Eco-Running -- It's a simple idea that someone has given a name -- picking up trash as you run/hike through your favorite setting. The Eco Runner website is recruiting volunteers who promise to take trash bags with them when the run and pick up some garbage along the way.

It is sad that carelessness has caused such a site to be necessary, but great that people value keeping the outdoors looking as healthy as they want to be themselves. I hardly ever remember to bring a bag with me during my runs and hikes, but I have often picked up stray bottles or cans to deposit in the nearest trash can.

Halting your run to pick up trash is very disruptive to serious runners, so I understand why people may not want to do so. But for hikers, there really is no reason not to clean up a tad while you are enjoying your stroll. You'll enjoy the trip more the next time, and you may see flora and fauna in a different way as you bend over to clean the ground.

Hat tip to the diet blog an my pal Julie for sending the link.