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
From Bottles to Beaches: A Small-Town Recycling Solution
In rural Franklin County, Florida, glass bottles are getting a second life as sand. Host Jenny Lawson talks with Lynn Wilder, Executive Director of Keep Franklin County Beautiful, about how volunteers, local partnerships, and a mobile glass-crushing machine diverted 30,000 pounds of glass from landfills and into shoreline and oyster reef restoration. Tune in for ideas to help your community do beautiful things, just in time for America Recycles Month.
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.
Previous Episodes
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
The Power of Partnership in Building Sustainable Waterways
In this episode of Do Beautiful Things, find out how collaboration between Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful and the Tennessee Valley Authority in creating sustainable and healthy communities along the Tennessee River.
Reducing Heart Disease with Trees: Louisville Tree Planting Project Shows Positive Results
In this episode of the “Do Beautiful Things” podcast, discover the powerful connection between urban trees and human health, and explore how increasing greenery can positively impact heart health.
Flying Green: United Airlines’ Journey Towards Sustainable Aviation
Learn about United Airlines’ sustainable practices on the Do Beautiful Things™ podcast. Discover their journey towards greener aviation.
The Rise of Secondhand Fashion: How Beni Makes Thrifting Easy
Discover the power of secondhand fashion. Hear from Beni’s CEO, Kate Sanner, on how they’ve made shopping for pre-owned garments easy.
Recycling Reality Check
Series 2
Series 1
Funding in support of the “Do Beautiful Things” podcast series,
“Recycling Reality Check,” is provided by:
