DO BEAUTIFUL THINGS
Welcome to Do Beautiful Things™, a podcast hosted by Jenny Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful. This podcast will engage experts and everyday people looking for straightforward answers to questions about the science, behaviors, business solutions, and policies that can help us all create more beautiful and sustainable communities. Together we will explore fascinating topics like the life of a recycled beer can, the value of urban forests, the people who are cleaning up literal ‘tons’ of litter in their community, and so much more. Our discussions are not just interviews; they are insightful conversations that illuminate the path to a greener tomorrow!
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Recent Episode
Fighting Litter with AI Technology: A Deep Dive into the Rubbish App
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 your phone. Join us as we dive into the world of tech-enabled environmental change and see how we can all contribute to making our surroundings rubbish-free. Stay tuned for an enlightening conversation that just might inspire you to take part in the Great American Cleanup and help turn the tide against the staggering 50 billion pieces of litter in our country. Let’s commit to doing beautiful things together. Now, let’s get started.
PREVIOUS EPISODES
Strengthening Oakland: Deputy Mayor Dr. Kimberly Mayfield’s Vision for Beautiful Spaces
Discover how Oakland is becoming cleaner and greener! Join us for a conversation with Dr. Kimberly Mayfield, Oakland’s deputy mayor, as she shares insights on the city’s environmental initiatives. Learn how you can contribute to positive change in your community. Don’t miss this insightful episode!
Preserving Oakland’s History Through Beauty: MLK Grants and Community Collaboration
Explore Oakland’s beauty with Christina Porter, board chair of Keep Oakland Beautiful, on Do Beautiful Things. Uncover the impact of murals, community engagement, and green spaces. Join us in fostering beauty, community, and sustainability.
Communities in Color: Honoring Dr. King’s Legacy Through Beautification Projects
Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 95th birthday with Keep America Beautiful’s MLK Community Improvement grants. Jackson, Mississippi, received funding for vibrant murals along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, honoring Dr. King and Mississippi civil rights leaders. Hear from KAB’s Senior VP, Dave Forsell, and Keep Jackson Beautiful members about the project’s significance for the city.
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
To download Keep America Beautiful’s Holiday eBook, click HERE.
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 sustainable best practices in this ever-evolving technological landscape.
To learn more about Cirba Solutions®, click HERE.
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.
To learn more about the Paper and Packaging Board, click HERE.
In our next episode Do Beautiful Things™, 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.
To learn more about the Cigarette Litter Prevention Program partnership with TerraCycle, click HERE.
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. You’ll also learn about Recycle Check, a QR code that allows consumers to scan and get real-time package-specific recycling information in seconds. Click HERE to learn more.
To learn more about The Recycling Partnership®, visit their website HERE.
In the debut episode of the series titled “Recycling Reality Check™,” Jenny Lawson sits down with recycling expert Dr. Michael Washburn, a consultant senior policy advisor 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 Lawson is joined by her mother, Sally, who asks common recycling questions, allowing Lawson to debunk myths and provide clear answers to help listeners make informed recycling choices in their daily lives.
Funding in support of the “Do Beautiful Things” podcast series,
“Recycling Reality Check,” is provided by:
