The GreenCrate Chronicles

  1. What Is Plogging — And Why It Matters At first glance, plogging looks like jogging—but with purpose. It’s a Swedish-born eco-activity that mixes the physical fitness of a jog with the environmental impact of picking up litter. The name comes from “plocka upp” (to pick up) and “jogging” . What began in 2016 with a solo jog around Stockholm by Erik Ahlström has grown into a global movement—spanning over 100 countries and involving an estimated 2–3 million people . Plogging offers triple benefits: Planet-friendly — Cleaner parks, roads, beaches and streams. Health-boosting — A full-body workout combining cardio, squats and bends. Heart-opening — A socially engaging, purposeful activity. 2. The Story Behind the Shoes 2.1 Rising From Stockholm’s Streets In 2016, Erik Ahlström was dismayed by litter lining his jogging route around Stockholm. He decided to clean up as he ran—turning frustration into action—and plogging was born . Ahlström’s posts and videos captured the...

  1. A Worrying Status Upgrade South Africa’s beloved Blue Crane (Anthropoides paradiseus) —our national bird and a symbol of grace and national pride—has recently been uplisted from “Near-Threatened” to “Vulnerable” , according to the 2025 Regional Red Data Book. This shift reflects a 44% population decline in key regions like Overberg since 2011 . Once thriving—especially during a sharp 261% rebound from 1994 to 2010—Blue Crane numbers have now fallen perilously, with breeding success halving to just 0.55 fledglings per pair , well below the level needed for population stability . Key message : Without rapid and coordinated intervention, our national symbol risks slipping into the next stage of conservation emergency. 2. Why This Matters—Beyond a Pretty Bird 2.1 Grassland Guardians Blue Cranes thrive in natural grasslands —ecosystems that support biodiversity, store carbon and filter water. Their decline signals broader harm to these vital habitats . 2.2 Cultural Signif...

  🌍 Environmental Policy & Climate Awareness. EU’s Climate Chief Calls Out ‘Political Cowardice’ Teresa Ribera urges EU leaders to act decisively as Europe suffers record-breaking heatwaves like 46 °C in Huelva. 👉 Read more: theguardian.com #ClimateLeadership #Heatwave #GreenMatters #GreenCrate COP30 CEO Warns Climate Crisis Is a ‘War’ Ana Toni calls for urgent global commitments as fewer than 15% of NDCs have been updated ahead of COP30 in Brazil. 👉 Read more: theguardian.com #ClimateSummit #GlobalAction #GreenMatters #GreenCrate UK Seeks Corporate Net-Zero Plans Energy Secretary Miliband pledges £30B/year for clean energy, urging corporations to align with 1.5 °C. 👉 Read more: reuters.com #NetZeroUK #SustainableFinance #GreenMatters #GreenCrate Climate Rule Rollbacks in US & EU Reuters flags recent rollbacks of environmental regulations across the US and EU, risking climate progress. 👉 Read more: reuters.com #ClimatePolicy #RegulationWatch #GreenMatters ...