Since the historic ascent of Mt. Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953, an increasing number of adventurers have been drawn to conquer the world’s highest peaks. This surge in climbing aspirations has led to a notable rise in the number of climbers attempting to scale these majestic mountains. However, the growing crowds have inadvertently taken a toll on the fragile Himalayan environment, with the lack of proper waste management facilities exacerbating the issue of waste accumulation on these revered peaks.
Brent Bishop, the son of renowned climber Barry Bishop, a member of the first American Expedition to reach the summit of Mt. Everest in 1963, has personally witnessed the environmental challenges plaguing these mountains. During his own Mt. Everest Expedition in 1994, Bishop confronted the escalating issue of waste accumulation on the once pristine mountain. In response, he devised an innovative incentive-based program aimed at tackling the problem.
Implemented by his 5-member climbing team, Bishop’s program involved compensating Sherpas for their efforts in hauling debris off the mountain. The initiative proved to be highly successful, resulting in the removal of approximately 5,000 pounds of garbage, including over 200 spent oxygen bottles.
Building upon Bishop’s efforts, Garrett Madison has taken up the mantle to address the garbage problem in the Himalayas. As the founder of Madison Mountaineering, a guiding company specializing in expeditions to Mt. Everest, other 8,000-meter peaks, and The Seven Summits, Madison has encountered the environmental challenges firsthand during his numerous climbs, including 13 successful ascents of Mt. Everest.
Madison Mountaineering, along with its guides and clients, is actively contributing to the preservation of the region they hold dear. They have initiated the Madison Mountaineering Mountain Cleanup Project, which involves cleaning the areas surrounding the camps they establish during Himalayan expeditions. Following a successful Phase I, the ongoing Phase II cleanup efforts have targeted key areas such as Lobuche East, Ama Dablam, and Mera Peak. The mission continues with an expedition led by guide Terray Sylvestor at Annapurna Basecamp.
In a dispatch from Annapurna, Sylvestor reports on their latest cleanup efforts, stating that their five-person cleanup crew, supported by their guide, camp staff, and climber Nelly Attar, collaborated to organize the largest cleanup to date at the planet’s 10th highest peak. The team concluded today’s cleanup as snowfall began, and they are set to continue their efforts by addressing trash along the historic approach trail to the north side of Annapurna.