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 Episodes
Counting 35 Billion Pieces of Litter: Digging into the 2026 National Litter Study
In this two part conversation on 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.
From Highways to Coastlines: New Research Uncovers the True Scope of Litter in America
Podcast host Jennifer Lawson, President and CEO at Keep America Beautiful 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.
Previous Episodes
Trashercize and Education: Innovative Approaches to Litter Cleanup
Hear how educating youth and the community through initiatives like Trashercize drives engagement and beautification efforts in Tennessee.
NASA LunaRecycle Challenge: Exploring Space Sustainability
Discover how NASA’s LunaRecycle Challenge is revolutionizing recycling for space missions. Hear more on the “Do Beautiful Things” podcast.
Breaking Down Barriers: What Holds Us Back from Picking Up Litter?
This episode of “Do Beautiful Things” reveals new Harris Poll insights on litter—its impact, cleanup barriers, and what drives action.
Inside Cox Enterprises’ Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
Find out how COX Enterprises is making a positive impact through corporate volunteerism and environmental sustainability initiatives.
Mattress Recycling: Preventing Reusable Materials from Reaching Landfills
Discover the importance of mattress recycling, its benefits, and the legislative frameworks making it possible. Learn how these efforts are contributing to a more sustainable future through this often-overlooked aspect of recycling.
The Future of Recycling: Consumer Misconceptions, Industry Challenges, and AI Technology
Celebrate America Recycles Day by learning about the importance of recycling in sustainable living. Dive into the recycling process with industry leader, Jeff Snyder, SVP of Recycling and Sustainability at Rumpke Waste and Recycling
Recycling Reality Check
Series 2
Series 1
Funding in support of the “Do Beautiful Things” podcast series,
“Recycling Reality Check,” is provided by:











