The charity that made beach cleaning and litter picking popular got behind Plogging with the launch of litter picking and fundraising event The Big Plog on Saturday, September 17.

The 2 Minute Foundation, the Bude based charity behind the 2 Minute Beach Clean campaign, have inspired tens of thousands of people to take up litter pickers and gloves to clean up the planet 2 Minutes at a time since Martin Dorey founded the campaign in 2013.

Now the team behind #2MinuteBeachClean, #2MinuteLitterPick and other environmental campaigns, have been encouraging people to take part in Scandinavian lifestyle and fitness trend Plogging for World Clean Up Day 2022.

Nicky, CEO at 2 Minute explained: “Plogging is a combination of picking up litter and jogging. We love it at 2 Minute. It’s great for your personal wellbeing and the planet.

“Our event gives it a twist, because you can choose your favourite route and whether you jog or walk.”

People from all over the country took part by picking their favourite route and getting out Plogging on September 17, World Clean Up day.

People raised sponsorship to help the charity carry on cleaning up the planet.

The 2 Minute Foundation inspire, educate and enable people to take 2 minutes to remove litter and plastic pollution from our streets, parks, countryside and coasts by picking up wherever they are.

The charity already have more than 1,000 litter pick and beach clean stations and campaigns that inspire more than 80,000 followers who, together, have picked up more than 400,000 tonnes of litter and a thriving education programme, but they aim to do so much more.

Claire, head of education at 2 Minute explains why the work is so vital: “We’re facing three environmental issues; loss of biodiversity, plastic pollution and the climate crisis. Cleaning up our oceans is key in combatting all three issues.

“Ninety-four per cent of biodiversity is found in the ocean and our oceans can capture more carbon than trees. We’ve all seen pictures of animals getting trapped, injured, and killed by waste, but not everyone realises that they can help.

“Eighty per cent of plastic pollution in the ocean is thought to come from upstream, so wherever you pick up litter, you will make a difference.”

Presca Sportswear and Helping Hand Environmental are event partners and were delighted to be able to help people discover the joy of Plogging.

Rob Webbon, CEO and Head of Climate of Positivity at Presca explains: “By taking actions small or large, in our local communities, collectively we can make big changes.

“At Presca, the world’s first climate positive sportswear brand, we aim to do 100% good. We are proud to be partnering with The 2 Minute Foundation for The Big Plog.

“We encourage everyone, whatever your age and wherever you live, to join this mass clean-up of our local environments for the benefit of the planet.”