Plogging: A sustainable Solution for Trail Preservation and Environmental Love

As Team Pinikpikan, together with other trail runners from Baguio conducted their route mapping activities, they noted the increasing litter along the route.  With this, the team has planned for a Plogging and Clean-up drive activity to be held a week before the Girls Running in Trails (GRIT) – all-women trail run.

  • WHEN:  April 6, 2024 at 5:30am
  • WHERE:  Meet up at Filling Station, Camp John Hay, Baguio City
  • WHAT: Plogging activity.  Trash bags and gloves will be provided.  Please bring your own hydration and nutrition.

Here is an article about plogging written by a member of the organizing team last January 2024. (She wishes to be anonymous.)  We take inspiration on this and we hope this is just the beginning for continuing efforts like this.

In the face of escalating environmental concerns and a growing of the impact of human activity on the natural world, the concept of plogging has emerged as a powerful and practical means of preserving the beauty of trails for future generations,

Plogging, a combination of jogging and picking up litter, not only addresses the issue of trail cleanliness but also fosters a deep love and respect for the Environment.

Trails, whether through forest, along coastlines, or over the mountains, offer an opportunity to connect with nature, providing respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life. However, the increasing foot traffic in areas lead to a corresponding rise in litter and pollution, threatening the very beauty and serenity that draw people to these trails.

Plogging presents a simple and effective solution to this problem, empowering individuals to take action and make a tangible difference. By incorporating the act of cleaning into their exercise routine, ploggers actively contribute to the preservation of the trail’s pristine environment, ensuring that it remains unspoiled for future generations to enjoy.

Beyond this immediate impact on trail cleanliness, plogging instills a profound love and appreciation for the environment. As ploggers traverse the trails, they become intimately acquainted with the natural world gaining a firsthand understanding of its fragility and beauty. This direct engagement with the environment fosters a sense of responsibility and stewardship, prompting individuals to consider their actions and their broader impact on the planet. Plogging thus becomes a catalyst for environmental consciousness, inspiring a deeper connection with nature and a commitment to its preservation.

The GRIT Baguio will be led by Ybeth Velo, a seasoned and decorated trail runner with Louie Ganayan, VP of Philtra who is likewise one of the OGs of trail running.

Moreover, plogging serves as a communal activity that unites individuals in a shared goal of environment protection. As groups of ploggers come together to clean the trails, a sense of camaraderie and collective purpose emerge, creating a supportive and empowering environment. This shared experience not only strengthens social bonds but also amplifies the impact of their efforts, as the combined actions of many contribute to a significant reduction in litter and pollution along the trails. In this way, plogging not only,   serves as a practical solution to environmental degradation but also cultivates a sense of community and cooperation in the pursuit of common cause.

In conclusion, plogging offers a multifaceted approach to trail preservation and the nurturing of a love for the environment. By integrating the act of cleaning with physical activity, plogging addresses the immediate need for the trail cleanliness while fostering a deep appreciation for the natural world. Through individual and collective action, ploggers play a vital role in safeguarding the beauty of trails for the next generation, ensuring that they too may experience the wonder and tranquility of these pristine environments. As we continue to confront the challenges of environmental conservation, plogging stands a shining example of how small, everyday actions can have a meaningful and lasting impact on the world around us.

Seasoned and new trail runners from Baguio City and nearby towns of Benguet coming together to host the Luzon leg of GRIT.

REGISTRATION IS STILL OPEN:  CLICK HERE

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