Plogging, a blend of the Swedish words "plocka upp" (to pick up) and "jogging," has grown into a global movement that combines fitness with environmental activism. Luke Douglas-Home, a Chartered Environmentalist and founder of A Future Without Rubbish CIC, has been at the forefront of this movement in the UK while running coastlines and collecting plastic waste to inspire others in the fight against pollution.
The World Plogging Championship
In 2023, Luke represented Britain as its sole entrant in the World Plogging Championship in Genoa, Italy. Competing against over 80 ploggers from 16 countries, Luke demonstrated his dedication to the cause despite the challenges. Now, he has qualified for the 2024 World Plogging Championship, set to take place in Bergamo and Gandino, Italy between the 27th to 29th of September. To earn his spot, Luke ran over 120 kilometres, removing more than 430 aluminium cans and nearly 100 plastic items from our environment.
Luke’s journey to the 2024 championship underscores his relentless commitment to environmental stewardship and fitness. His passion has positioned him as a leader in the plogging community, inspiring others to take action.
The Coastline Runner’s Mission
Luke’s dedication to plogging was sparked by his disappointment with the outcomes of COP26. Since autumn 2021, when he can he has been running the British coastline, collecting over 750 kilograms of plastic. Through The Coastline Runner initiative, Luke continues to raise awareness about preserving our natural environments, engaging with school children and local councils along the way.
Luke’s resilience and passion for our environment serve as a powerful reminder that individual actions can drive significant change. His efforts highlight the importance of community involvement in combating plastic pollution.
Follow Luke's journey on Instagram @thecoastlinerunner.