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 Notes00:00 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 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 Notes00:00 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

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 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, 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 Initiative06:06 "Transforming Public Art Leadership"08:39 Oklahoma City's Revival with MAPS10:07 Oklahoma City's Maps Initiative14:43 Oklahoma City Tree Planting Initiative19:17 Trail Cleanup and Awareness Day22:11 "Competitive Beautiful Cities Initiative"24:28 Plant Red, White, Blue for 202626:19 Leveraging Milestones for City Beautification

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 Issues09:35 Urban Green Spaces and Community Renewal11:50 Addressing Urban Heat with Innovations14:12 New Jersey's Pivotal Revolutionary RoleShow Links:Greatest American Cleanup: https://kab.org/greatest-american-cleanup/

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 JohnsonShow 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, 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 of pounds of fishing line, plastic, and marine debris from vital habitats.Together, Jenny and Anna discuss the preventable dangers marine life face, the power of community-driven change, and how every individual—whether a fisher, diver, or coastal resident—can make a meaningful difference for our oceans and wildlife. As part of the Greatest American Cleanup, Reel it in for the Reefs exemplifies what can happen when people come together to protect the places and creatures they love.Tune in to this inspiring episode to hear Anna’s journey from local diver to community leader, discover tips for responsible fishing and underwater stewardship, and find out how you can support reef cleanups in your area.Episode Links:Keep America Beautiful: https://kab.org/Greatest American Cleanup: https://kab.org/greatest-american-cleanup/Reel it in for the Reefs: https://reelitinforthereefs.org/National Save the Sea Turtle Foundation: https://savetheseaturtle.org/Show Notes:00:00 Reel it in for Reefs04:24 Turtles Endangered by Fishing Line07:46 Underwater Reef Cleanup Initiative12:57 Protecting Reefs and Sea Turtles14:00 Responsible Fishing: Reel in Your Line17:14 "Americans Unite for a Greener Future"

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 the intricacies of sustaining human life on the lunar surface through recycling innovations, tackling unique challenges such as extreme vacuums and thermal swings on the Moon. From the digital designs to hardware prototypes, discover how these lunar projects could inspire and enhance our recycling efforts here on Earth. Could the solutions forged in the vacuum of space lead to more sustainable communities and potentially revolutionize waste management on our own planet? Listen to this podcast episode to find out! Stay tuned for insights into the future of recycling, both in space and in our backyards. To dive even deeper into how innovation is shaping a more sustainable future, visit lunarecyclechallenge.ua.edu. Join us on our mission to keep our planet and beyond, clean and vibrant. Show Notes: 00:00 "Lunar Recycling Challenge" 04:44 Lunar Recycling Challenge 07:08 Innovative Food Packaging Recycling Solutions 10:36 "Break the Ice Lunar Challenge" 15:21 Sustainable Off-Planet Living Costs 19:18 NASA's Moon to Mars Strategy 21:24 "Inspiring Space and Earth Cleanup"

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 Beautiful. Stay tuned to learn how you can get involved in transformative initiatives to help create cleaner, greener spaces in your own community. Show Links:COX Enterprises: www.coxenterprises.com34 by 34 Initiative: www.coxenterprises.com/our-impact/social-goal-34-by-34Keep America Beautiful: kab.orgGreatest American Cleanup: kab.org/greatestShow Notes: 00:00 Cox Enterprises: Promoting volunteerism for environmental impact. 03:43 Selling sustainability's ROI changed environmental perspectives. 09:00 Cox legacy: prioritize employees, community, and environment. 11:47 Training employees and circular economy efforts innovate. 13:54 Employee-driven innovation through purpose and community connection. 18:09 Earth Month 2024: Impactful local and national efforts. 20:42 Empower 34 million people by 2034 goal. 24:30 Keep Oklahoma Beautiful: effective disaster recovery efforts. 27:15 Join America's cleanup for a beautiful future.

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 the common challenges faced in the recycling industry and emphasizes the importance of clean and well-sorted materials to create new products. With a focus on improving recycling rates and debunking myths, the conversation provides essential insights into the future of recycling, including the promising role of AI technology. Listeners will learn about industry demands for recycled resin from major companies, and the need for transparency to build trust in recycling processes. Tune in to discover how your participation and mindful recycling habits can make a significant impact. Join us in our mission to make our communities cleaner, greener, and more beautiful. Show Notes: 00:00 Exploring recycling process at Rumpke's Columbus MRF. 06:05 Only 30% consumer plastics are actually recycled. 08:28 Lack of trust, care, and high costs deter. 12:40 Adopt ABCs for recycling: simple and effective. 15:29 Demand for post-consumer resin packaging increasing. 18:17 Initial step: Size material, remove glass. 20:50 Ballistic separators sort paper and containers. 25:48 Promoting recycling transparency builds trust and participation. 28:56 Recycling leads to a healthier, sustainable future.

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 meticulous setup of the research and the exciting implications for urban planning and public health. Whether you're an urban planner, a member of a local community group, or someone looking to make a difference in your own backyard, this episode is filled with valuable information. Show Notes: 00:00 Investigated heart disease causes, prevention, and global rise. 03:28 Studied pollutants' impact on heart disease risks. 08:03 Experimenting with trees for health in neighborhoods with high levels of pollution. 11:10 Planting trees decreased residents' inflammation and air pollution levels. 14:27 Plant female trees to reduce pollen and the resulting allergies and asthma. 19:27 Ground cover enhances biodiversity, possibly boosting immune resilience. 23:12 Join cleanup: 250 items for America’s 250th. 24:18 Take care, stay informed, see you soon.

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 of clothing ending up in landfills every year.In this episode, Kate shares some amazing insights and practical tips for anyone looking to make more sustainable fashion choices. Whether you’re a thrifting pro or just getting started with resale.So, get ready to dive into an inspiring chat about how we can all make a positive impact on the planet. Let’s take some simple steps to reduce textile waste and keep doing beautiful things together!“We have to make the sustainable option the easy, convenient, acceptable one if we want the mainstream audience to participate in it.”— Kate SannerShow Notes:00:00 Grateful for conversation, loves secondhand clothing.04:47 Fashion and resale industry face supply-demand issue.06:58 Brands embracing resale to benefit fashion industry.10:17 Simplifying shopping sustainability with Benny browser extension.13:05 Fashion industry reframing clothes as valuable assets. Beni: https://www.joinbeni.com/America Recycles Day®: america-recycles-day