It has been more than 60 years since Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay climbed to the summit of Everest. The summit was a lonely and pristine place in those days. These days, however, the summit is a busy place. Almost 4, 000 people have climbed to the summit in the past 60 years, and most of them in the past decade. Along with all the people has come the problems that people bring, like garbage. It has been estimated that there are over 50 tons of garbage on Everest. Plastic bottles, clothes, ropes, damaged tents and oxygen canisters are only a few examples. Sadly, the highest mountain in the world has become the highest garbage dump in the world.

The Tourism Ministry of Nepal has decided to do something about the problem. From the next climbing season climbers will be required to collect and bring trash back down with them to base camp— to be precise eight kilograms per climber. Those who do not comply with the new regulations will be fined or face some other legal action.

If the campaign works, they plan to expand it to other peaks in Nepal.

I am all for it. I know it really upsets me when I see litter on my hiking trips. How about you? What do you think?