There is a plogging challenge going on with the Tunza members and I wanted to find out more about plogging. Plogging is a term invented by Erik Ahlström referring to the act of picking up trash and litter while jogging. It is a blend of the Swedish term “plocka upp”, which means to pick up, and jogging.

It started as an organized activity in Sweden around 2016 and spread to other countries in 2018, following increased concern about plastic pollution. As a workout, it provides variation in body movements by adding bending, squatting and stretching to the main action of running, hiking, or walking.

There are many benefits to plogging. It raises self-esteem. It makes you feel better thinking that you’re taking care of nature and doing something for the environment. It lowers the risk of heart problems and increases lung capacity and improves digestion. It increases energy and physical ability and helps you keep fit.

I did plogging twice around my neighborhood last year. It was more plalking(walking) than plogging(jogging), but I was out there to clean up. I always thought my neighborhood was fairly clean. But when I started to walk around the neighborhood with a plastic bag in my hand, I was surprised to find so many plastic coffee cups with straw left on benches and walls, and so many cigarette butts thrown on the ground. It didn’t take much time for me to fill the plastic bag. People should be aware of not leaving the plastic cups or water bottles in public places. I think plogging, pliking, or plalking are good ways for you to exercise and do good for the environment near you.