We all have to start somewhere
Earlier this June, adidas and Parley For The Oceans celebrated their partnership and World Oceans Day by introducing Alphabounce+ Parley, running shoes made from plastic spun into yarn, and through a literal run for the ocean. Participants, comprised of newbie and professional runners, were tasked to cover a 3- to 5-kilometer plog. A plogging session by the way, originates from Scandinavian culture, where one picks up litter while jogging or running. For every kilometer run (until the first 1.5 million kilometers) between June 8 and 16, adidas gave a dollar to the Parley Ocean School Program. Though it only counts when you download and log on to this app.
It was a humid afternoon and Air Juan Seaplane Terminal in Pasay was packed with a diverse mix of individuals; adidas’ own community of runners, fitness enthusiasts, ocean warriors, etc. I’ve never run a marathon or plogged until the event. Meanwhile on the sustainability front, I’ve made some effort (minimal, really) in going plastic-free and consuming less in general. But I signed up because why not? It was for a good cause anyway.
Reality check
It all began with a talk by The Plastic Solution, a movement for repurposing plastic bottles by stuffing them with non-biodegradable plastic wastes. Guests were educated about the marine plastic pollution problem and just some of the many ways people can do their part: starting your own eco bricks, bringing your own bags and keeping plastic use to a minimum. Fun fact: aside from donating your eco bricks, you can use them to make your own furniture. Just make sure the bottles are all the same size.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BxEIAs3Felr/
Run, come on, run
Beginners were assigned to a 3-km plog and the more advanced of runners, to a 5-km plog. I took the former with a small bag on my back for my own supplies and well, for some trash. But because I was a little out of practice and mostly out of breath for the duration of the run, I was able to pick up zero trash. Though watching participants, young and old, run around the streets of Manila and through Saturday traffic while collecting plastic litter was a pretty inspiring sight.
Reaping the results
The day ended with a yoga session by Nikki Torres and plenty of time to check out the booths and displays by Kids For Kids, a non-profit organization solely run by kids, for kids in need, and Retaso PH, an initiative that uses textile waste to create an alternative to plastic bags.
I might have failed at plogging but the fight to save our oceans is not lost. My family and I have since resumed repurposing plastic bottles into eco bricks at home, opted out of single-use plastic as much as we can and now bring our own water bottles everywhere.
What about you? Between planet or plastic, which one would you choose?
Art Alexandra Lara
