Plogging is the combination of the phrase ‘pick up trash’ and ‘jogging.’ That’s right: picking up trash WHILE you’re jogging, or walking, or doing whatever outside.

On April 1st, Green Montgomery started what they call the Montgomery Plogging Challenge. The objective of this Challenge is to provide Montgomery County residents a fun engaging way to raise awareness about stormwater pollution while providing the opportunity to take action and help with stormwater pollution prevention by cleaning up litter from streams, stormwater ponds, etc. Location details are given when you sign up for the #MontgomeryPlogs #Challenge here: https://mcgmd.wufoo.com/forms/greenfest-plogging-challenge/

What a great way to celebrate Earth Month!

Our featured image is a Plog-A-Long Kit complete with trash and recycling bags, gloves, one litter grabber, and sanitizer. It occurred to me that instead of purchasing such a kit, these things are easily collected from a garage or storage closet. Maybe not the litter grabber but it’s not too hard to create a homemade version.

If you want to take it to the next level, call up a friend or two and invite them to join you!

For that matter, two of our GGC leaders are working on community clean-up days in their own neighborhoods. Picking up trash in your development makes a great community event. Why?

• It’s easy to do
• Very little equipment is needed
• Anyone of any age can do it
• Folks can come and go when they need to
• It’s outside
• It’s incredibly easy to talk and get to know your neighbors while picking up trash together.

However you do it, know that you are blessing not only the earth but all those people who go by and see you and think, “hmmmm, someone is taking the time to think beyond their own household to the common good. Maybe I can too!”