Plogging, a trend which first started in Sweden some years ago, now has become a worldwide phenomenon. It involves picking garbage off the streets while jogging, losing weight and gaining some extra shine where you step! Bringing the march to our very own Bandra roads is Ashwin Rodrigues, a bold pioneer. He’s also the renowned owner and founder of Good Drop Wine Cellars, Bandra West.
He ideated the concept, when at a photoshoot for one of his wine brands called Rio, at a beach in Goa during December 2019. To his dismay, the dirt which was collected there almost defeated the shoot’s progress. He took the matter into his own hands, literally, since they wanted to complete the project.
His first expectations, as he started plogging, ranged from people raising their eyebrow’s to being asked various questions. “Was I up to the plan?”, thought Ashwin. There were usual reservations of going about the idea he says, still, that didn’t stop him!
It’s not just a certain age group allowed to engage in the program but, depends on your personal ability and training. The genuine care as well as concern you share for a wonderful environment will set you apart, he explains.
The objectives of plogging are simple, although his reasoning behind it runs deep. Ashwin is not just striving for a healthy exercise and a calming surrounding, he also expresses his necessity to remove excess plastic from the ocean, which not only chokes many fish, but even makes it difficult for the human race at large.
He encourages a greater participation in creating a broader social impact. We have to be more responsible and not wait for our Government who is already preoccupied alone to act but, form a joint partnership in improving the quality of the climate as well as in other areas such as traffic.
When posed the question on what keeps him motivated, he assures a fantastic exercise through plogging, by benefiting through cardio. Ashwin says, “Nothing is better than a bright street and the positive response achieved from people of society, some who showed courage in coming forward!”
Several examples are recorded on 22nd June 2020, outside Yacht restaurant, a bunch of boys sitting on the steps, were observing Ashwin, sprung to facilitate the hour. One of them got up and said, “If you can do it, so can we.” and joined him in picking up stuff.
As he moved up a few metres ahead towards Apostolic Carmel High School, a couple of guys who were walking past, just randomly started picking up litter and putting it in his bag. They applauded his dedication and moved on.
Front of Bandstand, an affluent looking woman who was feeding strays stopped him and said, “May God bless you abundantly! I’ve been thinking of doing this myself. I’m going to join you one of these days.”
He says these pro’s equate to building a stronger Bandra community and generating higher social awareness. Hoping, we are sensitised further on other grievous causes affecting the Earth.
His ultimate message to make the Bandra streets cleaner and greener are becoming independent and vigilant, not waiting for someone else but you being the change! The Bandra Plogger’s Club today has a 144 number member – base on their Facebook page, where they can be reached and aims to meet three times a week. He looks forward to sponsorships in terms of gloves, bags and refreshments in exchange for noteworthy mileage on his social media pages. When are we seeing you? In Ashwin’s words, “Come, be a part of a global movement… Plogging. Join us and make a difference, to your neighbourhood as well as waistline!”
