Plogging

A woman bending to pick up litter while a man jogs alongside, with a garbage bag, at a plogging event

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The result of 1 h of plogging

The result of 1 h of plogging

Error creating thumbnail:

The result of 1 h of plogging

Plogging is a physical activity that combines jogging with picking up litter. Originating in Sweden around 2016, the term is a portmanteau of "plocka upp," Swedish for "pick up," and "jogging." This eco-friendly exercise not only benefits the individual's health through jogging but also contributes to environmental conservation by cleaning up litter along jogging routes. Plogging has gained international popularity, spreading from Sweden to other countries around the world, encouraging communities to engage in physical activity while taking part in environmental preservation efforts.

History

The concept of plogging is believed to have been started by Erik Ahlström upon his relocation to Stockholm from a skiing resort town in Sweden. Noticing the litter on the streets during his daily jogs, Ahlström began picking it up along the way, thereby initiating the first informal plogging events. The activity quickly gained momentum, with organized plogging events popping up across Sweden and then globally, as the idea spread through social media and environmental groups.

Environmental Impact

Plogging addresses the growing concern over pollution and plastic waste in the environment. By collecting litter during jogging sessions, participants help to reduce the presence of plastics and other waste in nature, which can harm wildlife and pollute waterways. The environmental impact of plogging is twofold: it helps to clean up local communities and raises awareness about the amount of litter produced and discarded in public spaces.

Health Benefits

In addition to its environmental benefits, plogging offers a range of health advantages. It combines the cardiovascular exercise of jogging with the bending and squatting motions of picking up trash, providing a more varied physical activity than jogging alone. This can lead to improved agility, strength, and endurance. Furthermore, the act of contributing positively to the environment can also have psychological benefits, including increased feelings of community and accomplishment.

Plogging Events

Plogging events are organized worldwide by various environmental groups, running clubs, and community organizations. These events often involve groups of people jogging through a predetermined route, picking up litter along the way, and sometimes culminating in a group sorting of the collected waste for recycling. Such events not only amplify the environmental impact of plogging but also foster a sense of community and shared purpose among participants.

Equipment and Safety

The basic equipment needed for plogging includes a pair of gloves to protect the hands from dirt and potential sharp objects, a bag for collecting litter, and appropriate jogging attire. Participants are advised to be mindful of their safety, especially when plogging in areas with traffic or on uneven terrain. It is also important to properly dispose of the collected litter, ideally by recycling appropriate materials.

In Popular Culture

Plogging has been featured in various media outlets, highlighting its positive environmental and health impacts. It has been promoted by celebrities and influencers who encourage their followers to take part in plogging activities. The activity has also been integrated into environmental campaigns and initiatives by organizations looking to combine fitness with environmental activism.

See Also

• Environmentalism
• Sustainable living
• Waste management
• Physical fitness