Ever heard of plogging? Not only is it a new fitness trend, but it also does wonders for the environment. Plogging, a combination of “plocka upp” (Swedish for “pick up”) and “jogging,” involves picking up trash while jogging. Originating in Sweden, the eco-friendly activity has quickly spread globally, uniting communities in a shared mission for environmental sustainability. But what is it about plogging that has struck a global chord? How is it making a difference? Let’s find out.
What Exactly is Plogging?
Plogging is a simple yet powerful concept. While out jogging, you collect litter – in parks, along streets, beside rivers, essentially anywhere you jog. It’s a small act with a big impact: promoting fitness and a cleaner environment at the same time.
The Birth of Plogging
Created by Erik Ahlström, plogging started as an organized activity in Stockholm around 2016. When Ahlström moved from the mountainous region of Åre to Stockholm, he was troubled by the city’s litter problem and decided to do something about it. He combined his love for running with his commitment to the environment and thus, plogging was born.
How Did Plogging Gain Worldwide Attention?
Ahlström began organizing plogging events and soon, the trend spread throughout Sweden and beyond its borders. It didn’t take long before the initiative found its way to social media platforms and went viral. The #Plogging Instagram hashtag now has over 100,000 posts, stretching across continents and uniting people across cultural, social, and even language divides.
The Benefits of Plogging
Environmental Impact
One significant benefit of plogging is its positive impact on the environment. Every piece of litter picked up is one less piece polluting our world. The collective effort of ploggers worldwide can make a substantial difference in reducing waste, especially plastic, in our natural environments.
Health and Fitness
Aside from environmental benefits, plogging is a fantastic way to stay fit. The act of stopping and bending or squatting to pick up trash adds an extra dimension to regular jogging. It’s a full-body workout that promotes agility, strength, and endurance—resulting in increased calorie burn and muscle tone.
How Can You Join the Plogging Movement?
It’s easy to become a plogger! All you need are running gear, a bag for the trash, and a pair of gloves. Go out jogging as you normally would, but with the added mission of picking up trash along your route. You can plogg alone, with a friend, or join a local plogging group.
Why Not Start a Plogging Event in Your Community?
Organizing a community plogging event can be a fun and effective way to engage your local community in environmental stewardship and fitness. It is also an excellent opportunity to educate people, especially children, about the importance of cleanliness and recycling.
Conclusion: Plogging – A Simple Solution to a Complex Problem
The Swedish concept of plogging is a prime example of a simple solution to a complex problem. It creatively addresses the global issues of pollution and sedentary lifestyles. While the act of picking up one piece of trash might seem insignificant, the collective effort of thousands of ploggers around the world can lead to profound changes. So, the next time you go out for a run, why not give plogging a try?
