We have Celebrate Earth Day every April 22 since its inception in 1970. This holiday reminds people to take care of their environment in their communities.
Are you looking for ways to celebrate Earth Day in your community? Have you ever thought about plogging, a fitness trend?
What is it?
This Swedish trend stems out of the idea that exercising and picking up trash are two things. The term combines the words jogging (or plockaupp), which in Swedish refers to picking up.
It gained popularity in 2016, however, people have been practicing it for many years and continue to do so.
People taking out trash.
Michael Bain, manager of the store Big River Running CompanySt. Louis MO, discussed the event that was a success for Earth Day 2021.
Last year, one of our weekly evening group runs was transformed into a plogging competition. We ran our regular route, which included Francis Park, and picked up trash along it. Although they didn’t keep track of how much trash they accumulated several bags were full.
Grab your trash bag and gloves
Plogging doesn’t require much equipment. Bain suggests using a trash bag and gloves to handle the trash. Perhaps some hand soap.
He suggests that you choose a course with many trashcans to keep your items to a minimum. You can pick up trash as you go by going to a local park. There are no planned group events at the moment, but they will be added in the future.
Global plogging
This isn’t a local initiative. It is a global initiative. Need some motivation? There are many websites and social media blogs that practice plogging in their local communities.
Ripu Daman Beli, an Indian, saw a gap in his community and decided to fill it. He began by picking litter up during his morning run. He then shared his activities with his Facebook group.
From there, it attracted other runners, cyclists, walkers, and joggers across India and they formed Ploggers of India, where cleaning up other peoples litter is the coolest thing to do. Bevli is a volunteer who has helped organize more than 500 clean up drives across India.
To pick up trash in the neighborhood, one doesn’t need to attend a large event or holiday. Make it part your routine.
Here’s an example of materials that can be used for plogging.
A couple of plastic grocery bags can be tied to your dog’s leash. You can also keep some gloves in your running belt. Keep the hand sanitizer in a running bag. You can make a difference every day by doing small things.
