Spogomi Turns Litter Picking Into Global Good

Quick Smiles:

• Spogomi started in Japan and is gaining popularity worldwide as a competitive team sport focused on litter picking.
• Over 165,000 participants have collected nearly 200,000 tonnes of trash through official spogomi contests.
• Players from all walks of life join together, making a positive impact on both their communities and the planet.

Spogomi transforms the simple act of picking up litter into an exciting competition with a powerful social message. Teams work together under a time limit to collect and sort as much rubbish as possible, scoring points based on the type and quantity collected.

“It’s not just about participants enjoying themselves, it isn’t simply about getting exercise – spogomi has a positive social impact that benefits society at large,” says Spogomi UK representative Chris Roaf.

The sport originated when Japanese runner Kenichi Mamitsuka began collecting trash while jogging, soon gamifying the experience to encourage community involvement. Today, spogomi contests are held in dozens of countries, uniting people in the effort to clean their neighborhoods.

Recent competitions in Tokyo drew teams from around the world. Bella Spencer and her teammates represented the UK, placing 13th but gaining a deeper appreciation for the planet and the people dedicated to protecting it.

“We met people from all walks of life who are passionate about looking after their neighbourhood and the planet,” Spencer remarked. “What struck me most was the scale of the litter problem, and the global and local action needed to protect our planet and marine life. I’ll never walk past a crisp packet again without scooping it into the bin.”

Spogomi teams quickly become experts, strategizing their collections for maximum impact. Lighter, hard-to-recycle items like cigarette butts score highly due to their environmental toll. The game is accessible to everyone, from children to seniors, ensuring an inclusive atmosphere.

“There’s a lot of strategy involved, but it’s a very inclusive sport,” Roaf explains. “You have everyone from little kids to grandparents – I’ve seen competitors in wheelchairs. You never know who’s going to come home with the highest score. You might be surprised at who does well – it’s not always the fittest and sportiest who win.”

This unique sport encourages everyone to recognize the litter around them – and get involved in the solution. Critical care doctor Sarah Parry, the 2023 world champion, shared how the sport opened her eyes.

“My eyes were completely closed to the fact that we even had litter in the UK,” Parry noted. “Now I just see it absolutely everywhere – not just in the UK, but everywhere I go.”

Efforts are underway to expand spogomi contests in the UK and beyond, with organizers eager to partner with local authorities and companies. As Roaf observes, the ultimate goal is simple: to clean communities while building connection and having fun together.

If you’re inspired, spogomi offers a joyful way to take action for the environment, one piece of litter at a time.

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