The Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) has announced a widespread Plogging competition on Oct. 21 in Clay, Platte, Miami, Wyandotte, Jackson and Johnson counties. According to Clay County Economic Development Council Executive Director David Slater, Clay County won the MARC’s top Plogger Award in 2022. He would like to defend its title to bring home a win in 2023. Kate Ludwig, environmental program assistant, explained that Plogging, a Swedish term, consists of jogging while picking up trash and debris along waterways to aid the reduction of toxins entering fresh water that harm water quality. “While Plogging means jogging, it’s not required, and anyone can walk or roll,” Ludwig said. “It’s just about getting outside and picking up litter.” When picking up trash and debris, it is advised to avoid poisonous plants such as poison oak and ivy, and hazardous materials such as syringes, tires and visibly sharp objects. All other things may be picked up and discarded in a garbage bag…