Breaking Down Barriers: What Holds Us Back from Picking Up Litter?
In the latest episode of “Do Beautiful Things,” host Jenny Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, explores the intriguing question: What motivates some people to pick up litter while others ignore it? With spring bringing a fresh start, it’s the perfect time to commit to cleaner, greener, and more beautiful communities.
Jenny is joined by Wendy Salomon, Managing Director of Reputation and Corporate Strategy at The Harris Poll, to discuss the findings of a commissioned study on litter and community engagement. This year-long research partnership with Keep America Beautiful reveals surprising insights into how Americans perceive litter, why they choose to act (or not), and what factors can boost cleanup participation.
Some key takeaways:
- Litter ranks lower on the list of unpleasant chores than you might think—so why isn’t cleanup more common?
- The ‘gross factor’ is the top reason people hesitate to pick up litter.
- Community pride, pollution reduction, and personal values are the biggest motivators for regular cleanup efforts.
Together, Jenny and Wendy explore generational differences in attitudes toward litter, the importance of community engagement, and how small interventions—like providing gloves or cleanup kits—can dramatically increase participation.
Curious about what else the research uncovered? Listen to the full episode to gain valuable insights and get inspired to take action!
Tune in now and join the movement for the Greatest American Cleanup.
Quotes:
“Whether I identify as Democrat, Republican, or Independent, I am motivated to pick up litter because it aligns with my personal beliefs. So this is truly a unifying bridging activity.” – Wendy Salomon, Managing Director of Reputation & Corporate Strategy at The Harris Poll
Show Notes:
- 00:00 “Exploring Litter Responsibility”
- 03:54 “Strategic Insights for Effective Action”
- 06:24 Picking Up Litter Mostly Tolerable
- 10:15 Litter Clean-Up Divide
- 16:24 Engaging Gen Z in Community
- 18:12 “Litter Cleanup: A Unifying Act”
- 22:44 “Motivation Through Community for Gen Z”
- 26:39 “Preventing and Addressing Littering”
- 27:21 Litter Responsibility Debate
- 31:05 Join the Greatest American Cleanup
Show Links:
- The Harris Poll: www.theharrispoll.com
- Keep America Beautiful: kab.org
- Greatest American Cleanup: kab.org/greatest
About Keep America Beautiful®:
Keep America Beautiful®, the nation’s leading community improvement nonprofit organization, inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment. Established in 1953, Keep America Beautiful® strives to End Littering, Improve Recycling, and Beautify America’s Communities. We believe everyone has a right to live in a clean, green, and beautiful community, and shares a responsibility to contribute to that vision. The organization is driven by the work and passion of 700 Keep America Beautiful® affiliates, millions of volunteers, and the collaborative support of corporate partners, social and civic service organizations, academia, municipalities, elected officials, and individuals. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin, and YouTube. Donate and take action at kab.org. MEDIA CONTACTS: McCall Vrydaghs Keep America Beautiful® communications@kab.org