Plogging Crosses the Pond and Picks Up in US

Have you ever been out for a run or walk, and picked up an empty water bottle, can or other trash that had been discarded on the roadside? Then, you’ve been “plogging.”

Plogging comes from the Swedish word “plogga”, which means to “pick up.” Combine that with jogging and you get “plogging”, the eco-fitness trend that’s made its way across Europe and is now hitting Hudson, Ohio. One of the great things about plogging is that it is family-friendly and accessible to all fitness levels.

I’m very pleased to announce GoGreenGo.org is partnering with Renewable Hudson, and supported by the UK group Plogolution, to plan the first ever Hudson Plog on Sunday, April 7, at 10:30am. The event will feature a 4.5 mile running course and a family-friendly 1.5 mile walking course.

When I’m out for a run, or walking the dog, I’m always picking up litter. It’s quite shocking really how much there is, even in little Hudson, Ohio, where things are pretty “clean” and community pride is evident. The sad fact is, litter, intentional or accidental, is a constant problem.

I heard about plogging about a year ago, and thought it would be fun and rewarding to plan an organized event and drum up community support and awareness. After posting a note on Twitter, I received a response from the team at Plogolution, and the planning began.

Plogolution is an organization started in the UK by Michelle Parkes and Dermot Kavanagh. In addition to being fitness fanatics, they are both greatly concerned about the environment. They were looking for ways to blend their love of physical activity with care for the environment, and Plogolution was born. They now hold large scale plog events all over England, and are eager to bring their knowledge to the US.