Diamond Star

It’s been described as “the world’s highest garbage dump.” The people who climb Earth’s highest mountain leave behind a staggering amount of leftover camping meals, plastic and metal food and drink containers, empty fuel and oxygen canisters, and even human poop. In mid-April, as part of their twenty-fourth annual “Wildlife Week,” the Nepalese Army removed at least two tons of trash from the slopes of Mt. Everest. Half of the non-biodegradable waste was transported by helicopter to a nearby garbage facility. The other half will be treated at the army barracks in Okhaldhunga. And they’re not done yet. The Nepalese Army has pledged to provide the manpower and machinery needed for the Clean Mountains Campaign through May 19. I’m rather proud of myself for picking up rubbish in the park near my home. But filling trash bags at 29,000 feet? That’s impressive!