• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • about
  • Pug Partners
  • contact/pr
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Runs With Pugs

ok, the pugs don't run, but we do

  • race reports
  • Travel
  • Recipes
  • Link Ups
  • instagram Landing Page

The Latest

my spring race plans

a week of exploring new things

5 fitness superstitions

You are here: Home / Uncategorized / five ways runners can celebrate earth day

five ways runners can celebrate earth day

April 22, 2020      33 Comments

Happy Earth Day!

Can you believe this is 50th Anniversary of Earth Day! This movement began in 1970, with over 20 million Americans lending a hand to help make positive changes to environmental policies and protections.

earth day

Go For A “Plog”

Plogging is the act of picking up litter while jogging. The trend started in Sweden in 2016, and by 2018, had spread to other countries. It’s a shame that, in today’s day and age, people still feel the need to toss their trash in places other than the garbage bin, but here we are. Obviously, plogging isn’t for speedwork days, but during your less intense workouts, it would be great to tuck a (reusable) bag into and gloves into a pocket, and work on picking up discarded cups, bottles, cans, and whatever else you may find. This would be the perfect way to honor Earth Day (and please remember to wash your hands really well, especially now!)

earth day

Say “No” To Plastic Race Bags

I know we’re not racing at the moment, but when we do, consider the choices at bib pickup. For events with lots of swag, organizers usually hand out some kind of bag, and many times, it’s a single-use shopping type bag. The good news is that a lot of races are either skipping the bag altogether, or offering something like a branded string or tote bag, which can be reused. If I’m not sure, I bring my own, to contain my shirt, bib, safety pins, and assorted goodies.

Hydrate With Reusable Items

It’s so easy to grab a water or gatorade bottle for your run, and then dispose of it. Recycling is fine, but even better is moving to reuseable cups, bottles, handhelds, and even straws when you can. Some events are going entire cupless, encouraging runners to bring their own handhelds or hydration packs. This helps to eliminate unnecessary plastics and waste, and is a fabulous way to give back, especially on Earth Day.

Try Run- (Or Bike-) Commuting

If you live close enough to your work, gym, or even grocery store, you might want to leave your car in the driveway and run to get there and back again. I do admit that it’s a tough sell in Florida, where the heat and humidity would make it necessary to have a shower waiting for you at your professional destination, but you never know what you might be able to work out. I always loved taking my bike to the store to pick up a few items at the store, or even to walk to get coffee or lunch when the weather is nice. Driving is great, but it’s also great to stretch our legs and cut back on some exhaust.

earth day

Donate Your Old Running Shoes

There’s no question that runners go through shoes at record speeds. Of course, it’s also true that shoes aren’t yet made entirely of biodegradable materials, so when they have outlived their usefulness to us, tossing them means they just sit in a landfill. Shoe donations, however, changes the picture a little. Most local running stores accept shoe donations. You can even donate at certain races or events.

earth day

Join the Runner’s Roundup!

Link up each week to post your favorite running tips, experiences, race and training recaps, workouts, gear, and coaching ideas. Join your hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Running on Happy, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Organic Runner Mom each week for the Runners’ Roundup linkup! Your link must be running related. Unrelated links will be removed. You must link back to your hosts — it’s common courtesy and a lot more fun! Spread the link-up love by visiting at least two other #running bloggers! Leave a comment and find new blogs to read! Use hashtags #running and #RunnersRoundup to stay in touch and promote your content!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

What are ways you can celebrate Earth Day as a runner?

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Catrina says

    April 22, 2020 at 6:26 am

    I love your suggestions! I used to plog when walking the beach in Florida, although there was not much rubbish. Clean people!
    And I bike or walk everywhere, as a car in a our city is not needed.
    Catrina recently posted…Do Something Silly, They SaidMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      April 23, 2020 at 2:05 pm

      We have always loved doing beach cleanups. Obviously, I hate that there’s a need for it. I remember once, I was out with A and his buddies and someone just literally dumped their lunch trash on the sand, picked up their blanket and left. Right in front of us! I mean, they could have put it in one of our buckets! Lazy, lazy, lazy.

      I would love to live in a walking city. We really have to take the car a lot of places, for safety reasons.
      runswithpugs recently posted…week 14 (20): loss of joyMy Profile

      Reply
  2. Lisa @ Mile by Mile says

    April 22, 2020 at 8:05 am

    These are great ideas! Its crazy to think of all that waste from the plastic cups used at races. Most of the races I have done lately have given a reusable bag which was nice to see.
    Lisa @ Mile by Mile recently posted…5 Simple Ways To Stay Motivated When Racing AloneMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      April 23, 2020 at 2:06 pm

      I appreciate them having the cups, because I do hate carrying something with me, but I hate the waste it brings. I’m just all about the contradictions LOL.
      runswithpugs recently posted…week 14 (20): loss of joyMy Profile

      Reply
  3. stephanie says

    April 22, 2020 at 10:24 am

    Great blog. Will be sharing this for sure. I need to get my kids invoiced in earth day in some way this year. I may have them write someitng about how earth is benefiting from stay ate home orders.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      April 23, 2020 at 2:10 pm

      There are a whole bunch of articles coming out about this very thing! It’s very interesting.
      runswithpugs recently posted…week 14 (20): loss of joyMy Profile

      Reply
  4. Wendy says

    April 22, 2020 at 11:06 am

    All great ideas! Right now, I’m bummed that I can’t use my reuseable grocery bags. The plastic is piling up at my house and I don’t know what to do with it!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      April 23, 2020 at 2:11 pm

      A lot of people are just putting their grocery back in the cart without any bags, and then transferring them to their reusable bags when they get to their cars. I have no idea what Mr PugRunner is doing. I ask zero questions about the process.
      runswithpugs recently posted…week 14 (20): loss of joyMy Profile

      Reply
  5. Darlene says

    April 22, 2020 at 11:59 am

    It’s snowing as I write this. Ugh.

    Great ideas.

    The only thing I haven’t done is bike to work. Lol.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      April 23, 2020 at 2:12 pm

      And here I am, about passing out when I go out because we are almost to those 90 degree days!

      I haven’t biked to work either. It would have involved 19 miles, most of which would be on a 55mph road, so that’s a no from me.
      runswithpugs recently posted…week 14 (20): loss of joyMy Profile

      Reply
  6. Darlene says

    April 22, 2020 at 11:59 am

    It’s snowing as I write this. Ugh.

    Great ideas.

    The only thing I haven’t done is bike to work. Lol.

    Reply
  7. Chaitali says

    April 22, 2020 at 12:28 pm

    Great ideas! I hadn’t realized that running shoes could be donated, I’m going to have to look into that. I have a bunch of old shoes sitting around because I didn’t really know what to do with them.
    Chaitali recently posted…Wednesday GratitudeMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      April 23, 2020 at 2:14 pm

      Oh, yes! We have several organizations that will take them, including a drug rehab program that helps addicts through running.
      runswithpugs recently posted…week 14 (20): loss of joyMy Profile

      Reply
  8. Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says

    April 22, 2020 at 12:52 pm

    Great tips, Jen! Have to admit I hadn’t thought about the plastic bags for swag (of course, I do a lot of races where there’s basically no swag) — I’ll be keeping that in mind . . . some day. 🙂

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      April 23, 2020 at 2:15 pm

      I know that sponsors are needed for races, but I’m really onboard with the online race bags, so we’re not getting all the postcards and flyers and whatnot. I hate having to sort and discard all that stuff. If it comes to that, I’ll just take my t-shirt and bib and decline the rest.
      runswithpugs recently posted…week 14 (20): loss of joyMy Profile

      Reply
  9. Deborah Brooks says

    April 22, 2020 at 1:20 pm

    I actually forgot it was earth day this year! These are great ideas that we can do all the time. I do donate my old shoes but I can surely do more. Thanks for the reminders

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      April 23, 2020 at 2:16 pm

      I think anything we do is important. Mr PugRunner bought paper plates for lockdown, and I finally had to put a stop to it because of the waste. Hurricane season is one thing, where we may lose water and won’t be able to wash them, but we are all good on electric and utilities. We can wash our meal dishes.
      runswithpugs recently posted…week 14 (20): loss of joyMy Profile

      Reply
  10. Chelsea says

    April 22, 2020 at 3:28 pm

    I love this!! These are all such great recommendations! Adding plogging to my future run-to-do list! I never knew that was the term for it but now I do! 🙂

    Have a great Earth Day!!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      April 23, 2020 at 2:16 pm

      It’s a really great way to help out, while you’re already out! Two birds. One stone!
      runswithpugs recently posted…week 14 (20): loss of joyMy Profile

      Reply
  11. Rachel says

    April 22, 2020 at 3:58 pm

    Happy Earth Day! Plogging is such a great way to make a difference. I’m SO thankful I haven’t seen a lot of litter in my area in quite some time. It makes me think people are actually being careful and cognizant!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      April 23, 2020 at 2:17 pm

      There’s not really a lot here either, which is nice. I’m sure it has to do with people not going out as much., as well.
      runswithpugs recently posted…week 14 (20): loss of joyMy Profile

      Reply
  12. Sandra Laflamme says

    April 22, 2020 at 4:50 pm

    I love the idea of going for a plog. I need to do that on my road. Also, yes to saying no to plastic race bags!
    Sandra Laflamme recently posted…At Home Workout Guide for Coronavirus SurvivalMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      April 23, 2020 at 2:02 pm

      Plogging is an easy enough thing to do while you’re out and about. We are lucky that there’s not too much litter in my area, but I always wish I had a bag handy when I see it and hadn’t planned on it.

      Reply
  13. Laurie says

    April 22, 2020 at 10:05 pm

    LOVED this post! I used to be a science teacher, so I celebrated Earth Day every year with my students. We always did something special, usually involving going outside (if the weather cooperated). The idea of going for a “plog” is great! Just remember to wear gloves and wash your hands. Really important these days, right?

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      April 23, 2020 at 2:01 pm

      Absolutely gloves, especially right now! We do a lot of beach cleanups, and I always snag a few pairs of gloves, because there are some gnarly things dumped and washed up on the sand. Ew.

      Reply
  14. Debbie says

    April 22, 2020 at 11:11 pm

    I forgot my bag to plog today! I’ll have to make it up tomorrow. Great tips. We all need to do our part to take care of our earth!
    Debbie recently posted…5 Things I Wish I’d Known When I Started RunningMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      April 23, 2020 at 2:00 pm

      Of all the days! LOL!

      Reply
  15. Kimberly Hatting says

    April 22, 2020 at 11:13 pm

    I’m a huge believer in plogging, and try to do it regularly. I always donate my retired shoes, as well….which reminds me, I’ve got to scale down my “collection.” Our collection sites (for clothing, etc.) currently are not accepting any donations through the COVID-19 crisis…probably the same for shoes?

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      April 23, 2020 at 2:00 pm

      It’s a great contribution to the environment, and even the community!

      Our running stores have donation bins, and since they are closed, we are out of luck. I am holding on to a few extra pair, just because my flip flops are so uncomfortable on my right foot right now. Sturdy shoes, even old running shoes, are a bit better suited to my needs at the moment.

      Reply
  16. Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says

    April 23, 2020 at 12:44 pm

    Great suggestions! We always donate our old running shoes to Goodwill, my husband accumulates several pairs in a year! I’ve never plogged but I appreciate those who do it!

    When it comes to races, I have so many of those expo bags it’s ridiculous, I should start using my own reusable bag!
    Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Weekly Rundown: Doing My BestMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      April 23, 2020 at 1:58 pm

      There have been a few races with fabulous plastic bags (Disney events come to mind), that i’ve used for gear check and then wiped down and used afterwards. I think I still have a few of them. They were super thick and heavy-duty. Great quality. But other than that, I don’t need more plastic.

      Reply
  17. Shathiso says

    April 24, 2020 at 8:29 am

    My husband is such an environmentalist so religiously cycles to work if he doesn’t have to do the school run. Luckily, he has a shower at work so it really works for him. Plogging is a great idea – but I’m with you, I still don’t get why people see the need to litter in the first place!

    Reply
  18. Heather Hart says

    April 24, 2020 at 10:51 am

    Yay Earth Day! One of my favorite “holidays”! We regularly organize trail clean up days for our local running group. It’s amazing (and unfortunate) how much trash accumulates out there. But it’s up to us to be good stewards of the trail! Great tips!
    Heather Hart recently posted…How to Maintain Running Fitness When You Aren’t Training for a RaceMy Profile

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

well, hello there…

bio
Welcome to Runs With Pugs. My name is Jenn and this is the story of my love affair with running and finding myself through fitness. From C25K to marathon, from triathlon to SUP, from broken leg to the recovery journey... I'm sharing it all. I'm a wife and mother of one, living in NE Florida, in love with travel, adventure, and food. Oh. We have pugs and a hedgehog, too. Thank you for joining us! We're glad to have you along for the ride!
Follow on Bloglovin


Save 25% on your ROADiD order here

Pinterest

find what you’re looking for

recently

  • my spring race plans
  • a week of exploring new things
  • 5 fitness superstitions
  • race report: raptor run 3k
  • my visit to the local stretch zone

Facebook Likes

archives

Footer

disclaimer

I am not a doctor or medical professional, nor do I play one on the internet. This blog reflects my personal experiences on my own fitness and running journey, and the processes that work for me. Before you begin any exercise regiment, please consult your physician.
Knock knock! Rolling through another Wednesday of Knock knock!

Rolling through another Wednesday of miles! It was not a great run (i got something in my contact and had to go home to flush it out!) but the company stellar as usual (@montarriba) and future me will say thank you for sticking it out.

I’ve got a busy day with some writing, a few emails and a trip to @danielle904beauty so stay tuned for that glow up!

How is your Wednesday? How are you rolling?

#running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Could they be any cuter? @lunanleonidas #pug #p Could they be any cuter?

@lunanleonidas 

#pug #pugpuppies
Let’s talk about balance. Balance is an area wh Let’s talk about balance.

Balance is an area where I sometimes struggle, physically and emotionally. It can be a challenge to fit in all the things I want and all the things I need. I don’t always love doing the mundane or tedious tasks that ultimately lead to the foundations of the things I am more passionate about.

I am taking a little more time to build on the basics, and find my balance. It’s going to lead to a healthier and happier me.

How do you find your balance? Do you struggle with the basics? 

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Sometimes, the weather is too beautiful not to run Sometimes, the weather is too beautiful not to run.

I worked through some cardio under the blue skies and in the fresh air and then came home to @runsmartofficial’s base building boot camp. 

There was A LOT of focus on balance and feet and ankles, as well as ground work in the form of different planks and push-ups. 

The movements were small but effective and my legs are certainly burning! It’s going to get harder as we go, but I’m excited to spend more time on my stability and form, to see if it makes me stronger and more efficient over time.

What was on your workout calendar today?

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
This morning, I started on a new training plan wit This morning, I started on a new training plan with @runsmartofficial. I have a goal race in May, so I am going to see if I can make some improvements along the way.

I can admit that I am built more for distance than speed, but I am taking a crack and improving my pace over the next ten weeks. Keep your fingers crossed 🤞🏻!

Anyone else starting a new training plan and cycle?

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Was alpaca 🦙 yoga postponed due to weather? Yes Was alpaca 🦙 yoga postponed due to weather? Yes.

Did I get over it and take myself on a walk instead? Yes.

Did my @getsprints pickle visor lead to a cool surprise? Also yes!

Are you running or racing today? Tell me about it!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you all! We were luck Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you all! We were lucky to have cool weather and blue skies for our run.

Planning on an untraditional celebration with some plans around town, but thinking I can snag a green beer along the way!

How are you enjoying this Friday?

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
And here we are. Back in the 30s. Can the weather And here we are. Back in the 30s. Can the weather make up her mind already?

Anyone else have whiplash from the back and forth of temps and conditions? Sheesh!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Have you ever raced a Raptor? I did and while the Have you ever raced a Raptor? I did and while the Raptor beat me, I had a blast the whole way!

Congratulations to the @staugalligatorfarm for another fantastic event. It was a beautiful morning, with lots of enthusiastic runners and walkers, and we were so happy to be there. 

A portion of proceeds went to benefit Orianne Center for Indigo Snake Conservation (OCIC) and AZA Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE), partnering to celebrate Eastern indigo snakes, which makes the race even more important.

Come take a peek at how the morning went and head over to the blog to read more about it! (Link in bio) https://runswithpugs.com/2023/03/15/race-report-raptor-run-3k/

#raptorrun #running #injuryRecovery #RunChat #Training #FitMom #RunnerMom #FitnessBlogger #RunnersOfInstagram #RunningBlogger #SRTT #FitAfter40 #WomensRunningCommunity #RunningCommunity #GoalDigger #HoneyStingerHive #TeamRoadID #GoodrFlamboyance #ShareTheSpark #SkirtSports #MomentumJewelry #BalegaImpi #LeagueOfgarmin #BeatYesterday #RunHappy #BDRAmbassador #RunJax
When the time changes and you are back to running When the time changes and you are back to running in the dark. It’s not the worst thing, although I’ll like it better when it’s not quite so cold.

Are you back to running in the dark?

#running #streakingwiththecoolkids

Copyright © 2023 · Wordpress Theme by Hello Yay!