Warm Hearts Come Together Despite the Heatwave: Shincheonji Volunteer Group’s Changwon Branch Holds “Let’s Make Nature Green” Urban Plogging Event

How have you been spending this unusually hot and long summer?

As we endure the suffocating heat rising from the asphalt and the scorching summer weather,

I think we’ve all found ourselves thinking at least once, “Our planet is really hurting.”

 

Throughout the city streets we pass by every day without a second thought, small signs of the climate crisis and environmental pollution are quietly adding up. 🌿

Against this backdrop, one activity has been gaining popularity around the world.

It’s “plogging,” an activity that helps us stay healthy while taking care of the environment at the same time!

 

The word “plogging” combines the Swedish term “plocka upp,” meaning “to pick up,” with the English word “jogging.”

 

The movement took off in 2016 when Swedish environmental activist Erik Ahlström began picking up litter during his daily commute, a simple act that soon spread through social media.

 

The repeated bending, squatting, and standing involved in picking up litter naturally creates squat- and lunge-like movements, providing an extra workout. Some sources suggest that plogging may burn around 15–20% more calories than regular jogging.

 

Today, plogging has spread to more than 100 countries across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and beyond, with millions of photos and posts shared on social media under #Plogging.

 

Picking up litter is no longer seen simply as “a tough cleaning job that someone has to do.” Instead, it has become a trendy lifestyle that helps people stay healthy while caring for the planet, firmly establishing itself as one of today’s most popular environmental movements. ✨

 

Riding the wave of this positive movement, a heartwarming urban cleanup effort recently took place in Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do. 👏

On August 22, under the blazing summer sun, around 25 volunteers from the Shincheonji Volunteer Group’s Changwon Branch headed out to carry out their regular “Let’s Make Nature Green” volunteer initiative!

 

This time, the volunteers focused on the area around Changwon Namsan Terminal and a nearby wetland park, both frequently visited by local residents.

 

They paid close attention to often-overlooked areas, including busy sidewalks and bus stops around the terminal, park walking paths, and hidden spots among overgrown flowerbeds.

 

Despite the sweltering weather, the volunteers divided into groups and carefully picked up litter one piece at a time—from cigarette butts wedged into cracks in the asphalt and deep inside drains to discarded plastic cups, plastic bags, cans, and other litter. 🗑️

Over the course of several hours, the volunteers collected a remarkable 410 liters of litter.

 

Local shopkeepers and passersby were deeply moved by the young volunteers, who worked tirelessly in the sweltering heat, wiping away the litter and grime that had accumulated on the streets. ☺️

 

Local shopkeepers greeted the volunteers warmly, saying, “You young people are really working hard in this heat!” and offering words of encouragement and support.

 

Thanks to the kindness and encouragement of their neighbors, the exhaustion of working under the scorching sun soon gave way to bright smiles and a sense of fulfillment, filling the atmosphere with warmth. 🌸

 

Perhaps caring for our planet and addressing the climate crisis does not have to begin with grand plans or sweeping initiatives.

 

Perhaps true change begins with a small act of care—looking after a corner of the streets and alleys of Changwon, the community we call home and walk through every day.

 

Following this cleanup around Namsan Terminal and the nearby wetland park, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group’s Changwon Branch plans to continue reaching overlooked areas throughout the community through its “Let’s Make Nature Green” campaign.

 

Let’s continue to support these dedicated volunteers as they take meaningful steps to help our cities—and our planet—breathe a little easier.

 

Why not grab a small bag and a pair of tongs this weekend and give plogging a try while taking a walk through a nearby park or trail?

Wishing you a wonderful day of sharing warmth and kindness with both nature and those around you! 🍀

 

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Shincheonji Volunteer Corps Changwon Branch, Urban Environment Cleanup… 410 Liters of Trash Collected