Phyllis and John Holmes have been strolling around Hampton since the Thanksgiving weekend of 2005, carrying bags and collecting litter along the way. They diligently clean up various items like coffee cups, cigarette butts, fast food wrappers, and crushed beer cans during their walks. Phyllis shared that their initiative began when she realized they were running over litter while jogging and decided to start picking it up during their walks.
Equipped with a stick with a nail at the end and a pair of kitchen tongs, the couple quickly gained recognition in Hampton, located about 38 kilometers northeast of Saint John. The local Home Hardware manager noticed their efforts and generously donated a box of 100 bags to support their cause. Keeping track of their progress, Phyllis mentioned that they have collected an impressive total of 9,153 bags to date.
Their impact caught the attention of the town council, prompting them to take action. Following Phyllis’s suggestion, the council installed receptacles around the town by the end of 2008. This initiative led to a significant reduction in litter bag usage, dropping from nearly 1,000 bags a year to 300 or 400 bags annually.
A recent study conducted by Cape Breton University highlighted the long-standing efforts of John and Phyllis Holmes, now identified as “plogging.” Coined in Sweden in 2016 by Erik Ahlström, the term combines the Swedish words for pick up, “plogga,” and jog, “jogga.” Kelsey Harvey, the lead researcher of the study, emphasized the positive impact of plogging on mental health, noting the sense of purpose and satisfaction derived from cleaning up the environment.
In Fredericton, Stephen Marr from the Fredericton Trails Coalition observed a growing interest in plogging, attributing it to the desire for a clean and green environment. Plogging not only involves physical activity but also engages all senses, offering a more immersive experience than traditional jogging or walking.
Originating in Stockholm a decade ago, plogging has evolved into a global movement, championed by individuals like Ahlström. While acknowledging the need for broader systemic changes to address the litter problem, Ahlström emphasized the importance of taking action at the individual level to make a tangible difference.
For those interested in joining the plogging movement in New Brunswick, starting small and finding local groups or events is recommended. Ahlström emphasized the significance of running with a purpose and highlighted the environmental benefits of plogging. To learn more about plogging groups and events in New Brunswick, visit the Fredericton Trails Coalition website or search for local cleanup groups on social media platforms.