This winter someone is actually cleaning the Himalayas - and the way they’re doing it will surprise you!
In the remote villages of Kinnaur, a dedicated team from the Healing Himalayas Foundation is tackling the mountain waste crisis head-on by organising waste collection and segregation drives that are starting to bring real change.

Tourism, poor waste habits, and lack of systems have left heaps of trash - especially plastic - marring the pristine slopes. Locals and volunteers are now stepping up, collecting and separating trash that once piled up or got burned, creating pollution. Across the region, Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) now support responsible processing with shredders, balers, and vehicles that pick up and move trash away from fragile ecosystems.

Beyond just cleanup, the project spreads awareness through door-to-door engagement and education about proper waste disposal. It’s creating jobs for villagers and championing responsible tourism by showing that protecting the mountains helps both nature and livelihoods.

With every kilo of waste diverted from burning or open dumping, the Himalayas get a little bit cleaner - and that effort is gathering momentum.