Haven’t heard of ‘plogging’? No, nor had we, but a mum from Horfield is hoping to change that and spread the word when she takes part in the World Plogging Championships later in the year.
Plogging began in Sweden in 2016 and is a growing initiative around the world that involves picking up litter while you jog.
Claire Petrie is excited to be one of a team of four representing Great Britain in the annual event, which originated in Italy in 2021. Claire co-ordinated a Bristol plogging community event last November, for which people were encouraged to sign up and join in. Similar events took place in London and Exeter and were put on by Planet Earth Games, which has joined forces with A Future Without Rubbish to bring plogging to the UK.
Having resumed a childhood interest in running as an adult, Claire qualified as a personal trainer.
She said: “I wouldn’t call myself an eco-warrior but I care hugely about the planet.
“I don’t find I am on the frontline constantly shouting about it, but I try to live my life in a green and environmentally friendly way.
“When I heard about plogging I thought it was great as it was an opportunity to first of all go out for a run, but also meet new people and do good for the planet.”
Claire has established a plogging group in Bristol, which has made significant steps towards cleaning up litter, as well as giving people the chance to enjoy exercise with new friends.