Disclosure: World Expeditions is a donor to the #Hike for Hope Campaign benefitting Cancer for College.
The reason I came up with the idea to hike to Mt Everest Base Camp was all because of a company I came across called World Expeditions. Not only did I want to complete this challenge for charity but partnering with a company who are considered leaders in responsible travel is extremely important to me. Not only do they lead expeditions to some of the most incredible places in the world but they also work hard to give back to those communities they are visiting. Their work is perfectly aligned with my vision for the stories I share with you here on Passports from the Heart. One of these projects I love is called 10 Pieces which is a litter collection initiative. World Expeditions became a founding partner to 10 Pieces in 2014 and it is now offered on their treks in Nepal, Bhutan, Peru, as well as the Mount Rinjani and Mount Kilimanjaro summit treks.
Photo Credit: Mark Tipple
What is 10 Pieces?
It’s a volunteer program where travelers are provided a branded collection bag and asked to pick up 10 pieces of litter per day during their trek. This means groups can make a major difference in just a couple of days. A group of twelve can remove 120 pieces of litter. If another group comes through the next day, that amount grows to 240 pieces. And so on. This makes an incredible impact on the communities and the locals. Not only are you helping clean up the trash that others may have left behind but you are also teaching the local community the consequences litter can have on their own people, animals, and even tourism.
Photo Credit: Mark Tipple
How can you help?
It’s simple really. When you join a World Expeditions trek, you will be given the opportunity to sign up for the 10 pieces initiative. You’ll then be provided with your collection bag upon arrival in the country you are visiting. Make sure to bring your own gloves and hand sanitizer!
Imagine the difference you can make for the environment and for others just by picking up 10 pieces of litter!
Photo Credit: Mark Tipple
About World Expeditions
World Expeditions has over 40 years of experience operating authentic and unique adventure holidays with a genuine focus on the paths less travelled. We are the pioneers in designing groundbreaking itineraries and many say our trips start where others end. As the leaders in responsible travel, we offer big adventures with a small environmental footprint. While safety is core to how we operate, we’re also focused on the fun factor and suitably challenging you to reach that great sensation of personal achievement while enjoying the camaraderie of like-minded travellers.
About 10 Pieces
There’s no denying that there is too much litter in the natural environment and it’s often as a result of tourism activity. Not only does nature suffer, but also children and wildlife.
This is where 10 Pieces can help.
10 Pieces is an environmental sustainable tourism initiative. More simply put, we encourage group tour travellers to pick up 10 pieces of litter.
Whilst most travellers and tour companies follow the mantra of ‘Take only photographs, leave only footprints’, we follow the mantra ‘Take only photographs and 10 pieces of litter, leave only footprints’.
Because we believe, if we all pick up 10 pieces of litter, collectively we can make a difference.
