Have you plogged today? Haven't? Then it's about time. It's well known by now that running is good for your health. Enthusiastic joggers have now found a way to do something good for the environment while enjoying their hobby. This new trend from Scandinavia combines jogging with "plocka," or "picking."
What is plogging anyway?
Here, everything that doesn't belong in the environment is quickly picked, or rather, collected. During plogging, groups of environmentally conscious runners, equipped with gloves and garbage bags, fan out and clean up trash along their running routes in parks, forests, and even urban areas. The trash is then disposed of in appropriate waste containers for recycling.
Is this even a sport?! Of course!
Running through the woods with a garbage bag takes some getting used to at first, but it has many benefits. The exercise is physically demanding and less one-sided than jogging. It also raises awareness of the condition of local recreational areas and green spaces. Instead of simply whizzing by, plogging helps you notice where action is needed. The speeding garbage collectors, especially in groups, are not only effective but also very fast – and they attract attention.
Plogging encourages participation
Especially in places where plogging is still a new phenomenon, some people stop and wonder—and perhaps even join in. Because groups that set a good example quickly find others to follow. It's a win-win situation. As a combination of sport, environmental commitment, and social activity, plogging is enjoying increasing popularity in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Use social media – for the environment
The movement owes this primarily to the fact that there's even a special app for it: with "Lifesum," ploggers can share their successes in before-and-after views. This not only trains new muscle groups, but also raises awareness of how much action needs to be taken. For many ploggers, it's then only a small step from eliminating waste to avoiding it.
Sweden is also leading the way here. Several hundred plogging events have already taken place across the country, and enthusiastic imitators are emerging worldwide. Plogging is taking place not only in Europe, but also in Costa Rica, Thailand, and African countries.
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NIKIN thinks plogging is cool
Although at NIKIN we primarily focus on sustainable materials in the fashion industry and combat global deforestation, it's important to think sustainably in other areas of life as well. We want to motivate people to rethink their lifestyles and, if possible, make them more sustainable. Plogging is a recent phenomenon from Sweden in which joggers collect trash during their runs. It's a physical activity that benefits both people and the environment. When will you join us?
