Background: Given the global importance of addressing sedentary lifestyles and environmental challenges, this study aimed to explore the role of environmental awareness in encouraging participation in plogging—an eco-friendly physical activity—while examining the mediating influence of social responsibility. Methods: The research was both descriptive and correlational. The research sample consisted of 290 active ploggers selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a validated and reliable questionnaire in November and December 2024. The conceptual framework centered on three key constructs: environmental awareness, participation in plogging, and social responsibility. To assess the model’s validity and test the hypotheses, structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed using AMOS 22. Results: Environmental awareness had a significant positive effect on both plogging participation and social responsibility. Additionally, social responsibility positively influenced plogging participation. The findings also indicated that environmental awareness indirectly affects plogging participation by influencing social responsibility. Conclusion: Overall, the study suggests that increasing awareness of environmental issues and fostering a sense of social responsibility can significantly enhance engagement in plogging as an eco-friendly form of physical activity. These insights could be valuable for developing strategies to promote healthier lifestyles and supporting environmental conservation.
Jaberi et al. (Sat,) studied this question.