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Update 9/22 we hit 4k!!! Thank you so much! I’ve raised the goal, let’s remove more trash!!
Hi, my name is Kyle Hoffman. I'm a photographer, filmmaker, and mountaineer.
Right now, I’m in Nepal, and in a few weeks I’ll be setting off on a trek to Everest Base Camp. It’s one of the most beautiful treks in the world, winding through the heart of the Himalayas. What many people don’t realize is that there is a serious waste problem, not just at base camp, but along the trekking route as well. There are no roads in or out of the Khumbu Valley. That means every piece of trash has to be carried out by hand, by yak, or flown out by helicopter. Unfortunately, a significant portion of it gets left behind.
Today people visiting the Everest region, and the people of Nepal are more responsible with their waste than ever before. However with decades of tourists, trekkers and mountaineers, literal tons of trash have accumulated in the Khumbu Valley. Due to recent cleanup efforts and more sustainable practices, the trash problem is getting better, but there is still a long way to go. I’m incredibly excited to announce that I’ve partnered with the SPCC, the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee to help remove as much trash as we can from the Everest region. The SPCC is a Nepali-led NGO that has been helping with waste management and cleanup efforts in Nepal since 1991. With almost three and half decades of experience the SPCC have become the leading name in Nepal for waste management and sustainability. They have an amazing team that can help transport waste all the way from the trail back to dedicated sorting and recycling facilities in Kathmandu.
But here’s the challenge: It costs about $4 per kilogram to get that trash off the mountain and processed properly. (That's about $1.80 per pound) and that adds up fast. Originally I was planning to take on this project alone, but I quickly realized I could have a much much bigger impact if I had help from all of you:) So that's why I’m launching this GoFundMe with a simple goal: Raise $4,000 to remove 1,000 kilograms of trash from Everest Base Camp and the Khumbu Valley.
Here's the good news: There’s no limit. If we exceed that goal, it just means we can remove even more trash. If you love the mountains, if you believe in giving back, and if you're in a position to donate, even just a dollar helps. It truly goes a long way. If this project resonates with you, please consider sharing it with someone who might be interested.
Donation Levels (you can always donate a custom amount)
1 Kilo: $4
5 Kilos: $20
10 Kilos: $40
A porter load! (30Kg): $120
A Yak Load!!! (125Kg): $500
Why me??? In short, not a lot of people want to go off grid and hike 80 miles for two+ weeks, all to pick up some trash. Those who know me will know I'm crazy enough to actually do it. Once I have my mind set on something, I'll stop at nothing until it happens. Whether this GoFundMe raises $4 or $4,000 I will be doing this cleanup!
This is my first time asking for donations or money in any capacity, with that, I want to be as transparent as possible with where funds are going. By the end of the project I will publish receipts of all transactions that this project involves. I want to assure all donors that this money will NOT be going towards ANY of my personal travel expenses. I was already planning on doing this trek myself and have budgeted accordingly. My meals, accommodation, flights and any other costs needed for equipment or the trek itself I will cover myself. 100% of the funds from this GoFundMe will go towards removing trash. Rest assured boots are already on the ground here in Nepal, and they are ready to Trek to EBC :)
What's with the name? When I came to the SPCC with this project, they told me I should give it a name. So I decided to name it in memory of my dad, Stan Hoffman. He was a mountaineer and taught me to love and appreciate the mountains and nature. It was an obvious choice naming this project after him. That's how the Stan the Mountain Man Everest Cleanup was born!
A special thank you to....
I would like to personally thank a few people who helped me get this project up and running. Jim Davidson, an elite climber, speaker, and author who has been advising me the last month or so as I've ironed out details of this project. His vast experience in Nepal and advice has been absolutely indispensable.
I would also like to thank Tshering Sherpa, The CEO of the SPCC for hearing this project out, and giving me his, and the organization's support. He has been very patient with me and all of my questions and has been incredibly hospitable each time we've spoken. Without the SPCC this project would have been worlds more complex.
You can read more about The SPCC and their mission on their website and learn more about current projects on their Facebook page.
The trek will take about 2 weeks, maybe even longer depending on how much trash we aim to remove. If I am able to get service/wifi I will try and post daily updates for people to follow along through my instagram account kylehoffman52
Thank you for taking the time to read all of this. I hope you have a great day :)