Taking an initiative to fight climate change is necessary, and sometimes only one small step like Plogging can make a world of difference.
There are many ways to help our planet breathe and live better. You can take initiative to either add something, like planting trees, or you can start by removing or discarding harmful things like plastic waste and litter. Taking on the challenge of removing litter from roads was one Swedish man, Erik Ahlström.
Disclaimer: All content in this post is for general health information only. Please consult a specialist physician before trying any new exercise, diet, or health advice. There are no affiliate links attached to this post. I do not get any commission if you join the Plogging community, organize a Plogging event in your city, or donate funds to fight climate change.
Post Contents
- What is Plogging?
- When and how did Plogging started?
- Is Plogging a good workout?
- How does Plogging impact an individual, a family, and a community?
What is Plogging?
Plogging is picking litter from the street while jogging.
“Plogga (or plogging) is the basis of a collective name where we want to change the setting and get everyone to become “Proud litter pickers”.
There are different ways to do Plogging, and jogging is just one way to do it. But you can also do Plogging while walking, cycling, sailing, or even on a golf course.
When and how did Plogging started?
Erik Ahlstrom, the founder of Plogging, describes on his website that on a cycling trip to work, he noticed that the streets were littered with plastic waste and cigarette butts. It continued to pile up for weeks without anyone bothering to remove it. He took the initiative and started picking up the litter as he walked, and he felt good about contributing something to fight climate change.
Started in 2016 as an individual initiative from Sweden, Plogging has become a global movement.
“Since then, over 3 million people have participated in organized or solo ploggas. Every day, approximately 20,000 people plog in over 100 countries.”
Many international organizations have embraced Plogging like CleanUps.org, theplasticrunner.com, etc.
Is Plogging a good workout?
Jogging is a wonderful cardio workout, and when you pick up trash while jogging, it has many added benefits. Various exercises that are part of Plogging include squatting, hiking, diving, stretching, and lunges. It gives runners or walkers some time to rest when picking up trash and putting it in the trash bag. It also improves arm strength from carrying the trash bag while Plogging.
“Half an hour of plogging will burn 288 calories on average – compared to just 235 calories from regular jogging.”
How does Plogging impact an individual, a family, and a community?
Here’s an inspiring photograph of Japanese fans cleaning the Ahmad bin Ali stadium after the conclusion of the 2022 Soccer World Cup that took place in Qatar. They’re not aware of Plogging, but keeping their city clean is part of their daily ritual or mind-body discipline.
I call it Japanese mind-body discipline because maintaining cleanliness at home, in the office, or anywhere, is believed to bring good Chi or positive vibes. In other words, decluttering our work desk or any place also brings clarity of mind and keeps toxic thoughts away. A dust-free home keeps germs away.
Adapting Plogging to your lifestyle means making a conscious effort to keep our streets and nature trash-free. It also means becoming a responsible citizen. When you stop mindlessly throwing things away, when you pick trash and throw it in the bin, your children will naturally adopt healthy habits. Then climate change will not be just another chapter in their books but a reality that needs urgency. Your kids will become more mindful of their habits of waste.
Final Thoughts
Changing habits brings growth, which is part of the evolution of human beings. Replacing mindless junk with positive habits like Plogging allows us to reconnect with our environment. Plogging can be easily incorporated into our lives. You can do solo Plogging as well as become part of a Plogging community.
If you are interested in finding out more information about Plogging or want to participate in Plogging event, you can visit the link provided in the reference section.
References
Interview with Erik Ahlström, creator of plogging, 10 FEBRUARY 2019.
strongfitnessmoves 
I didn’t know what plugging was before this post but it seems like a great way to help the environment.
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Plogging is so easy that anyone can and should do it whenever possible. One person’s positive initiative can help the whole world.
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