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What is plogging? -

Plogging is a sustainable fitness trend that involves jogging while picking up litter. The practice is simple, yet remarkably beneficial.

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Origins -

Plogging originated in Sweden in 2016. From there it spread like wildfire: today there are more than 20,000 ploggers across more than 100 countries.

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The word itself -

Coined by Swedish athlete Erik Ahlström, the term "plogging" combines the word "jogging" with the Swedish term plocka upp ("to pick up").

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Various benefits -

Plogging offers a number of benefits for both the environment and the health of the person performing it.

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Huge potential -

With more and more people taking up running each day, just think of the impact they could have on the environment if they all took up plogging!

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Simple concept -

One of the main attractions of plogging is its simplicity. While a person is out jogging, they are encouraged to pick up the litter they find along their route.

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How it works -

The plogger should carry a small bag or receptacle to contain the garbage they find. This way they don’t have to keep stopping to dispose of it.

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On your own or with others -

Plogging can be enjoyed as a solo exercise, or it can be done as part of an organized event called a plogga.

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Not exclusive to running -

Environmentally-conscious exercise doesn’t have to end with running, either. In fact, members of the plogging community are keen to ensure it doesn’t.

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Other activities -

Ask any keen plogger and they’ll tell you it’s possible to pick up litter while doing all sorts of other activities, including walking, skateboarding, and cycling.

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Environmental benefits -

The main environmental benefit of plogging is that it helps reduce the amount of waste around us.

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Progress already made -

According to one recent study, the amount of litter on the streets in the US has decreased by 54% since 2009. This is great progress.

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Room for improvement -

However, there is still a lot of room for improvement, as shown by the Keep America Beautiful 2020 National Litter Study.

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In 2020 - This study found that in 2020 there were still 50 billion pieces of litter along US roadways and waterways.

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Statistics -

It also found that there were 152 litter items on the street per US resident, and 2,000 pieces of litter per mile (1.6 km).

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Making a contribution -

Plogging encourages people to focus on this problem and contribute in a very real way in the mission to reduce the amount of litter out in the world.

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Efficient workout -

Plogging is also a very efficient form of exercise. Incorporating jogging and squatting, it is both a cardiovascular and a strength workout.

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Benefits of jogging -

The benefits of jogging alone include better cardiovascular fitness, improved mental health, and slower bone loss.

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Top tips -

If you are interested in plogging, here are some useful tips to get you started. First up, try plogging in a group.

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Go plogging with others -

Many people find it more enjoyable to exercise in the company of others. Moreover, it can be helpful to practice with others when first getting started.

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Combine with other exercises -

It is also a good idea to combine your plogging with other exercises, such as squatting or bending one leg.

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Combine with other exercises -

Bear in mind that bending down improves articulation of the hip, adductor muscles, and ankle. The more you perform this movement, the better.

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Swap arms -

When it comes to carrying your litter bag or receptacle, try to swap between your arms so as to avoid straining one side of your body.

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Wear gloves -

It is always a good idea to wear gloves, in order to keep your hands clean and safe from any bacteria that may be lurking on the trash you collect.

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Wear bright colors -

From a safety perspective, it is also a good idea to wear bright colors, particularly if you are going out for a session at dusk or nighttime.

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Make it a competition -

If you do decide to go plogging with others, it can be fun to introduce an element of competition.

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Make it a competition -

Try playing in teams and competing to see which team can pick up the most litter in the shortest time.

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At the end of the session -

At the end of the session, gather together everything you have collected and take it to the nearest recycling point.

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Share on social media -

Last but not least, don’t forget to share your plogging activity with your followers on social media.

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Spreading the word -

By taking photos of your sessions and sharing them on social media, you can encourage others to get involved and help grow the movement.

Sources: (Verywell Health) (Plogga)

See also: Simple exercise habits that help you live longer

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