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

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)

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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.

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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. 

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.

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

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

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

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

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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!

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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.

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

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