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Why do 94% of Americans see litter as a major problem, yet many fail to notice progress even as national litter rates decline? In this episode, Jenny Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, sits down with Wendy Salomon, Head of Reputation at The Harris Poll, to explore the surprising disconnect between public perception and hard data. Together, they unpack what truly motivates people to care for their communities, the intersection of civic pride and corporate responsibility, and how small local actions are sparking nationwide change just in time for America's 250th birthday.

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 00:00 Discovering a career in waste management03:43 Beginning the litter project journey08:46 Improving data analysis methods11:56 Preparing for fieldwork and sample sites15:40 Developing coastal litter research methodology19:12 Discussing waste reduction programs23:32 Discussing litter reduction goals24:59 Understanding the 2026 Litter Study

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 build cleaner, greener communities for everyone.

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: https://kab.org/litter/litter-study/ Show Notes 00:00 Research partnerships on litter studies05:50 Conducting thorough litter research09:55 Discussing per capita litter issue11:39 Studying litter and water pollution15:05 Impact of coastal pollution

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. Show Notes: 00:00 "Love Your Waterways Initiative"05:31 "Trash Impacted Economic Development"08:00 Leadership Boosts Community Collaboration11:58 Louisiana Litter Education & Funding13:55 Collaboration for Positive Change18:58 "Partnering Business for Community Funding"19:52 Promoting Partnerships Against Litter

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 at Colter Bay Campground in Grand Teton National Park. There, Keep America Beautiful partnered with TerraCycle and Grand Teton Lodge Company to introduce a repurposed shipping container as a dedicated recycling hub for hard-to-recycle items like fishing line and snack wrappers. This innovative and flexible infrastructure helps visitors keep the park clean and supports a more circular economy, even in remote areas. Tune in to discover how education, smart infrastructure, and the actions of everyday people are helping to preserve these breathtaking spaces—and to learn practical ways you can make a difference on your next visit. Show Notes: 00:00 "Protecting Parks, Reducing Waste"05:50 "Leading by Example in Sustainability"06:44 Activism: Rent for Earth Living11:07 "Reuse Innovations in National Parks"14:29 Sustainability Program Driven by Data18:46 Reducing Plastic Waste in Parks21:56 "Recycling Challenges in Parks"24:03 "Building Environmental Stewards Everywhere"26:57 "Preserving America's Beautiful Spaces"

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 giving it new life as recycled paint. Hear firsthand about successful statewide initiatives like Connecticut’s, insight into upcoming expansions, and how this model is inspiring broader recycling and product stewardship strategies across America. You'll also learn practical tips for responsibly managing leftover paint, how to find recycling locations near you, and the impact you can make in building a cleaner, greener community. Ready to clear up the confusion around recycling paint and boost your confidence as an environmental steward? Tune in to the full episode and discover how small actions—like recycling your old paint—can add up to big wins for our planet. Show Notes: · 00:00 "Do Beautiful Things Podcast" · 03:50 Statewide Paint Recycling Program · 09:27 Recycled Paint Process Explained · 10:17 Affordable Paint for Large Projects · 15:59 "Doing Beautiful Things Together"

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-day banners and promote zero-waste events, this episode shines a spotlight on the exciting future of fashion rooted in environmental responsibility. Whether you’re a thrifting enthusiast, curious about the impact of textiles on our health, or eager to learn how collaborative communities are turning waste into wearable art, you won’t want to miss the rich insights and practical ideas shared in this conversation. Tune in to discover how Atlanta Sustainable Fashion Week is nurturing the next generation of designers, fostering international exchange, and welcoming everyone to experience clothing that’s good for both people and the planet. Listen to the full episode to find inspiration for making sustainability a beautiful part of your everyday life. Show Notes: 00:00 "Recycling Reality Check Podcast" 05:42 "Journey Into Entrepreneurship" 09:16 "Rethinking Clothing and Health" 11:12 Sustainable Fashion Week Insights 15:58 "Zero Waste Fashion Movement" 18:53 Upcycled Game Day Banner Fashion 21:16 "Sustainable Fashion Made Stylish" 25:08 Atlanta Fashion & Earth Events 27:21 "Reducing Waste, Inspiring Action"

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-off programs to creative reuse convenience centers, Mayor Ginther reveals how Columbus is proving that prosperous economies and sustainable communities go hand-in-hand. We’ll dive into the building blocks of an effective climate action plan, the value of regional thinking, and why mayors are perfectly positioned to drive real change—regardless of politics. Plus, discover the outsized impact ordinary residents (and even third graders!) can have in making America cleaner, greener, and more beautiful in time for our country’s 250th birthday. Tune in for practical inspiration, stories of hope, and ideas you can take back to your own community. For more details and ways to get involved, visit kab.org. Join us in our mission to keep America beautiful and do beautiful things—together. Show Notes: 00:00 Mayors Driving Community Transformation 06:14 Building Sustainability Through Public-Private Collaboration 07:54 Empowering Youth for Sustainable Change 12:38 "Recycling Boosts Ohio Jobs and Economy" 14:07 Regional Recycling Strategy Insights 18:48 "Local Action for Community Impact" Show Links: Greatest American Cleanup: www.kab.org/greatest

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 OKC. Natalie Evans adds a hands-on perspective, detailing OKC Beautiful’s empowering initiatives—from massive tree plantings responding to recent natural disasters, to the innovative Tackle the Trails campaign where residents come together to clean every mile of the city’s public trail system in just one day. Together, they explore how nonprofit and public sector collaboration is building momentum for the Greatest American Cleanup, a nationwide movement ahead of America’s 250th birthday. Tune in to hear how Oklahoma City’s story can inspire your own community to take action, and discover practical ideas for engaging citizens in beautification and sustainability projects. Find out how you can get involved, access resources, and join the movement at kab.org/greatest. Listen to the full episode to be inspired by real-world solutions and join us on the journey to do beautiful things together! Show Notes: 00:00 Mayors Join Cleanup Initiative 06:06 "Transforming Public Art Leadership" 08:39 Oklahoma City's Revival with MAPS 10:07 Oklahoma City's Maps Initiative 14:43 Oklahoma City Tree Planting Initiative 19:17 Trail Cleanup and Awareness Day 22:11 "Competitive Beautiful Cities Initiative" 24:28 Plant Red, White, Blue for 2026 26:19 Leveraging Milestones for City Beautification

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 and opportunities facing her growing city, and how small acts—like picking up litter or planting flowers—become catalysts for deeper connections and lasting improvements. Jenny and Mayor Motley Broom explore how beautification projects go beyond the surface, building hope, unity, and community resilience—especially as cities across the nation prepare to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with ambitious goals to clean and enhance thousands of neighborhoods. Tune in to hear how local champions are making a difference, discover inspiring stories of community transformation, and learn how you can join the Greatest American Cleanup movement in your own backyard. Show Notes: 00:00 "Greatest American Cleanup Initiative" 03:28 College Park: Atlanta's Airport Hub 07:57 Reviving Local Civic Engagement 12:04 Camp Truitt Botanical Garden Initiative 13:12 Hannah Palmer's Flint River Vision 17:25 Celebrating Unity in Our Nation 19:48 See You Next Time!

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 Beautiful Greatest American Cleanup campaign is not just a government effort but a collective movement uniting residents across one of New Jersey’s most diverse cities. Listen in as we uncover the powerful ripple effects of investing in parks, public spaces, and historic restoration, from reducing crime and fires to fostering a sense of shared pride and safety. Mayor Sayegh and Jenny reflect on how even modest improvements can inspire entire communities to take action—proving that when we come together, we can truly do beautiful things. Tune in to hear more inspiring stories, practical solutions, and discover how you can be a part of the Greatest American Cleanup by July 4, 2026, in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Join us as we work together to keep our communities clean, welcoming, and full of possibilities. Quotes: “People may view keeping their community clean as a spectator sport — but it’s not. Everybody has to be in the game.” “Our approach is about the three E's — education, engagement, and enforcement. We want people who live in Paterson to understand the importance of keeping their community clean.” — Mayor Andre Sayegh, Paterson, New Jersey Show Notes: 00:00 "Empowering Communities: A Litter-Free Movement" 06:11 Addressing Nationwide Tire Dumping Issues 09:35 Urban Green Spaces and Community Renewal 11:50 Addressing Urban Heat with Innovations 14:12 New Jersey's Pivotal Revolutionary Role Show Links: Greatest American Cleanup: https://kab.org/greatest-american-cleanup/

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 25 billion pieces of litter and beautifying 25,000 communities through a partnership with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. Cassandra highlights how public service and intergenerational engagement—from parents to children—are driving these efforts. Programs like Pennsylvania Day, community art initiatives, and the Direct Effect Innovation Challenge are connecting people of all ages to the power and purpose of beautification. Tune in for uplifting stories, practical ways to get involved, and a behind-the-scenes look at how states are preparing for the country’s 250th anniversary—plus, discover why music, volunteerism, and local pride are at the heart of this nationwide movement. To learn more or get involved with the Greatest American Cleanup and other America 250 initiatives, visit kab.org or america250pa.org. Don’t miss this opportunity to help build a cleaner, greener, more beautiful future—listen to the full episode today! Show Notes: 00:00 Celebrating America250: Cleanup & Legacy 03:15 Legacy of Political Inspiration 06:44 "Engaging Youth in Community History" 10:09 Pennsylvania Day Volunteer Initiative 15:25 Nationwide Innovation and Local Initiatives 16:52 Retaining Pennsylvania Talent Challenge 20:30 Public-Private Partnerships: Funding Solutions 23:36 "Optimistic Vision for a Greener Future"

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 powerful tools for building healthier, more connected communities. Together, they explore the inspiration behind Keep America Beautiful’s Greatest American Cleanup, the practical roots of Lady Bird Johnson’s beautification movement, and how engaging children in community action can plant the seeds for a brighter future. From playful recycling games to neighborhood cleanups, this episode offers simple, meaningful ways for everyone to get involved—no matter where they live. Tune in to discover how honoring those who came before us can inspire a life of service, joy, and lasting impact. Quotes: “She (Lady Bird Johnson) talked very often… that she was paying the rent for the space she took up on the planet. You know, she was paying God’s rent. And she really believed that. And I think it motivated her and it also gave her a lot of joy.” - Lucinda Robb, Granddaughter of Lyndon B. and Lady Bird Johnson Show Notes: 00:00 Legacy of Strong Women05:23 Rebuilding Social Capital Together08:18 Grandmother's Selfless Community Service10:45 Depth Beyond Perception15:00 GW Parkway's Beautiful Transformation17:21 Trees Combat Violence20:34 "Teaching Kids Philanthropy"25:39 "Promoting Public Good: A Family Tradition"28:11 "Celebrating Communities and Mother's Day" Show Links: Greatest American Cleanup: https://kab.org/greatest-american-cleanup/Reducing Heart Disease with Trees: https://kab.org/reducing-heart-disease-with-trees-louisville-tree-planting-project-shows-positive-results/Green Heart Louisville: https://greenheartlouisville.com/The Greening Effect - Reducing Gun Violence and Creating Safer Neighborhoods: how-green-spaces-reduce-crime-and-enhance-community-unityGun Violence Reduction Study Analysis: https://www.kibi.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/KIB-GreenSpace-Gun-Violence-Reduction-Study.pdfJoin or Die (Netflix): https://www.netflix.com/title/81746809

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 trees and milkweed to reducing lawn space and managing light pollution—on the health of birds, insects, and the entire environment. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this episode offers practical, accessible tips that empower everyone to make a difference—no matter where you live. Discover how you can be part of the solution to biodiversity loss, and why planting native is one of the most beautiful things you can do for your community and the planet. Tune in to the full episode to learn more, find out how to choose the right plants for your area, and get inspired to join the Greatest American Cleanup™ initiative and pledge to plant native this spring. Links: Keep America Beautiful: kab.orgGreatest American Cleanup: kab.org/greatestHomegrown National Park: homegrownnationalpark.org Show Notes: 00:00 Plant Native, Beautify America06:26 Insect Specialization on Native Plants 07:29 Plants: Beyond Decoration, Essential Roles 12:23 Urban Gardening and Education 15:42 Reducing Light Pollution for Insects 17:16 Empowering Individual Environmental Actions 20:37 Embrace Native Planting for Change