This Old Runner Writes About Running

Hug a Tree on Earth Day for a Chance to Win Knockaround Sunglasses!

4/21/2020

Woman hugging a tree on Earth Day while wearing Knockaround Sunglasses.

I'm hugging all the trees! (Photo: This Old Runner)

Instructions to post your photo and you could win. Photo includes different types of Knockaround Sunglasses.

Post your photo according to the directions below!

Disclaimer: I received a pair of Knockarounds to promote Plogging for Earth Day as a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews.

Two Creative Posts Will Win FREE Knockarounds

It's a great day to be a tree-hugger! April 22 is the 50th anniversary of #EarthDay!

Knockaround sunglasses and BibRave are having a contest to celebrate this special day. You can participate in #VirtualEarthDay wherever you are. It's an easy, fun activity for the whole family. Here's how it works:

FIND a tree to hug
POST your photo on Instagram of you hugging a tree
Check my Instagram stories to see all the trees I hugged!
TAG @Knockaround and @BibRave
USE the hashtag #EarthDayKnocksBR so we can find you

Post your creative tree-hugging pic by end-of-day on April 22! Knockaround and BibRave will choose the two winners who post the most creative photo. Each winner scores Knockaround shades! Happy #EarthDay everyone!

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Plogging for Earth Day: My Original Plan Versus The COVID-19 Reality

4/3/2020

Flat Lay of Pogging Kit includes sunglasses, gloves, headphones, bag, garbage picker and bright clothing.

I put together a plogging kit for my Knockaround Earth Day Challenge. It includes sunnies, gloves, bright clothes, headphones, a garbage grabber, and a reusable bag. I usually add a hat, too. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

My Original Plan was to Celebrate Earth Day

My original plan was to double-down on my usual plogging efforts. I was off and running to the beach, trails, city sidewalks, parks, and streets of my neighborhood.

Why? 'Cause it's a nice way to say thanks to Mother Earth. And this year is the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day! And, every so often I find interesting souvenirs.

Back Up a Minute -- What Exactly is Plogging?

Plogging is easy: it's the simple act of picking up trash while running. It began in Sweden, and quickly spread around the world. It's an excellent way to reduce the impact of plastics on our environment while getting a work out.

I've been plogging for as long as I've been running. When I see an abandoned wrapper or plastic bottle, I stash it in my pocket. Then, I toss it into the next available recycle bin or trash can.

That's why when Knockaround challenged me to celebrate Earth Day by plogging this April, I was all in! But then, COVID-19 changed the plogging landscape.

Photo of protective face mask discarded on an asphalt parking lot.

The things I see while running have changed. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Plogging During COVID-19

By mid-March, the items I saw during my solo runs began to change. Gloves — lots of blue and purple gloves — and protective face masks. I decided to put my bare-handed, pocket-stashing plogging on hold. I needed plogging protective wear.

Photo of blue plastic glove on the ground.

Delivery drivers and workers are dropping protective gloves. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

It's risky to plog unless you wear protective gear and take extra precautions. I'm not sure how much I'll plog. I may switch to hugging trees until the pandemic passes. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Can You Plog During a Pandemic?

Yes, but you MUST BE VERY CAREFUL. What does that mean exactly?

If you're driven and want to plog now, make sure you follow these guidelines:

Always Wear

Gloves (Gardening or Dish Gloves Work Well)
Protective Eyewear (Sunglasses)
Comfortable Clothing and Shoes
Long Sleeves to Cover Your Arms

Use a Washable Bag

Carry a Bag You Can Toss or Wash (Gear Check Bags from Races are Perfect)
Designate one fabric bag for Plogging Only. It's easier to manage a fabric bag, and it can be reused after washing in hot soapy water.

Make or Buy a Garbage Grabber

Poke Garbage with a Sharp Stick
Use a Grabber Instead of Your Hands
Stick, Push, Kick, Jab or Shovel When Possible

Never Touch Your Face Until After You're Home and Wash Your Hands

Knockaround Neon Jungle Sunglasses with protective cover sitting on a tabletop.

My eyewear of choice: Knockaround Neon Jungle sunnies. 'Cause it's a jungle out there right now! (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Closeup of Knockaround Neon Jungle sunglasses in front of an orange BibRave trucker hat.

Wear a cap and sunglasses to protect your face. And DON'T TOUCH YOUR FACE WHILE PLOGGING! (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Safety First — ALWAYS!

If you go out for a run for your mental and physical well-being you don't want to come back with a virus. (Insert Mom Voice: Use common sense while plogging so you don't catch or spread the Corona Virus.)

If you're stretching your legs in your neighborhood and see trash — pick it up only while wearing gloves or using a grabber. When you get home, throw your gloves, bag, and clothes into a hot, soapy wash cycle. Disinfect your grabber.

If Plogging Feels Risky Now, Try It Later

If plogging feels risky now, try it when COVID-19 is in our rear view mirror. It's always a good time to pick up trash and keep plastics out of our environment. Keep it in mind, and give it a try when daily life returns to normal.

If you don't want to plog, may I suggest you find a tree-filled trail or walkway and soak in the beauty? Gratitude is always a safe activity!

Wash Your Hands, Again!

Go ahead. Wash them again and use lots of soap and friction. Follow the advice from the World Health Organization on proper hand-washing.

WHO advises that washing your hands properly takes as long as singing "Happy Birthday" twice. Use their images below as a guide for good technique.

World Health Organization poster of 11 steps to use when washing hands during a pandemic like COVID-19.

How to Wash Your Hands Properly. (Credit: World Health Organization)

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