Plogging: Eco-friendly Exercise

Jogging is good for your health, and picking up litter is good for Earth's health. Combine the two and you've got a viral fitness trend.

Plogging is an eco-friendly exercise from Sweden that combines 'jogging' and 'plocka upp', which is Swedish for 'pick up'. Plogging is amazing because it's a simple and fun way to clean up our communities. All you need is your running gear and a trash bag.

Why is plogging such a big deal? Litter has a TON of consequences, including government costs. It's estimated that $11.5 billion are spent each year on clean-up. Also, let's not forget the Texas-sized 'island' of trash in the Pacific Ocean...

If you're not sold on plogging yet, consider this:

• You're simultaneously keep yourself and your environment healthy.

• Many public parks and running trails already have trash bins.

• Are you a part of Kalamazoo Area Runners? Integrate plogging into your next session.

• You can turn plogging into a profit by turning in recyclables for 10 cents!

• Plogging also integrates squatting to your workout when you pick up trash. According to Lifesum, plogging burns 288 calories in just 30 minutes.

Show us your plogging progress and raise awareness with #KalamazooPlogging.