes or furniture to a charity, I think you'd see @Quickstatus's point.

Actually, I was going to bring that into the argument .... but QS's point was about donating to shelters.

Yes, I don't understand the economics of giving goods.

You have $10. You go to buy toiletries. Then you take them to the shelter and arrange to hand it over. Many places are secretive of their location so you meet them somewhere to give them $10 worth of goods. Why not just give $10 online?. Saves all that handling, driving, time wasting?.

You are missing the point entirely. Talking about donating surplus things. Surplus to me, so I won't use them. Easiest to chuck it out, but maybe there is someone who might want it? The women's shelter was very happy to receive amenity kits etc for a number if years until for some reason they weren't (I could speculate on the reason). The men's shelter happily took them and continue to do so.

What they lack is actually not toiletries believe it or not. I think that is shortsighted.

Sorry, I'd prefer to act as the people there told me, not your good self. Bourgeoise attitude again.

BTW we don't have to choose between cash and goods donation.

Anyway this is getting a bit repetitive. You do your thing and I'll do mine (and yours ).

 

[Quickstatus]

The men's shelter happily took them and continue to do so.

Sure if they are happy to receive them go ahead.

BTW we don't have to choose between cash and goods donation.

That is correct. I'm just saying there are effective and beneficial (to the recipient) ways of donating. Goods tend to fall into the less effective.

 

[Disco]

Sure if they are happy to receive them go ahead.


That is correct. I'm just saying there are effective and beneficial (to the recipient) ways of donating. Goods tend to fall into the less effective.

There is probably room for both: good quality clothing suitable for e.g. employment interviews and sports equipment for children are desirable and save employees/volunteers time and effort having to purchase. Their time is valuable as well. Unfortunately in our fast fashion/instant disposable society a good portion of what is donated is ..........rubbish, to be polite. Cash is always preferable to junk that a lot of people think is suitable for donations. Whether this applies to hotel mini bottles of shampoo etc is a judgemental call.

 

[Quickstatus]

hotel mini bottles of shampoo etc is a judgemental call

Slightly different are the airline premium class amenity kits which come in a little bag . The contents do not have much utility compared to the bag IMO. I would rather use up the single use contents up at home then replace with larger size toiletries then donate them. Though that would mean they are opened.

But the time it takes me to assemble a few of them then drive to the drop off point, it's more effective just sending them $$

 

[Disco]

It's slightly different to the amenity kits which come in a little bag

Yep. And again some will find them attractive, others not. It's also a matter of the organisation's store capacity, clients and local resources. We're probably generalising. I do agree that cash is a very good way to go.

 

[Quickstatus]

It's also a matter of the organisation's store capacity, clients and local resources

One way to know what a shelter needs is to simply ask them via their contact email. They usually have a Wishlist of goods that they need (apart from cash). Sometimes they will send out a message on social media asking for a particular item/s. Giving what they need is always better.

BYW at least my local one does not accept used clothes or used mattresses. (Yes they specifically mention it) - I think as per your comment a lot of used clothes tend to be rubbish and/or incompatible with what they need.

 

[Princess Fiona]

I’m a huge fan of hotels changing to big bottles in bathrooms.
Have been in many high end hotels that have switched (not really an Accor person so don’t have anything to report there.)

I don’t really use the shampoo and conditioner unless at the end of a long trip and running out. I prefer to bring my own but I will use the hotel shower gel.
I wish all hotels would banish mini bars of soap, especially black hand soap. It’s dreadful stuff.
We don’t have soap bars at home, love my Aesop hand wash.

 

[VPS]

And I’m probably the least brand or fashion conscious person you’ll ever meet.

No that's me

 

[Flyfrequently]

Pullman Brisbane Airport, 1st hotel in recent times to have single use toiletries

leaving them at the hotel.
We donate our time to various charities and these days they tend to put a call out for what they need.
Most recently food/pantry items are in demand.