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Everest is the highest peak on the planet, as it rises almost nine kilometers above sea level. Every year, tourists from all over the world come to conquer the peak, enjoy the tranquility and natural landscape, and leave piles of waste in the aftermath. In 2019, the authorities of Nepal reported that about twelve tons of various waste products were found on the surface of the mountain and traces of microplastics were discovered in water samples.
The Himalayan Museum and Sustainable Development Park launched the Sagarmatha Next initiative, which will turn waste into treasures and works of art. The organizers want to involve local and international artists in creating art objects from garbage, which will then be sold to tourists. In addition, authorities plan to oblige each climber to bring a kilogram of waste to the airport in Lukla, where the garbage will be transported to Kathmandu for further sorting.
