Calling for a “National Mountain Clean-up Day” on May 10, 2014

 
Inspired by the International Coastal Cleanup Day and motivated in part by the need to step up our efforts in the face of increasingly severe disasters that we face as a nation, I would like to suggest that we all join hands in holding a National Mountain Clean-up Day in May 10, 2014, after the peak season and before the rains – in what I envision to be an annual activity that allows not just to clean up all the mountains but also to have a strong voice in raising awareness about the importance of protecting our mountains and forests.

Like the anti-pork rally, no organizer is required for this event and we do not need any kind of registration or fees; all we need to do is to coordinate which groups are climbing which mountains so we will not cluster together in one mountain (I can do this by posting the groups in PM). Sharing of ideas, plans, schedules, and group invites can also be facilitated through social media by using the hashtag #mtncleanup2014. I think for this event to succeed, it is important that the idea itself to be the rallying point rather than a group of organizers. Thus while I will be active in coordinating this event, I am not the organizer. Neither is this is my original idea – I’m sure many others have thought about this before. I want everyone to be the organizers so we can all claim ownership of this activity.

There are certain guidelines that we have to be aware of, however, in the conduct of the clean-up climbs.

1. As many mountains as possible, as few mountaineers in a mountain as possible – The goal is for us to be able to clean many mountains to avoid redundancy in the clean-up but at the same time to avoid overcrowding. Of course, more groups will be required to clean up more popular mountains like Mt. Apo. But we should still strive to maintain a group size of around 15 persons per group. To avoid multiple groups going into the same trail or mountain, I will be posting the list of groups who have final plans in this post. Again, we can use the hashtag #mtncleanup2014 to coordinate efforts.

2. Proper waste disposal. It is not enough to bring back the waste to the jumpoff, because it may just as easily end up being disposed in the same irresponsible way. It is important to see to it that the waste is properly disposed. Thus it is advisable to coordinate with local government units, the local DENR, on where the drop-off points for all the trash can be. I will also make a separate post about “Guidelines on organizing a clean-up climb” which will also include things to bring, how to protect

3. Coordination with local and national government is recommended. This is related to #2. As we all know, being a mountaineer means being able to deal with different people: the locals, the guide, our fellow mountaineers. Coordinating with LGUs, whenever possible, will allow them to participate in an environmental activity and avoid the potentially embarrassing situation of being perceived to be unable to clean one’s own backyard. I will also try to coordinate with the national DENR and see if they can help us. Your ideas are very welcome and if you have contacts with government agencies, you are more than welcome to share them with us (I hope Secretary Ramon Paje can somehow hear this!).

4. Let’s make this visible. For this activity to have a big impact, we need to “make noise” so we can bring to the national consciousness the importance of clean mountains as well as mountain-related issues. So if you have journalist friends, friends in the media, and other people who have a wide reach – you should invite them to take part, and if you are a journalist yourself please help us highlight this initiative so people can hear about it and hopefully be inspired. Of course all of us have social media presence and we can use this to influence others as well.

What is more powerful, cursing someone for littering in the mountain, or picking up his trash in front of him and putting it in your bag? Actions speak louder than words. By holding a National Mountain Clean-up Day as a collective action, we can influence through social media more powerfully than any discussion thread or status message can ever achieve. By doing this as an annual event, we have the opportunity to show the nation that our mountains need to be cleaned and conserved, and this is also a chance to inspire others to be responsible mountaineers. Let’s do this! #mtncleanup2014

PARTIAL LIST OF CLEAN-UP CLIMBS 
Note: This list is non-binding and does not include all the groups that may be planning to organise clean-up climbs on May 10. However, in order to emphasise the need to restrict the number of participants and groups for each mountain, this list will no longer be updated as of April 20.