10 Pieces Litter Collection Program | Leave No Trace | World Expeditions

In 2014 World Expeditions became a founding partner of 10 Pieces, a litter collection initiative that encourages travellers from around the world to make a positive impact on the environment by taking out more than they take in.

The focus of the initiative is on litter ‘hotspots’ on mountain trails and is currently offered on treks in Nepal, Bhutan and Peru, as well as our Mount Rinjani and Mount Kilimanjaro summit treks. During the voluntary program, all travellers are given a branded collection bag for the litter and asked to pick up ten pieces of litter each day.

While ’10’ may sound like a nominal number, it multiplies immensely through the collective power of a group of travellers. In a single day, a group of twelve can remove 120 pieces of litter. If a second group passes through the following day, this quickly grows to 240 pieces and beyond.

Developing countries have limited litter disposal options. Up until recently, many discarded goods such as pottery and bamboo baskets were biodegradable with minimal glass, metal and plastic components. In conjunction with the onset of tourism, modern packaging and non-biodegradable litter has become more prevalent in these countries.

By collecting litter, travellers lead through example and educate mountain communities of the negative consequences of litter for tourism and the health of their animals and people. This is intended to foster a pride in their environment that only has positive outcomes for the community and visitors alike.

When you join one of our treks in Nepal, Bhutan, Peru, Indonesia or Tanzania, you will have the opportunity to sign up for the 10 Pieces initiative and take the global issue of litter into your own hands.

Traveller collecting litter along wilderness trails, part of our 10 Pieces litter collection program – Photo: Mark Tipple

10 Pieces is a litter collection initiative that harnesses the collective power of travellers to help keep wilderness trails litter free – Photo: Mark Tipple

Trekking through the Everest region – Photo: Mark Tipple

10 Pieces is a litter collection initiative that harnesses the collective power of travellers to keep wilderness trails clean – Photo: Mark Tipple