World Plogging Day Is Social Distance Approved on the SouthCoast

Earth Day is Wednesday, April 22. The COVID-19 coronavirus has postponed or canceled annual celebrations for this year, but there are other ways to take care of our Earth that weekend. According to a press release from The Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District (ERICD), World Plogging Day is Saturday, April 25.

Jessica Freedman is from Tiverton and sits on the ERICD Board of Directors. “Plogging is a combination of jogging with picking up litter (Swedish: plocka upp),” explains Freedman. “It started as an organized activity in Sweden around 2016 and spread to other countries in 2018, following increased concern about plastic pollution.”

Countries around the world are encouraging residents to support their community and rid the environment of littler. While plogging is for those who choose to jog, placking is meant for those who opt to walk. It really doesn’t matter which one you decide to do as long as you get out and try to make your corner of the world a little more beautiful than the way you found it.

ERICD is holding a contest/fundraiser on World Plogging Day, and this one is social distance approved. Simply jog or walk anywhere while picking up trash in order to support the environment. Make sure you are taking the necessary precautions before heading out to participate in this program. You will need a bag and a glove, and it is best to wear a mask as well.

Click HERE to register. Those who donate to ERICD with an entry will be eligible to win a prize. “A gift card will be awarded for three categories,” said Freedman. “Best plog/plack selfie, most trash collected, and most interesting find.”

Either during or after your plogging adventure, be sure to send your photos to ERICD, tagging them on Facebook as well.