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!
Click your favorite podcast app below to subscribe!
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
Fighting Litter with AI Technology: A Conversation with Rubbish
Listen to this episode of “Do Beautiful Things,” as we examine the innovative intersection of AI technology and environmental cleanup.
Learn how you can get involved with just a tap on your phone.
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.
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.
Exploring the Path to a Waste-Free Future: A Conversation with TerraCycle
Learn about innovative solutions for hard-to-recycle materials, the economics behind recycling, and how circular thinking can transform everyday items
Recycling Reality Check
Series 2
Series 1
Funding in support of the “Do Beautiful Things” podcast series,
“Recycling Reality Check,” is provided by:
