PLOGGING GUIDE

The Low Impact Alliance has created a starter kit and step-by-step guide for hosting your own plog event. Along with receiving a package of equipment to effectively execute your event, you’ll find the A-Z process below. This guide is structured to be tailored to different locations and regions, but outlines the considerations and format you can use as a guardrail for your own event.

HOW TO ACTIVATE A PLOG EVENT : STEP BY STEP

  • Determine the scope and logistics of the event: Decide on the date, time, and location for the plog event. Consider factors such as the size of the group, the duration of the event, and the type of terrain the participants will be running on. Determine if there are any permits or permissions required for hosting the event in your chosen location.

    Things to consider

    Identifying brand partnership to help carry out the event and bring additional supplies such as water (a jug with recyclable cups, boxed or canned water)

    How are folks getting there? Will they be running from the store together/meeting at the confirmed location, etc.? Encourage people to run/walk, bike, take public transit, carpool to the event if and when possible.

    Consider permits required to host this event: both federal/state permits and permission of local tribes.

  • Find a local organization to partner with. There are many local organizations that are already familiar with trash clean ups and what areas need help the most. Work collaboratively to pick a date, location and source supplies.

    Things to Consider

    Local chapters (Sierra Club, Inland Ocean Coalition, Surfrider, local river protection org).

    Connecting with your local waste management group.

  • Create an event page and promote the event: Create a social media event page and promote it on your store’s website, social media channels, and email newsletter.

    Things to Consider

    Hosting a dedicated page on Facebook or Eventbrite to track participants.

    Utilizing Marketing Kit supplied by the LIA to tailer to your audience.

  • Recruit volunteers: Reach out to your existing customer base, running clubs, and other organizations in your community to recruit volunteers for the event. Be sure to provide them with clear instructions on what to expect, what to bring, and how to prepare for the event.

  • Provide necessary equipment: Make sure you have enough gloves, trash bags, and hand sanitizer to supply to all participants. You may also want to provide reflective vests or other safety gear for participants if the event is taking place during low-light hours or near a main road.

    Procuring items:

    Recycled Trash Bags

    Reusable Gloves

    Fishing Scale to measure your impact

    Consider partnering with a local brewery to donate their emptied grain sacks as a reusable bag option.

  • Provide proper disposal of collected trash: partner with or communicate with local waste management to assist with trash pick up. (Adopt a Highway programs are great resources for this if you do not already have a relationship/contact with waste management). Figure out what/if any materials can potentially be recycled and where/how to dispose of them.

    Brief participants on safety and environmental considerations: Before the event begins, provide participants with a brief safety briefing, including instructions on how to properly pick up and dispose of trash. Remind participants to be aware of their surroundings and to watch out for hazards such as uneven terrain, broken glass, or sharp objects.

  • Conduct the plog event: At the start of the event, provide participants with a trash bag and gloves and brief them on any rules or regulations specific to the location. Encourage participants to run at their own pace while collecting trash along the way. Consider having volunteers stationed at various points along the route to help guide participants and provide additional support.

  • Celebrate the success of the event: After the event has concluded, take a group photo and thank participants for their efforts. Share any interesting or unusual finds that were collected during the plog. Consider offering discounts or other incentives to participants who helped with the event.

    Things to Consider

    Weigh bags collected with the fishing weight.

    Upload items you find to a tracking app like Marine Debris Tracker, Clean Swell (Ocean Conservancy).