March CleanPlanet Day: A Sacred Hike, A Sacred Mission

When you think of CleanPlanet Day, you might picture a beach cleanup or a city park pickup.

But this March? We took it to another level—literally.

This CleanPlanet Day was unlike any other. I was deep in the Colombian jungle, practicing Ramadan while serving as a translator for a four-day trek to one of the most magical places on Earth: Ciudad Perdida, the Lost City.

We set out on Friday, with the hot sun overhead and a winding, mountainous trail stretching before us. 18 kilometers on day one. Backpack on. Water strapped tight. Fasting from sunrise to sunset. Challenge accepted.

CleanPlanet Day, Jungle Edition

Saturday was CleanPlanet Day—and while the rest of the world was hosting their local events, I was hiking with a group through the lush mountains, headed for our next base camp.

Instead of gloves and bags, we had pockets and backpacks. And as we walked, we picked up any trash we found along the trail.

Surprising discovery:

Despite being a popular tourist trail, the path was remarkably clean.

It was comforting and inspiring to see that this sacred land was being respected by those who walk it.

Still, there were a few rogue pieces of trash—water bottle caps, candy wrappers—and without hesitation, we scooped them up. I tucked them safely into my pockets and backpack, planning to carry them out and dispose of them properly once we finished our hike.

Why This Felt So Powerful

This wasn’t just a cleanup. It was a pilgrimage.

Connecting with the land as we walked ancient trails built centuries ago.

Connecting with the indigenous tribes who have guarded these mountains for generations.

Practicing discipline and devotion—not just in my fast, but in my stewardship of the Earth.

CleanPlanet Day isn't just about picking up trash. It's about honoring the places we visit, respecting nature’s sacredness, and leaving every space better than we found it—even when it’s inconvenient, even when it’s hard, even when no one is watching.

Quick Facts: Ciudad Perdida and the Guardians of the Land

Ciudad Perdida ("Lost City") was built around 800 AD by the Tairona civilization—making it older than Machu Picchu!

The hike covers about 47 kilometers (round trip) through the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, one of the world’s most biodiverse mountain ranges.

The area is still home to indigenous groups like the Kogi, Arhuaco, Wiwa, and Kankuamo, who consider the Sierra Nevada the "Heart of the World."

Visitors must respect strict environmental and cultural guidelines to protect the land and honor the tribes' ancestral wisdom.

What This March Taught Me

You don't need a big crowd or a giant cleanup event to make a difference.

Sometimes, change happens quietly.

It's the candy wrapper you pick up on the trail.

The respectful way you walk through sacred land.

The invisible promise you make to the Earth:

"I will care for you, even when no one is looking."

Join Us

Our next CleanPlanet Day will be at the end of April.

Whether you're hiking a mountain, walking your neighborhood, or traveling across the world, you can be part of this movement.

It starts with a simple choice: leave every place better than you found it.

Together, step by step, bag by bag, heart by heart—we're healing the Earth.