In a unique approach to waste management, a team of Brazilian cleaners, employed by the municipal waste management company, are making headlines for their innovative method of collecting trash and debris that has accumulated on the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro. The team, consisting of certified mountain climbers, wear harnesses and ropes tied to the perimeter of the lookout platform and carefully descend the slope of the mountain to collect garbage, including flammable materials that increase the risk of forest fires. According to the team’s leader, Paulo Maurício, an engineer overseeing the clean-up efforts, their work is crucial in preserving nature, preventing fires, clearing accumulated litter, and reducing visual pollution. The statue attracts a large number of tourists, and the team goes to great lengths to ensure that the area remains clean and visually appealing.
The team’s efforts not only benefit the local environment but also the surrounding working-class communities. The areas around the hillsides have become a dumping ground for waste and debris, which not only harms the terrain but also poses a significant health risk to residents. By collecting and removing this trash, the team is helping to maintain a safer and healthier community. As part of their daily task, they collect not only plastic bottles and other household trash but also hazardous materials and flammable waste that can ignite and spread quickly, posing a significant threat to the surrounding forests and local wildlife. The team’s expertise as certified mountain climbers allows them to navigate the steep terrain and reach areas that would be difficult or impossible to access otherwise.
Brazilian Climbers Take Trash Collection to New Heights at Christ the Redeemer Statue (Image via Getty)
The team’s dedication to their work is evident in the way they go about their daily task. With the statue looming above them, they carefully and methodically collect and bag the trash, then haul it back up to the lookout platform for disposal. As tourists watch in awe, the team’s rappelling technique is both impressive and alarming, serving as a stark reminder of the gravity of the problem and the importance of their work. The team’s efforts are a positive step towards preserving the natural beauty and cultural significance of the Christ the Redeemer statue. By keeping the area clean and free of waste, the team is helping to maintain the statue’s iconic status and ensuring that it remains a source of pride for the people of Rio de Janeiro.
