Many of us are concerned with the state of the world. It seems like everywhere you look, it’s bad news. Politics are a mess; everyone is always shouting at each other; every headline seems to be doom and gloom. Sometimes, feeling like you should just throw your hands up in the air can be easy. But there are things you can do right now to make the world a better place. And you don’t have to go far from home to do it!
We recently read the inspiring story of Mr. Nguyen Thuong. He’s a 68-year-old man who lives in Vietnam. Nine years ago, Mr. Thuong had a stroke, and his limbs were paralyzed. No one expected him to walk again.
Mr. Thuong slowly recovered. On his walks, he would pick up trash in his neighborhood. In rain and sun, in travels around grabbing litter. He isn’t paid for his hobby but has used money from returning recyclable bottles to buy a pushcart and a bicycle.
“On good days, I use the pushcart, and on tiring days, I ride the bicycle. Only when the weather changes, and I feel unwell, fearing a stroke relapse, do I stay home,” said Mr. Thuong. “If I don’t pick up trash for a day, I feel restless and uneasy. Carrying the communal burden makes me happy.”
Mr. Thuong is an inspiration. His hobby is often referred to as plaking. It combines the Swedish word plogga, meaning “pick” and walking. Plaking is defined as picking up litter when walking.
Plaking is a great hobby. It gives you another reason to get outdoors for a walk and a sense of helping your community. Of course, everyone should do their part to keep nature clean. But in reality, people drop things. When you clean up, you get the satisfaction of knowing that you have made it better for everyone, including children and animals. It helps you stay fit as you stretch or squat to pick up litter, helping you stay limber and train your balance.
If you go plaking, bringing a small trash bag to carry the litter is essential. Shift the bag from hand to hand occasionally to be sure the weight stays distributed and you don’t end up strained. You should also wear gloves to be safe. If there are any businesses along the way, ask to use their trash can or dumpster so you don’t have to carry it home.
Remember, plaking is a fun activity. Don’t feel like you have to pick up trash every time you leave your front door. For Mr. Thuong, it was a calling and a healthy habit that helped him regain strength. To make sure it stays fun and engaging rather than a chore, make it a monthly or weekend activity that you look forward to as your way of improving the world!
