Reading the news that reported a rising trend of littering over the past 7 years, it is actually quite heartening to know that there is a group of people who have already been doing something about it.

Keeping fit and Singapore clean

The Singapore Glove Project (SGP) is a community initiative that encourages people to pick up litters along the way with gloves or tongs as they run. It started off with running sessions, and subsequently expanded to jogging or walking sessions with senior citizens and toddlers.

Their Facebook group has gained over 600 members since 2012 with 20-30 regular participants.

If it is a run, they will pick up obvious big pieces or the non-biodegradable litter. But if it is a walk, they will try to pick up all litter that they see. Just imagine the extra Chinese New Year calories burnt with a repeated set of *1, 2, 3 bend* actions.

Hear this from the project founder, Tan Ken Jin:

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Anywhere, just to pick up litter

The group explores different parts of Singapore by running together at least once a month. They have gone as far west as Choa Chu Kang and even to other end in the northeast like Sengkang.

Just do it, it's simple

When it comes to exercise, we all know the feeling of "the mind is willing but the flesh is weak". But SGP is really a free and easy form of exercise. Tan Ken Jin told Mothership that there is no need to be afraid of getting curious stares from others. If you are worried to be judged, you can always do it with a big group of friends.

And it seems this litter picking movement has also been gaining popularity in other countries such as France and Japan. Check out these videos:

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Top photo collage courtesy of Tan Ken Jin

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