A Neat Way to Keep Fit

Anew, environmentally aware fitness trend that started in Sweden is catching on fast.

‘Plogging’ involves collecting litter while jogging. (The word combines the Swedish word for ‘pick up’ with ‘jogging’.)

The idea came to exercise fanatic Erik Ahlström (pictured), while the Swede was living in Åre, where he launched a local initiative. But it was only when he moved to Stockholm that he realised plogging’s true potential.

“As I cycled to work, I saw that the same trash remained where it was for weeks,” he says. “So I thought I could make an effort here too.”

As Ahlström’s efforts gained publicity, his initiative turned into a national movement that has now spread far and wide.