Even at the highest place on Earth there are activities happening to commemorate Earth Day. The Asian Trekking Eco Everest team is hard at work again this year retrieving trash left by the more than 4,000 people who have summited Everest.
As reported on the Outside blog…
Apa Sherpa (the only man to reach the top of the world 19 times) comments on this year:
The Eco Everest Expedition is holding its annual weigh and pay program at Everest Base Camp in an effort to keep the tallest mountain in the world free from trash. At the end of each day, everyone brings in all the trash they could find and weigh it. On the spot they get paid 100 rupees per kilogram (that’s about a $1.40 for every 2.2 pounds for you Yankees).
Traditionally it’s been a big hit with the Sherpas, but this year even the foreign climbers are getting involved. Arjun, a member of our expedition who is poised at 16 years old to be the youngest Indian to climb Mount Everest, turned in 5 kilos yesterday and earned enough money to get his laundry done. The total haul from yesterday was 218 kilograms. The goal this year is to get 7,000 kilograms. It would be a massive clean-up effort where everybody wins.
And, there is a move afoot to “Bring the S#%t Down!” Or as some call it, “Pack it Out” using WAG bags. WAG bag? I don’t think I’ve heard of that designer. Be right back, going to Google it…I’m back. Got it. Don’t like it. See the need. Still don’t like it.
I don’t even like using public restrooms. Pack it out? Where will I be “taking care of business?” How does it work? Exactly. Step-by-step. I’ve definitely got more research to do on this subject. And, once I figure it out, I have to pack it out. Oh my. I get the reason, but it got me thinking…
Ha! Love the image. Where DOES it go?
Expect to see more from Question Yak!