in 2020, Malou Monago, native of Sweden, introduced us to the concept of plogging. Created in Sweden, plogging is a combination of jogging and "plocka upp" which is Swedish for picking up litter. For a more in-depth backstory check out this short video:
Plogging - How fitness can save the climate
In the time since our first plog in the fall of 2020 we’ve collected, and kept out of our lake a LOT of cigarette butts, cigar tips, cups, plastic lids, aluminum cans, takeout containers, paper, clothing, stuffed animals, and crazy amounts of broken pieces of plastic and plastic packaging.
In 2022, we’re expanding our plogging reach by increasing the number of times we plog. Our Second Saturday Plog is held on the second Saturday morning of each month and our Fourth Wednesday Plog is held on the fourth Wednesday evening of each month. From time to time we might also do Pop-Up Plogs and gather for a glass of wine or a beer afterwards on someone’s patio. To RSVP for a plogging event please click here.
For more information on the how-tos of Plogging and why it’s so important for the health of our neighborhood, our lake and our planet please read on.
Photo credit: A. Sharb
Pro-tip: Bring along a separate bag to capture aluminum cans for recycling or donation to the Aluminum Cans for Burned Children program.
If we don’t pick up the litter we see on the sidewalks, tree-lawns and streets and divert it to the landfill, that litter will likely get flushed from our streets into the storm drains and into our lake. In 2020 the Rochester Institute of Technology estimated that Lake Erie is harboring 381 metric tons of plastic. That plastic is breaking down every day into microplastics.
Lake Erie already has one of the highest concentrations of microplastics pollution in the world and rivals the dirtiest part of the world's oceans per Sheri Mason of Penn State. Plogging, like cleaning up the beach and shoreline, allows you to have a direct and positive impact on our neighborhood and our lake. The best part is that these activities can be done by anyone and take very little gear.
Plogging, plalking (picking up litter while walking) or pliking (yes, you can do this riding your bike as well) all benefit our environment. In addition, every time you bend down to pick something up, you are performing a squat with a benign motion. So you are not only benefitting our neighborhood, you are benefitting your body as well! Plogging can also be a great group activity. Just get together with some friends and determine the area you want to clean up. After you've finished, retreat to your patio and celebrate you accomplishment, following all COVID guidelines of course!
That’s pretty much it.
Though not 'gear', you may also want to bring a friend or family member along too, to help normalize the experience and make it more fun. Setting a goal for your plog or plalk, such as 15 minutes, or four blocks, or a full bag will help you know when you’ve been successful. We tend to plog in pairs so there’s someone to talk with and share your “special finds” with!
We discovered a 5 gallon bucket works well for all types of litter. Handled paper grocery bags, work well for dry litter. A plastic bag can also work.
As for picking up the litter, a heavy pair of gloves should protect your hands from sharp objects you encounter (please follow this guidance for dealing with discarded syringes)
If bending over is tough on your back you may want to consider a litter grabber like these suggested by Rolling Stone: