Strive to be shining examples unto all mankind, and true reminders of the virtues of God amidst men.
Bahá’u’lláh, Tablet of Wisdom
November 2020, Christine Muller
A few years ago, six Baha’is were arrested because they picked up trash outside the city of Shiraz. Many people around the world have started the practice of plogging which means picking up litter while jogging. The word comes from the Swedish “plogga” for “pick” and jogging. Plalking is just walking and picking up trash. Why should we do this?
First, plastics are not bio-degradable and will stay in the environment for hundreds of years. When they break down into small pieces they will be absorbed by soil and water, and will end up in the food chain and poison humans and animals.
Second, litter harms wildlife and literally kills many birds—an estimated 1 million seabirds each year—because they confuse it with food.
Third, removing litter will restore beauty and purity to the landscape. A side benefit is that it will keep you fit. Stretching down and squatting to pick up litter is good exercise. Of course, we need to protect ourselves by using gloves and then washing our hands thoroughly.
