Do Beautiful Things

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 management
• 03:43 Beginning the litter project journey
• 08:46 Improving data analysis methods
• 11:56 Preparing for fieldwork and sample sites
• 15:40 Developing coastal litter research methodology
• 19:12 Discussing waste reduction programs
• 23:32 Discussing litter reduction goals
• 24:59 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 studies

• 05:50 Conducting thorough litter research

• 09:55 Discussing per capita litter issue

• 11:39 Studying litter and water pollution

• 15:05 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 Collaboration
• 11:58 Louisiana Litter Education & Funding
• 13:55 Collaboration for Positive Change
• 18:58 "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 Living
• 11:07 "Reuse Innovations in National Parks"
• 14:29 Sustainability Program Driven by Data
• 18:46 Reducing Plastic Waste in Parks
• 21:56 "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