Latest news with #TrashMountain
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Residents raise red flags over worsening crisis at iconic tourist attraction: 'Trash mountain'
Residents raise red flags over worsening crisis at iconic tourist attraction: 'Trash mountain' Mount Fuji, Japan's most iconic natural wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is making headlines for an unfortunate reason: It's being called "trash mountain." Once revered for its serenity and symbolism, it is now showing the wear and tear of popularity in the form of discarded bottles, wrappers, and gear littering its trails. Japan celebrated a milestone in 2024, breaking its all-time tourism record, according to Travel and Tour World. But this growth came with a big downside. Popular destinations such as Kyoto, Tokyo, and especially Mount Fuji have become overwhelmed by the number of visitors. This spike in foot traffic has led to increased waste and environmental degradation on the once-pristine peak. Images of litter-strewn slopes have circulated widely online, prompting frustration. The surge in trash earned Mount Fuji the unfortunate nickname. Local officials, concerned citizens, and international observers are now raising alarms. In response, the Japanese government and regional authorities are introducing policies to reduce the environmental toll of mass tourism. Overtourism not only strains local infrastructure but also threatens natural ecosystems and cultural heritage. Piles of trash can leach toxins into the soil and water, harm wildlife, and degrade visitor experiences. While Mount Fuji is the most visible example, many of Japan's cultural and natural sites are feeling the pressure. Without careful management, the economic gains of tourism risk coming at the cost of long-term environmental and cultural loss. As Japan pursues its ambitious goal of reaching 60 million visitors per year by 2030, the balance between growth and sustainability is becoming increasingly urgent. To curb the mounting waste problem, Japanese officials are turning to sustainable tourism policies. One solution includes introducing higher entry fees for international visitors, which could help fund environmental maintenance. Local governments are also urging travelers to visit less-trafficked regions, spreading out tourism pressure more evenly. Campaigns like "Tourism for All" are encouraging visitors to respect local traditions and pack out all trash. And in a bid to ease strain on popular sites, the government is promoting regional tourism development, particularly in under-visited areas with cultural and natural value. Mount Fuji's current condition may serve as a wake-up call, but it's also a chance for Japan to lead on sustainable tourism, preserving both its beauty and its welcome. What should America do to fight plastic pollution? Stricter regulations on companies Better recycling More bans on single-use items All of the above Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kenny Smith Reveals NBA Playoff Loss That "Hurt His Heart" on Tuesday Night
The NBA on TNT game night crew has become one of the most famous and popular of its kind in all of sports, led by the hijinx and hilarity of Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley along with the mostly stoic commentary of Kenny 'The Jet' Smith and Ernie Johnson. The crew broke down the NBA's winners and losers on Tuesday night as the Indiana Pacers, Detroit Pistons and Denver Nuggets all won their round one games, with the Pacers advancing to the second round after their Game 5 win over Milwaukee. Advertisement The night also included stark commentary from Smith as he revealed the NBA team whose playoff exit hurt his heart in the early round action. Cory Joseph is hit as he attempts to take a charge vs. Jaylen Brown of the Celtics on April 29, 2025. © David Butler II-Imagn Images "It hurts my heart Ernie," Smith said to Johnson in reference to the Orlando Magic's four games to one first round defeat at the hands of the Boston Celtics. The NBA on TNT crew flashed a photoshop picture of the Magic players riding on the Splash Mountain ride at Disney World with franchise legend Dwight Howard and current stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wanger among those riding. The photo was titled 'Trash Mountain,' to which Barkley responded, sticking up for the young Magic after their tough loss to the defending champs. "Why y'all call it Trash Mountain?" Barkley exclaimed. Related: Celtics Star Jaylen Brown Makes Surprising Admission on Magic
Chicago Tribune
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
What to do in Chicago: Jeff Tweedy in concert, Mike Epps comedy tour and skating at Thalia Hall
Thalia Hall Skate Night: Get your skates on, as Thalia Hall transforms into a roller rink. Hosted by 'Smooth Goddess' Myesha McCaskill, the night promises great grooves and a wide-open wood floor. 6-10 p.m. April 20 at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St.; tickets $25 (ages 12+) at Jeff Tweedy: You can't live in this city and not know who Jeff Tweedy is. But just in case, the founding member of both Wilco and Uncle Tupelo, and producer, author and longtime Chicago fixture will perform his annual benefit shows this weekend. If you'd prefer to see him play with Wilco, you'll have to wait until Aug. 10 at the Salt Shed; those tickets go on sale this weekend, too. 7:30 p.m. April 18-19 at The Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave.; tickets $100 at Caleb Hearon: The comedian and actor who launched his career at the iO Theater will perform a live installment of his 'So True' podcast. Last year, Variety reported that Lilly Wachowski would direct 'Trash Mountain,' a movie starring and co-written by Hearon about a young, gay Chicago man returning home to Missouri following his father's death. Can't make it this weekend? Hearon will be back at The Hideout in June. 7 p.m. April 18 at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; tickets at We Them One's Comedy Tour: Check out this lineup: Comedian and actor Mike Epps hosts a night of stand-up featuring Kountry Wayne, Lil Duval, Tony Roberts, Karlous Miller, HaHa Davis and Bubba Dubb. 8 p.m. April 19 at Wintrust Arena, 200 E. Cermak Road; tickets from $65.50 at 'Alton Brown Live — Last Bite': Get ready to dig into Alton Brown's 'culinary variety show.' The TV personality, cookbook author and science geek promises cooking hacks and food songs during what's been billed his 'Farewell Tour — Maybe?' 3 p.m. April 19 at CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St.; tickets from $26.50 at Kelli O'Hara: The Tony Award-winning actress will perform American Songbook classics and Broadway faves. Expect personal stories as well as highlights from the musical productions in which the soprano has appeared. 7:30 p.m. April 18 and 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. April 19 at Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St.; tickets from $89 at Kassa Overall: Need an endorsement? Consider what fellow jazz drummer Terri Lyne Carrington wrote of Kassa Overall in the New York Times: 'Kassa is a pre-eminent style bender and blender, successfully juxtaposing genres through his production expertise and use of melodic and harmonic forms that deftly integrate the new with the old.' Go see for yourself. 8 p.m. April 18 at SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston; tickets $16-$28 at David M. Rubenstein and Walter Isaacson: As the current occupant of the White House attempts to remake the executive branch, the Chicago Humanities Festival hosts a discussion between best-selling authors David M. Rubenstein and Walter Isaacson on the American presidency. Given the deep experience both guests have in chronicling the lives of leaders, it should be an incisive conversation. 7 p.m. April 21 at Francis W. Parker School, 330 W. Webster Ave. (entrance at 2233 N. Clark St.); tickets $20-$55 at 'Making New Gods': Sci-fi and fantasy readers take note — N.K. Jemisin, Nnedi Okorafor, Nghi Vo and Matthew Kirby will chat about religion and the role of the spiritual in world-building. The panel discussion kicks off the American Writers Museum's new exhibit, 'American Prophets: Writers, Religion and Culture.' 5:15 p.m. April 22 at Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State St.; more details on the free event at Henhouse Prowlers: The four members of the Henhouse Prowlers are not just about concerts, they're about evangelizing for bluegrass music across the globe; their nonprofit is called the Bluegrass Ambassadors. They're celebrating an album release show at the Old Town School of Folk Music for 'Unravel,' out April 18. 8 p.m. April 19 in Maurer Hall at the Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave.; tickets $35 at 773.728.6000 and
