Plogging

A recent talk, “Trash Talk: What Plogging Teaches Us About Age and Activism” provided interesting insights into several important topics. The following article outlines some of those insights about ageism, eco-activism, physical activity, and what, exactly, is plogging. Read on to learn more.

What is Plogging?

Plogging is running while picking up trash. The activity originated in Sweden and its name is a portmanteau of two terms, jogga translated as jogging and plocka up translated as picking up litter. (Plogging.org)      

People may also walk, skateboard, cycle, or be on the water while picking and removing trash from the landscape. Clean Trails reports that every day, approximately 20,000 people plogg in over 100 countries.

Plogging serves as leisure, physical activity, eco-activism, and even sport in some nations. Equipment ranges from gloves and bags to buckets and grocery carts. People also tailor the intensity of the physical activity and litter pickup. Some people focus on long distances for their run or use interval training where they run for certain periods and take a recovery period to pick up litter. Others focus on the volume of litter they aim to collect.

As one of the goals is to help the health of the planet, some people will also separate trash from recycling to increase the benefits by ensuring recycling stays out of landfills.

What do we know about plogging in Canada?

Part of the discussion at the event was about a study on plogging in Eastern Canada. One of the study leads, Dr. Kelsey Harvey was a featured speaker. Dr. Harvey indicated that there was a lack of research on plogging in Canada and that the study aimed to fill this gap.

How was the study conducted?

The researchers used ethnographic methods, that is, methods of observing a group or individuals in their natural environment. This included go-along interviews where researchers tagged along with participants who were plogging. Observations, field notes, and photographs helped complete the data collected.

The study included 19 participants from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Ontario. Ranging in age from 23-82, the majority identified as women, with diverse religious and political backgrounds as well as coming from a mix of urban, suburban, and rural areas.

What did the study show about intergenerational dynamics for ploggers?

There is a tendency for media to portray eco-activism as the domain of younger generations. Either implying or stating outright that younger generations blame older generations for climate change and a lack of action to remedy the situation. Further, there can be an assumption that older generations are not willing to take action or make sacrifices to protect the environment. Older participants in the study acknowledged that their generation had privileges and increased consumerism but rejected the idea that older people do not care about the future of the planet.

Eco-ageism is the intersection of ageism and ecological activism or pursuits in nature. It employs stereotypes of older people as disinterested in environmental actions and therefore can lead to older people being excluded from discussions about the natural world and environmental contexts.

By contrast, the findings of the study indicated that both younger and older participants expressed concerns about the environment and a shared sense of responsibility to find ways to help the health of the planet. Intergenerational solidarity is often observed in plogging communities, where the community is a mix of ages and close interpersonal connections form among the members. Findings also supported counter-narratives that showed inclusion of older people and collaboration amongst different generations. Plogging communities’ welcome older people as well as children leading to intergenerational learning and mutual empowerment.

What did the findings show about learning and literacy?

Findings suggest participants developed their eco-literacy skills through plogging by finding litter in their environment and responding by finding a way to remove it. This increased their understanding and connection to the natural systems.

Plogging also developed their physical literacy skills as plogging can require bodily adaptation, balance, strength, and cognitive engagement. For example, people may need to bend down to pick up litter requiring balance and strength; they may also need to remember where they saw litter when doing interval training to come back and get the trash during a recovery period.

How did participants view the community impact of plogging?

Findings suggest that participants view plogging as a source of community pride and as a way to motivate others by leading by example. Participants framed plogging as a civic responsibility.

With the idea being that others seeing plogging activities and a cleaner physical space may be encouraged to participate or lead to behaviour change in the community. Others may want to join in or perhaps participate in ways that prevent littering in the first place.

What are some implications of the study?

The researchers advocate for collective, intergenerational activism as essential to combatting eco-ageism and environmental problems. This study and other research show that there are no true generational divides related to seeing the need for environmental action. Dr. Harvey suggests attention can be placed instead on issues such as capitalism and consumerism versus there being a blaming of a group by their age.

The findings also support including older people in conversations about the environment as they are as engaged and committed to finding ways to help the environment as any other group that calls this planet home.

What are some benefits of plogging?

Whether you're a first-time plogger or an experienced one, there are many reasons to plog (or palk, which is picking up trash for walkers).

Marnie Kunz, certified run coach and trainer cites many benefits, including:

• Improves heart health. Whether you walk, hike, or run and pick up trash, you will enjoy the rewards of cardiovascular exercise, strengthening your heart.
• Helps clean the environment. Picking up litter removes waste from the environment, making your neighbourhood cleaner and safer for all to enjoy.
• Boosts fitness and burns calories. One hour of plogging burns an average of 288 calories and improves your fitness.
• Mentally rewarding. In a time where many problems in the world feel beyond our control, ploggers can go out and take action. It’s very satisfying to help the environment with concrete steps. And the feel-good hormones released by running are icing on the cake!

What about plogging in Calgary?

In 2025, a plogging event celebrating Earth Day was held by Run Calgary. Organizers provided gloves and garbage bags as well as a guide leading runners through a 30-minute plogging session. Though you don’t need an organized group for plogging, having a community working towards helping the health of the earth while helping the health of people could be one way to get plogging going in our city.

Given the findings of the study, organized events could help people of all ages connect, stay safe with gloves and garbage receptacles, and help beautify parts of Calgary.

Plogging is an example of an inventive way to take action for the environment. It gives people an opportunity to engage in multi-tasking in the best possible way: getting the benefits of being outside, getting physical activity, helping the environment, and potentially connecting with others to do the same. So, plogg on!

CALL does not have any current groups focused on plogging but does have a great walking group: Tuesday Walks in the City of Calgary. 

The theme of the group is to enjoy a variety of walks while engaging in conversation with fellow CALL members, discovering new pathways and observing the natural and built environment within our city. 

On May 19, 2026, this CALL walking group celebrates its 10th anniversary of providing healthy exercise and friendship to its members.  As lifelong learners these healthy and fit group members have immersed themselves in the history of Calgary whilst exploring unique geographical features of the City's communities.

Learn more

Plogging

I Tried Plogging: Heres' How to do it. Marnie Kunz

Linking through litter: CBU researcher finds that plogging unites millennials and boomers.
Cape Breton Post. Christopher Connors
Published Jun 06, 2025Last updated Jun 06, 2025

Curious about intergenerational relationships?  Read these Blog posts

Ageism-Youthism

Intergenerational Programs: Antidote to Ageism?

Author

Maureen Osis

Maureen retired from her career -- first as a Gerontological Nurse and then as a Marriage/Family Therapist in private practice working with mid-life and older adults. Maureen has published numerous articles and books related to both professions. She is a member of CALL because she is passionate about learning. She is a volunteer with CALL, doing social media and the primary author of the blog because she likes to face new challenges.

Learn more about CALL

Check out the Interest Groups offered to CALL members.

Learn more about membership in CALL.

Questions/Feedback? Please contact us.

info@calgarylifelonglearners.ca

Follow us on Facebook