Derreck Kayongo

Derreck is likely most known for his brilliance related to the Global Soap Project which started with his first time staying in a US hotel where he observed something odd to him...something that many of us have observed...that the hotel gives guests multiple bars of soap and that the unused portions were just thrown away.  He found out that 800 million bars annually were thrown out in the US and he held that observation until he was able to act on it and provide an alternative to throwing all these bars away and fundamentally impacting the industry and even more importantly, communities around the world and the health of mother earth. 

While this story is a big part of his journey, this conversation reveals so much more.  Derreck shares about his youth in Uganda including the real dangers they faced, about becoming a refugee and ultimately making his way to the US where he grew in his education and understanding of this vastly different culture. He speaks of the powerful influence of his parents, the connection to his family and the ups and downs of living a life of impact. Derrek is currently working in green chemistry with Clean Production Action and shares the importance of shifting to chemicals that are safe for people and the planet.

Derreck shares powerful messages about finding out who you are in this world and building conviction around your role and your life’s purpose.  All impacting ones’ well-being and flourishing. 

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Learn more about Derreck’s current work with green chemicals:

Story Caught by: Arthur Sherwood and Syd Carver

Story Woven by: Syd Carver

This conversation did not directly include the SDGs but we feel the following are most closely aligned with Jett’s story:

SDG 3. Good Health and Well-Being

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all, at all ages

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

SDG 12. Responsible Consumption & Production

Encouraging efficient use of resources, energy, and infrastructure, with processes that help decouple economic growth from environmental degradation