This Old Runner Writes About Running

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)

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.

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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Pasta Instead of Plastic Straws

11/18/2019

This isn't running related, but it's too good not to share. This restaurant chain in Italy uses bucatini pasta as straws. (Watch video).

In the UK, Stroodles makes pasta straws for the hospitality industry. GoSili silicone straws from Michigan and metal straws are popular around here.

This idea is brilliant. Get yourself some bucatini pasta instead of using plastic straws. If that's not feasible, invest a couple of bucks into reusable silicone or metal straws.

Bottom line: every little bit helps! File this under, "Why didn't we think of this sooner?"

What is Plogging?

4/27/2018

Have you heard about Plogging? There's been a lot of it going around here lately in celebration of Earth Day. Yet, it's a great idea any time of year.

The word "Plogging" is a combination of "jogging" and "plocka upp," a Swedish term for picking up. It refers to stopping to pick up trash while you run. It's a nice way to reduce litter and show appreciation for the places where we run and walk outside.

FlipBelt Crops are great for plogging graphic.

I realized while running trails that if I'm wearing FlipBelt Crops I can stash trash in the 360º pockets. I grabbed this wrapper and an empty water bottle on my trail run. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Plogging Started in Sweden

People have been plogging in European countries for a while. Now, the idea is getting popular with U.S. runners. The first Facebook group, Plogga, showed up in January 2017. You can find dedicated Ploggers on Instagram, too. My favorite is Plastic_SolutionPollution.

All you need to plog is a place to put the trash you find. Take a grocery bag or a garbage bag. You may want to bring a pair of gloves. If you want to plog in a group, look for local activities organized by Keep America Beautiful.

Hand wearing rubber glove making the okay sign.

You can use disposable gloves or garden gloves to pick up trash on your run. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Picture of FlipBelt Crops with key ring and pockets.

FlipBelt Crops have plenty of room to carry a bag and gloves you'll use for plogging. They're also good for stashing random trash you find on a run when you didn't intend to plog. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Plogging on Trails vs City Streets

I spotted trash out on the trails the other day. Not cool, hikers. Not cool. Since I was wearing my FlipBelt Crops (of course!) I realized they were perfect for plogging.

It was easy to grab food wrappers and bottle caps and put them in my pockets. I decided next time I'd stash a bag and gloves in my FlipBelt Crops for a serious plogging session.

I think plogging works best on trails, or less busy suburban routes. You're able to run and pick up trash. If you're on city streets with heavy pedestrian traffic, it's more challenging. In most cities, it's lots of picking up and little running.

I've read about running groups that run first, then take 20-30 minutes afterwards to pick up trash. That's certainly an easier way to plog in the city.

Plogging Can Be a Workout

Some runners like to run a route once with an eye out for trash, then repeat the course to pick it up. I use this method when I run around a nearby lake.

However you plog, it's good for the environment, and adds stretching and squatting to your workout. In fact, the Swedish fitness app Lifesum, lists plogging as a fitness activity. If you're wondering, it burns 288 calories in 30 minutes.

Disclaimer: I received a pair of FlipBelt Crops to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

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