High altitude hygiene
Trash on mountains causes a major environmental problem. Considering this, Japan is building new toilets on Mount Fuji, the country's most picturesque mountain. The Japanese environment ministry intends to help fund around six new "green' toilets in huts along hiking routes to the summit of Fuji. It is reported that the ministry has set aside US $405,000 to subsidise the ecofriendly toilets, which will break down waste and paper.
Every year more than 200,000 people climb Japan's highest mountain. The mountain is littered with trash as many trekkers leave behind toilet paper on their way to the top. There are at present only 18 toilets for climbers to use. The untreated waste and other trash is simply flushed down the mountain.