Social Good Neighbors] A jogging event combining jogging and trash pickup was held.

The Social Good Neighbors (SGNs) project was started with the idea of "starting to do good things in the world, little by little, together in a fun way" through social apartments.

The project incorporates small social good activities into daily life, such as picking up trash in the community, the "KIFUBAR" event where people can donate while drinking, and the "Tsunagubon" event to connect books to the next person.
This article reports on a progging event held in May this year!

Jogging x picking up trash = plogging!

Plogging" is a new fitness activity in which people pick up trash while jogging. Originating in Sweden, it is now a popular eco-activity that has spread to more than 100 countries around the world.

This event has been well received among SGNs projects, and this is the third time it has been held. Twenty people from ten properties, including Neighbors Miyamaedaira, Neighbors Ukima Koen, Social Apartment Funabashi, and World Neighbors Gokokuji, participated. Even though they were meeting each other for the first time, they quickly became friends and the atmosphere was friendly even before the start of the event!

Let's start the progamming!

The participants were divided into two courses, 3 km and 5 km, to start the progging. Many participants chose the 5 km course! After some light preparatory exercises and self-introductions, the participants set off on their respective courses.

The temperature and humidity were both high that day, and we were soon sweating as soon as we started running. However, as we moved our bodies and hands together, conversation naturally picked up, and it was impressive to see the "nice to meet you" hurdle drop.

Even a seemingly clean road was littered with cigarette butts, empty cans, plastic bags, and other debris. Participants were surprised to see so much trash on the paths they are used to walking on.
During the course of the event, participants were encouraged to talk about how difficult it is to jog and pick up trash at the same time (laugh), and this naturally became an opportunity for communication.

Both teams reached the goal without incident! The amount of trash picked up was...a whopping 5 kg!

At the end of the day, we toasted with smoothies!

After the run, we toasted with a fresh smoothie specially made at "Graphic Grill & Bar!
Everyone looked relaxed with a sense of accomplishment as they soaked up the delicious flavor that soaked into their hard-working bodies.

Jogging early in the morning, picking up trash, and meeting new people. It was a slightly different start to the weekend than usual, and everyone left feeling refreshed in body and mind.

Some of the participants said that they would like to do the same around their properties!
The Social Good Neighbors Project is intended to raise individual awareness and lower the bar for further social good actions and activities by taking a step forward in a "fun" way with others.

We plan to continue this project on a regular basis. We look forward to seeing you at our next activity!

(Text: Hayashi / Photos: Yoshida)