“We want to showcase how you can transform solid waste to precious pieces of art … and generate employment and income,” said Gustafsson. “We hope to change the people’s perceptions about the garbage and manage it." The centre is located at an altitude of 3,780 metres at Syangboche on the main trail to Everest base camp, two days' walk from Lukla, the gateway to the mountain. It is due for “soft opening” to locals in the spring as the number of visitors could be limited this year because of pandemic restrictions, Gustafsson said. Products and artwork will be displayed to raise environmental awareness, or sold as souvenirs with the proceeds going to conservation of the region, he said.