'I've never seen that much garbage': pair of hikers carry out other people's garbage
Tina Lovgreen | CBC News | Posted: June 14, 2017 2:16 AM | Last Updated: June 15, 2017
2 local photographers capture the ugly side of Joffre Lakes Trail after spotting nearly 40 pounds of trash
Two B.C. photographers stumbled upon the ugly side of Joffre Lakes Provincial Park on Sunday.
Vince Emond and Devan Francis spotted the equivalent of three large garbage bags full of chopsticks, empty sushi containers and red party cups behind a boulder right next to the trail leading to upper Joffre Lakes.
"I've never seen that much garbage clearly stashed. Someone was clearly trying to avoid taking that down ... it was disgusting," said Emond.
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The pair then found a tarp full of beer cans and a tent cover and its case beside that.
"When we were leaving, we said we can't let this stay here," said Francis.
"In Whistler at least, when I ski with my friends, when we find trash, we put it in our ski jackets and bring it down," said Emond.
"Even if it is not yours, if you find it, it's more or less your responsibility to do something about it," he said.
They filled every bag they had with garbage and sacrificed any other bags they had brought, including a brand new sleeping bag cover.
"It was just fully dripping with garbage juice by the time we got to the bottom," said Emond.
They estimate they carried out nearly 40 pounds of garbage that others had left behind on the well-groomed trail.
The park's gorgeous turquoise blue water, cold rushing streams and ragged peaks have made it a popular spot for all, especially for Instagrammers looking to capture that perfect shot.
The duo believes the park's popularity and ease of access have made it more susceptible to visitors, but it should serve as no excuse to litter.
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"It's about educating people because it is infuriating to think that people could come here and think they can abuse what is free to us," said Francis.
He said many aren't prepared when adventuring into parks and the evidence is clear from the number of people they asked for spare garbage bags when they were hauling down the trash.
"No one had any garbage or bags for garbage. Interesting, like how are you going to take your garbage out?" he asked.
"It's simple as leave no trace. If you're packing it in, make plans to pack it out. It's very simple and very easy to do," said Francis.