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
Is Recycling Worth It? Navigating the Challenges with The Recycling Partnership CEO
In this episode, Jenny talks with Keefe Harrison, CEO of The Recycling Partnership about their latest research and insights on residential recycling in the United States. Join us as we navigate the complexities of recycling, consider the roles of individuals, companies, and policymakers, and envision a sustainable and efficient future of waste management. Prepare to be informed and empowered to contribute to a greener tomorrow!
“We want to build some consistency for what’s recyclable where across the country so that it doesn’t have to be a guessing game of what happens at the bin.”— Keefe Harrison, CEO of The Recycling Partnership
PREVIOUS EPISODES
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.
Battery Recycling: The Power Behind Collection
Ever wonder whether to toss those old batteries or recycle them? Learn about battery recycling with David Klanecky, President of Cirba Solutions®. Gain insights into sustainable practices for rechargeable batteries, car batteries, and cell phone batteries.
Keep America Beautiful Launches New Podcast Series: “Do Beautiful Things” with Host Jenny Lawson
This podcast will cover topics such as ending litter, uncovering the truth behind recycling, and enhancing communities to create a more sustainable and beautiful future through insightful conversations that illuminate the path to a greener tomorrow.
In this episode, we pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 95th birthday. Keep America Beautiful (KAB) granted over $230,000 in 2022 and ‘23 through MLK Community Improvement grants, supporting projects enhancing the beauty and cleanliness of areas named after Dr. King. Notably, Jackson, Mississippi, received funding for a project featuring 10 vibrant murals along a mile of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, honoring Dr. King and Mississippi civil rights leaders.
KAB’s Senior VP of the Affiliate Network, Dave Forsell, recently attended the mural unveiling and spoke with key members of Keep Jackson Beautiful. You’ll hear their stories about how the project came to be and the significance it holds for the city of Jackson.
Learn more about the MLK Community Improvement Grant HERE.
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:
