Do Beautiful Things

In this episode of Do Beautiful Things, Jenny Lawson talks with Veronica Roof, HDR’s national solid waste planning leader, about the groundbreaking 2026 Keep America Beautiful National Litter Study. Together, they explore how innovative research methods and robust data collection are uncovering the true scope of litter across the country, informing strategies to reduce waste, and inspiring action for cleaner, healthier communities nationwide.

Show Notes

In part two of this two-part episode of Do Beautiful Things, host Jenny Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful (KAB), talks with David Scott, PhD, KAB’s Senior Vice President of Data and Research, about the latest insights from the 2026 National Litter Study. Together, they unpack surprising litter trends across the United States—from the scale of coastal pollution to the often-overlooked problem of small litter and the rise in cardboard and vehicle debris. They also highlight encouraging progress, including a significant decline in cigarette butt litter, and discuss how prevention, community action, and smarter solutions can help...

In this episode of Do Beautiful Things, Jennifer Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, joins David Scott, PhD, SVP of Data and Research, to discuss the 2026 National Litter Study and what a 34% decline in litter means for communities nationwide. Dr. Scott offers an inside look at what it takes to count 35 billion pieces of litter across thousands of miles of roadways, waterways, and, for the first time, coastal areas—from rigorous field research conducted by trained environmental consultants to the careful methods used to ensure reliable, unbiased data.

Download the 2026 National Litter Study: ht...

What does it take to lead a statewide movement for beauty? Join Jenny Lawson as she talks with Louisiana Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser about his decades-long fight against litter.

From the success of “Love the Boot Week” to the power of school education programs, this episode dives into how Louisiana is inspiring citizens to roll up their sleeves. Whether it's reporting a litterer or building business partnerships, Nungesser shares actionable advice for anyone ready to make a difference. Tune in for a dose of inspiration and a roadmap for driving change in your own community.

In this episode of “Do Beautiful Things,” host Jenny Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, explores how collaborative, innovative approaches are making America’s national parks cleaner and greener for all.

Special guest Ashley McAvoy, Director of Programs and Partnerships at the National Park Foundation, joins Jenny Lawson to discuss the unique challenges of managing waste in parks ranging from Cape Cod to Yellowstone. The conversation highlights new solutions for recycling and waste reduction—and how every visitor can play a part.

A standout moment in the episode features the National Park Foundation-funded project...

In this episode of “Do Beautiful Things,” host Jennifer Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, dives into the complexities of recycling with a focus on leftover paint—an item found in nearly every home but often misunderstood when it comes to disposal.

Joining the conversation is Brett Rodgers, Vice President of Communications at PaintCare, a nonprofit organization leading industry-driven efforts to create convenient, statewide paint recycling programs. Together, they unpack how PaintCare’s innovative public-private partnership makes it easy for residents to drop off unused paint, keeping it out of landfills, waterways, and storage spaces while gi...

In this episode of “Do Beautiful Things,” host Jennifer Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, dives into the transformative world of sustainable fashion—just in time for America Recycles Month.

Special guest Tanjuria Willis, founder of Atlanta Sustainable Fashion Week, joins the conversation to share her inspiring journey from nuclear plant systems engineer to entrepreneur and change-maker in the eco-fashion movement. Together, they unpack how sustainability and style can reinvent our wardrobes and redefine what it means to practice mindful consumption. From upcycled runway looks and innovative educational workshops for youth, to collaborations that repurpose game-d...

In this episode of “Do Beautiful Things,” host Jenny Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, welcomes Columbus, Ohio Mayor Andrew Ginther for a powerful conversation about transforming cities through environmental leadership and community partnerships.

Mayor Ginther, fresh off his term as President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, shares Columbus’s ambitious journey toward becoming a national leader in circular innovation. Hear how the city is tackling waste, building a robust recycling infrastructure—including North America’s largest public-private recycling center—and engaging both businesses and neighborhoods in meaningful climate action. From innovative food scrap drop-o...

In this episode of “Do Beautiful Things,” host Jenny Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, sits down with Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt and Natalie Evans, Executive Director of OKC Beautiful, to spotlight the crucial role local leaders play in creating cleaner, greener, and more vibrant communities.

Mayor Holt shares his personal journey and Oklahoma City’s renaissance—a transformation fueled by forward-thinking city policies, community partnerships, and ambitious public investments like the city’s signature MAPS initiatives. He discusses how dedicated funding for beautification and permanent staff positions is shaping the aesthetic and ecological future of...

In this episode of “Do Beautiful Things,” host Jenny Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, sits down with Mayor Bianca Motley Broom of College Park, Georgia—a dynamic community at the gateway of Atlanta—to discuss how local leadership and grassroots action can spark extraordinary change.

Mayor Motley Broom, the very first mayor to sign the Greatest American Cleanup™️ declaration, shares her passion for transforming College Park through community cleanups, the revitalization of green spaces like the Flint River Nature Preserve and Camp Truitt Botanical Garden, and inspiring civic pride among residents. She discusses the challenges a...

In this podcast episode of Do Beautiful Things, host Jenny Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, spotlights the extraordinary impact of local leadership and civic pride in creating cleaner, more vibrant communities. We travel to Paterson, New Jersey—a city leading by example—where Mayor Andre Sayegh shares how Paterson is transforming its approach to litter, waste management, and neighborhood revitalization.

Mayor Sayegh joins the conversation to discuss innovative initiatives like weekly neighborhood cleanups, a clean commercial corridor program, and the community’s fight against illegal dumping. Learn how Paterson’s commitment to the Keep America...

In this episode of Do Beautiful Things, host Jenny Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, highlights the incredible opportunity ahead as the United States approaches its 250th birthday in 2026. Jenny is joined by Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA, who shares her inspiring journey from one of the nation’s youngest female mayors to leading Pennsylvania’s efforts in celebrating this historic milestone.

Together, they discuss Pennsylvania’s pivotal role in America’s story, the statewide volunteer projects transforming communities, and how the state is contributing to Keep America Beautiful’s ambitious goal of picking up...

In this special Mother’s Day episode of the Do Beautiful Things podcast, host Jenny Lawson—President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful—celebrates the legacy and lasting impact of strong women: mothers, grandmothers, and the generations they inspire.

Jenny is joined by Lucinda Robb—writer, educator, and granddaughter of President Lyndon B. Johnson and First Lady Lady Bird Johnson—for a heartfelt conversation about family, service, and civic beauty. Lucinda shares moving stories of her family’s commitment to “paying God’s rent” through acts of service, her grandmother’s visionary environmental work, and how beauty and nature can be po...

In this episode of Do Beautiful Things, host Jenny Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful®, welcomes renowned ecologist, author, and co-founder of Homegrown National Park, Dr. Doug Tallamy, for an inspiring conversation on the vital role native plants play in restoring our nation’s ecosystems.

As planting season blooms across the country, Dr. Tallamy shares his expert advice on how homeowners, renters, and even apartment dwellers can help protect pollinators, support wildlife, and build resilient landscapes—right in their own backyards or on their balconies. He reveals the incredible impact of simple choices—from planting oak tre...

In this episode of “Do Beautiful Things,” host Jenny Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, shines a spotlight on the extraordinary impact of local action and environmental stewardship along Florida’s vibrant reef-lined coast.

Joining Jenny is Anna Bennett, founder of Reel it in for the Reefs, an annual underwater cleanup initiative inspired by her compassion for sea turtles like Bella, a hawksbill rescued from a life-threatening fishing line entanglement. Anna shares how a single act of care ignited South Florida’s largest reef cleanup in history, rallying divers, charter boats, and volunteers to remove hundreds...

In this episode of Do Beautiful Things, Jenny Lawson talks with Missy Marshall, the Executive Director of Keep Tennessee Beautiful, a Keep America Beautiful state affiliate, to explore the impactful efforts happening across Tennessee in the fight against litter. They discuss the Greatest American Cleanup™️ campaign, innovative programs like Trashercize, and the power of education and community engagement in fostering a cleaner, more sustainable future. Tune in to hear how Tennesseans are uniting to make a real difference, one small action at a time.

Show Links

Greatest American Cleanup: https://kab.org/greatest-american-cleanup/

In this thrilling episode of "Do Beautiful Things," hosts Jenny Lawson and Jennifer Edmunson take listeners on a journey beyond our planet, exploring the innovative LunaRecycle Challenge spearheaded by NASA. This groundbreaking competition is set to revolutionize recycling by challenging inventors to design systems that maximize resource utilization during space missions—transforming waste into valuable assets for future exploration.

Jenny Lawson, the President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, sits down with Jennifer Edmunson, Acting Program Manager for NASA Centennial Challenges, who brings her expertise in Earth and Planetary Sciences to the table. Together, they delve into th...

In this episode of the “Do Beautiful Things podcast,” Jenny Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful speaks with Wendy Salomon from The Harris Poll about their latest research on litter—commissioned by Keep America Beautiful. They explore key insights, including why people avoid picking up litter (hint: the ‘gross factor’ tops the list), what motivates people to join cleanup events, and surprising findings on how litter compares to other unpleasant tasks—like cleaning the bathroom. Tune in to discover what drives people to take action and what could encourage even more participation in keeping our communities clean and beautifu...

In this episode of “Do Beautiful Things,” host Jenny Lawson sits down with Maury Wolfe, Vice President of Corporate Responsibility and Social Impact at Cox Enterprises, to discuss their award-winning initiatives in corporate volunteerism and environmental sustainability.

Together, they discuss Cox Enterprises' impressive achievements, including the award-winning initiatives that have driven over 200,000 volunteer hours through their Cox Impact platform and the ambitious goals of their 34 by 34 initiative.

Maury shares fascinating insights into how Cox has become a zero waste-to-landfill company, the importance of employee engagement, and their ongoing collaborations with environmental organizations like Keep America Beau...

In this episode of Do Beautiful Things, host Jenny Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, dives into an often-overlooked aspect of recycling: mattress recycling.

Joining us is Mike O'Donnell, Chief Operating Officer of the Mattress Recycling Council, who brings over 30 years of expertise in managing solid and hazardous waste collection programs. Mike gives a compelling look into the world of mattress recycling, highlighting the innovative programs in states like California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island that recycle nearly 2 million mattresses a year. We’ll also explore the significant environmental impact of these efforts, from reducing illegal du...

In this episode of "Do Beautiful Things," host Jennifer Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, dives into the critical role of recycling in sustainable living and explores the intricacies of the recycling process.

Our special guest, Jeff Snyder, Senior Vice President of Recycling and Sustainability at Rumpke Waste and Recycling, brings over 30 years of industry expertise to the table. Together, they delve into the exceptional capabilities of Rumpke's state-of-the-art Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Columbus, Ohio, highlighting the sophisticated technologies and methods used to sort and recycle materials efficiently.

Jeff sheds light on...

In this episode of Do Beautiful Things, Jenny Lawson is joined by Kathleen Gibi of Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful and Michael McCall from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Together, they discuss the power of collaboration in building sustainable, healthy communities, the importance of preserving America’s river systems, and their commitment to the Greatest American Cleanup—the largest cleanup and beautification effort in history. Tune in to learn how collaboration and volunteer engagement are making a meaningful impact on our environment and communities.

QUOTES:

In this episode of Do Beautiful Things, host Jenny Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful welcomes Dr. Aruni Bhatnagar from the University of Louisville to discuss the powerful connection between urban trees and human health. Together, they explore the groundbreaking Green Heart Louisville Project, a study that examines how increasing urban greenery can positively impact cardiovascular health, particularly in communities heavily burdened by pollution.

Dr. Bhatnagar shares the study's promising initial findings, highlighting how planting trees can reduce inflammation markers and decrease the risk of heart disease in underserved areas. The discussion delves into the...

Welcome back to "Do Beautiful Things," a podcast by Keep America Beautiful dedicated to inspiring action for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable world.

In this episode, we are joined by Lauren Riley, Chief Sustainability Officer at United Airlines, to discuss their innovative approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the significance of sustainable aviation fuels, and how they're engaging consumers through unique and effective communication strategies—like partnering with Sesame Workshop's Oscar the Grouch. We also explore the vital role consumers play in advocating for sustainable practices and policies.

Tune in to learn how corporate le...

Welcome to another episode of Do Beautiful Things™️! Today, host Jenny Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful®, is joined by a special guest who’s making waves in the world of fashion and sustainability. Meet Kate Sanner, the CEO and co-founder of Beni, a browser extension that makes finding secondhand designer deals super easy from your own home.

Kate got hooked on secondhand fashion while living in New York City, surrounded by some of the coolest thrift stores. She was inspired to create Beni to help tackle the massive problem of textile waste—think millions of tons o...

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the powerful and transformative work happening in Indianapolis. Our focus? How creating beautiful spaces can do more than just improve aesthetics—they can also reduce crime, foster community unity, and create safer neighborhoods. Joining us is Jeremy Kranowitz, President and CEO of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. Jeremy shares his inspiring journey from battling exercise-induced asthma as a child to leading impactful environmental initiatives in Indianapolis. We’ll explore groundbreaking research with the University of Michigan showing a 12% reduction in gun violence thanks to greening efforts and discuss strategies for community engagement and co...

In this episode, Jenny talks with Keefe Harrison, CEO of The Recycling Partnership about their latest research and insights on residential recycling in the United States. Join us as we navigate the complexities of recycling, consider the roles of individuals, companies, and policymakers, and envision a sustainable and efficient future of waste management. Prepare to be informed and empowered to contribute to a greener tomorrow!

"We want to build some consistency for what's recyclable where across the country so that it doesn't have to be a guessing game of what happens at the bin."— Keefe Harrison, CEO of...

In this episode, we’re excited to bring you a special guest, Emin Israfil, CEO and co-founder of Rubbish, as we explore the innovative intersection of technology and environmental cleanup. We’ll hear Emin’s riveting journey from a childhood love of programming to founding a platform that champions cleaner neighborhoods. Discover how Rubbish’s cutting-edge app and AI technology are revolutionizing the way we tackle litter and illegal dumping, making community clean-up efforts both fun and efficient. Learn how you too can get involved in tracking and improving the cleanliness of your local environment with just a simple tap on y...

Welcome to "Do Beautiful Things"! In this episode, we have a powerful conversation with Oakland's deputy mayor, Dr. Kimberly Mayfield. Dr. Mayfield shares her insights on the challenges Oakland is facing and the initiatives aimed at making the community cleaner, greener, and more beautiful. From tree planting programs to community cleanups, Dr. Mayfield's work demonstrates the positive impact of maintaining a clean and vibrant environment. Join us as we explore the inspiring efforts to improve Oakland and learn how you can get involved in similar initiatives in your own community. Stay tuned for an insightful and inspirational conversation that...

In this episode of Do Beautiful Things, we spoke with Christina Porter, board chair of Keep Oakland Beautiful, about their impactful work in preserving the beauty of Oakland. We learned about the transformative power of murals, the importance of community engagement, and the positive impact of creating green spaces. From the MLK grants to the enduring legacy of Marcus Books, this episode is a testament to the deep connection between beauty, community, and sustainability. It's a reminder that together, we can continue to do beautiful things for our neighborhoods and the world. Stay tuned for more inspiration in our...

In this episode of Do Beautiful Things, we spoke with Christina Porter, board chair of Keep Oakland Beautiful, about their impactful work in preserving the beauty of Oakland. We learned about the transformative power of murals, the importance of community engagement, and the positive impact of creating green spaces. From the MLK grants to the enduring legacy of Marcus Books, this episode is a testament to the deep connection between beauty, community, and sustainability. It's a reminder that together, we can continue to do beautiful things for our neighborhoods and the world. Stay tuned for more inspiration in our...

In this episode, we pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 95th birthday. Keep America Beautiful (KAB) granted over $230,000 in 2022 and ‘23 through MLK Community Improvement grants, supporting projects enhancing the beauty and cleanliness of areas named after Dr. King. Notably, Jackson, Mississippi, received funding for a project featuring 10 vibrant murals along a mile of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, honoring Dr. King and Mississippi civil rights leaders.

KAB's Senior VP of the Affiliate Network, Dave Forsell, recently attended the mural unveiling and spoke with key members of Keep Jackson Beautiful. You'll hear their stories about how...

The holidays are a time of joy for many, but amid the celebrations, it's easy to lose track of waste. In today's episode, host Jenny Lawson, joined by McCall Vrydaghs, the producer of the Do Beautiful Things podcast, will share tips on hosting a party, gift wrapping, and embracing the holidays sustainably. They will also discuss eco-friendly ways to bid farewell to your decorations when the holidays are over.

Ever wondered whether to toss those old batteries or recycle them? In today’s episode, we’ve got the answers. Jenny sits down to discuss batteries with David Klanecky, President and CEO of Cirba Solutions®. With over 30 years of expertise in Battery Materials, David has held key roles in research & development, operations, commercial ventures, and leadership across diverse industries. His experience spans the global lithium business, energy storage, and various specialty materials sectors. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of battery recycling, covering rechargeable batteries, car batteries, cell phone batteries, and much more. We’ll be discussing sustain...

Join us as we assess the sustainability of paper and packaging. Learn how eco-friendly these products really are and discover what this industry is doing to commit to practices that benefit both consumers and the planet.

Jenny chats with Mary Anne Hansan, President of the Paper and Packaging Board, where she is responsible for communicating the paper industry’s unrivaled sustainability story to millions of consumers. Mary Anne is an enthusiast of paper and paper packaging and is the perfect person to talk to about this topic.

Don’t miss it!

In our next episode, Jenny will explore the idea of a zero-waste future with Tom Szaky, the founder and CEO of TerraCycle®—a global leader in the collection and repurposing of complex waste streams. They will discuss the origins of TerraCycle, its partnership with Keep America Beautiful’s Cigarette Litter Prevention Program, the TerraCycle Global Foundation, and their aspirations for the future.

In this episode of Do Beautiful Things™, Jenny Lawson chats with Louise Bruce, Managing Director at The Recycling Partnership’s Center for Sustainable Behavior and Impact, to gain a better understanding of human behavior around recycling and how to strengthen public awareness across the country. They take an in-depth look at the research behind recycling messaging and how the average person may interpret that message. Additionally, you'll learn about Recycle Check, a QR code that allows consumers to scan and obtain real-time, package-specific recycling information in seconds.

In this debut episode of "Do Beautiful Things®," host Jenny Lawson, President, and CEO of Keep America Beautiful®, sits down with recycling expert Dr. Michael Washburn to kick off the "Recycling Reality Check®" series. Michael is a senior policy advisor and consultant with Keep America Beautiful. The episode explores crucial topics such as recycling myths, the importance of recycling plastics, and the economic and environmental impact of recycling efforts. Listeners will gain valuable insights into recycling behavior, the recycling process, and practical tips for making a difference in their communities. The episode also features a special segment where Jenny is joi...