No – that’s not a typo. Plogging is one of the newest exercise crazes that not only benefits you, but our Earth as well. Leave it to Sweden, the very purposeful and organized country, to come up with the concept of plogging, which is a way to combine jogging and picking up litter. In 2016, Swedes began to practice this form of exercise which is a combo of jogging and bending, stretching and squatting, all while making our Earth a cleaner place to live. This latest exercise trend has been embraced by the Keep America Beautiful organization and last year they kicked off their plogging initiative with a Trash Dash.
What’s needed to plog? To plog effectively, you should wear your basic, comfortable workout clothes and simply add a pair of work gloves and bring along a bag, or bags, to effectively collect and dispose of your plogging “treasures.” Also, plog in the daytime so you can see what you’re picking up.
Consider plogging when you’re offsite enjoying the public beaches, trails, and paths near our beautiful campgrounds. Be aware of restrictions and guidelines wherever you go, but if it’s OK, plog along and pick up some trash. We’re certain Mother Earth would thank you.
Beach Plogging:
Old Orchard Beach: Last year, volunteers collected 500 pounds of trash on this historic Maine beach. Next time you visit Next time you visit Pinehirst RV Campground or Moody Beach RV Campground take a stroll on the beach and plog, plog, plog.
Oregon Beaches: If you’re camping in Oregon on July 5, take advantage of the plogging craze and participate in the Spring Oregon Beach Cleanup. Visit solveoregon.org to download an app to track litter data. In the past decade, SOLVE volunteers have picked up nearly 4,000 tons of debris from Oregon beaches. Visit Cannon Beach when staying at Seaside RV Campground and see what plogging opportunities you can find.
Santa Barbara Beaches: Plan ahead and make a day of beach clean-up whilst making plogging part of your vacation agenda. The Santa Barbara Parks Division allows groups of 10 or more to sign up for beach litter pick-up. Note that you must commit four hours, but if you plan ahead, you can get the group involved and the four hours will fly by. Visit www.countyofsb.org for information and don’t forget to practice social distancing when applicable. Make Rancho Oso RV Campground your HQ for your SB beach plog event.
Trail Plogging:
On September 20, litter pickers and ploggers alike can participate in National Clean Up Day, which is a day dedicated to cleaning up our national parks, trails, beaches, mountainsides, and open spaces. Plogging events are included in this national cleanup day. For information and events near you, visit www.nationalcleanupday.org.