“Let’s Pick Up Together, One Lap Around Seoul” Campaign
Encouraging Daily Environmental Action Through Plogging for Earth Day
[Asia Economy, reporter Lim Cheolyoung] The Seoul Volunteer Center announced on April 12 that it will launch the “Let’s Pick Up Together, One Lap Around Seoul” campaign from April 22 to April 25, in celebration of Earth Day on April 22. The campaign encourages people to protect the environment in their daily lives through plogging.
Plogging is a combination of the Swedish word “plocka upp,” meaning “to pick up,” and the English word “jogging.” It refers to the activity of picking up litter while jogging.
This campaign was organized to raise awareness about the seriousness of the climate crisis-such as global warming, heat waves, heavy rain, and heavy snow becoming more common-and to provide an opportunity to start practicing environmental protection in everyday life. In particular, as the COVID-19 pandemic has led to more time spent indoors and decreased physical activity, which can negatively impact both physical and mental health, participants can take care of both the environment and their own well-being by plogging outdoors.
The “Let’s Pick Up Together, One Lap Around Seoul” campaign is open to all citizens, regardless of time or location. During the campaign period, participants can walk around their neighborhoods, rivers, or mountains and pick up litter. They can then share their experiences on the Vsesang website or the Ita Seoul web app (ita.city). Alternatively, they can take photos of their activities, use the hashtags ‘#Vsesang’ and ‘#Let’sPickUpTogetherOneLapAroundSeoul,’ and share them on social media as proof of participation. On the Vsesang website, participants can watch an instructional video about plogging and prepare for the activity by taking a quiz on waste separation methods.
To participate, simply bring a reusable shopping bag or trash bag and tongs (or gloves) from home, and pick up litter while walking anywhere you like. Participants can choose their preferred method of activity verification, and those who submit outstanding reviews will be entered into a drawing to receive eco-friendly products such as hand soap and beeswax wraps.
Employees of Seoul’s affiliated organizations-including the Seoul Agro-Fisheries & Food Corporation, Seoul Institute, and Eunpyeong-gu Facilities Management Corporation-will also join the campaign as part of their social contribution efforts to keep Seoul clean. These organizations, which have been seeking ways for employees to easily participate in environmental volunteer work, are taking part in this campaign. The Seoul Volunteer Center supports companies and public institutions in effectively operating social contribution activities for social change through collaborative activities and consulting.
Participating organizations can join by plogging together around their offices during lunch breaks, or by participating individually over the weekend and verifying their activities online. Organizations and companies interested in joining the campaign can contact the Seoul Volunteer Center’s Exchange and Cooperation Team for more information.
Kim Euiwook, Director of the Seoul Volunteer Center, said, “To respond to the climate crisis, policy changes by companies and the government are important, but changes in individual citizens’ daily habits and participation are also necessary. We plan to continue promoting various citizen-led activities for environmental protection, and we hope this campaign will serve as a starting point for practical action in daily life.”
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