Vivek Gurav, 29, has cleared 20,000 tonnes of litter worldwide since he started “plogging” (jogging and litter picking) in 2019.

Gurav’s “PlogYatra” challenge, pilgrimage in Hindi, started in London last week and now aims to clear waste in 50 UK cities in the next four months.

Individual responsibility is promoted rather than calling for government action by “just screaming”.

Vivek Gurav cleaning up waste in Wembley . Source: Vivek Gurav Wembley PA Wire

Although supporting movements like Just Stop Oil, Gurav says:

“I want more people to be on ground and do something about this problem”

The plogging movement originated in his home city in India, where environmental issues are more visible.

This inspired practical action which he brought to London as an environmental consultant, encouraging universities, NGO’s and local communities to clean up the environment alongside him.

Mr Gurav, who works as an environmental consultant in London, is encouraging university groups, NGOs and local communities to join him.

“It’s not just about climate change overall, but it’s also more about the small things that are responsible for climate change, and that is individual action, people’s attitudes – we need to do something about that.

In summer 2024 he completed a 30-day challenge across 30 London areas.