Phyllis and John Holmes have been strolling the streets of Hampton since Thanksgiving weekend in 2005, with bags in hand, collecting discarded items. Whether it’s a coffee cup, cigarette butt, fast food wrapper, or crushed beer can, they diligently pick up whatever they come across.
Formerly avid joggers, Phyllis and John decided to make a change and started picking up litter during their walks. Equipped with a stick with a nail at the end and a pair of kitchen tongs, they began their cleanup mission.
Their efforts quickly gained attention in Hampton, located about 38 kilometers northeast of Saint John. The manager of the local Home Hardware store noticed their dedication and donated a box of 100 bags to support their cause.
Phyllis meticulously keeps track of the number of bags they have collected, which currently stands at an impressive 9,153 bags.
Their impactful initiative caught the eye of the town council, which reached out to inquire how they could assist. Phyllis suggested placing receptacles around the town, leading to a significant decrease in litter bag usage from nearly 1,000 bags a year to 300 or 400.
A recent study conducted by Cape Breton University across Ontario, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia has identified the activity that Phyllis and John Holmes have been quietly undertaking for years as “plogging.” Coined in Sweden in 2016, the term “plogging” is a blend of the Swedish words for pick up, “plogga,” and jog, “jogga.”
Kelsey Harvey, the lead researcher of the study, highlighted the positive impact of plogging on mental health, noting the sense of purpose and satisfaction it brings. The movement has gained momentum in various regions, including Fredericton, where more individuals have joined in cleaning up their surroundings.
Plogging, which involves picking up litter while jogging or walking, has gained popularity worldwide since its inception in Stockholm a decade ago. Its founder, Erik Ahlström, emphasizes the physical benefits of plogging, such as burning more calories and strengthening muscles.
Despite some criticism that individual actions like plogging may shift responsibility away from governments and corporations, Ahlström stresses the importance of taking action and making a difference. He encourages everyone to start small and contribute in their own way to protect the environment.
For those interested in joining plogging activities in New Brunswick, resources like the Fredericton Trails Coalition website or local cleanup groups on social media platforms can provide information on how to get involved.