Paterson is Picking Up: How One NJ Mayor is Tackling Litter and Restoring Communities
In this podcast episode of Do Beautiful Things, host Jenny Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, spotlights the extraordinary impact of local leadership and civic pride in creating cleaner, more vibrant communities. We travel to Paterson, New Jersey—a city leading by example—where Mayor Andre Sayegh shares how Paterson is transforming its approach to litter, waste management, and neighborhood revitalization.
Mayor Sayegh joins the conversation to discuss innovative initiatives like weekly neighborhood cleanups, a clean commercial corridor program, and the community’s fight against illegal dumping. Learn how Paterson’s commitment to the Keep America Beautiful Greatest American Cleanup campaign is not just a government effort but a collective movement uniting residents across one of New Jersey’s most diverse cities.
Listen in as we uncover the powerful ripple effects of investing in parks, public spaces, and historic restoration, from reducing crime and fires to fostering a sense of shared pride and safety. Mayor Sayegh and Jenny reflect on how even modest improvements can inspire entire communities to take action—proving that when we come together, we can truly do beautiful things.
Tune in to hear more inspiring stories, practical solutions, and discover how you can be a part of the Greatest American Cleanup by July 4, 2026, in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
Join us as we work together to keep our communities clean, welcoming, and full of possibilities.
Quotes:
“People may view keeping their community clean as a spectator sport — but it’s not. Everybody has to be in the game.”
“Our approach is about the three E’s — education, engagement, and enforcement. We want people who live in Paterson to understand the importance of keeping their community clean.”
— Mayor Andre Sayegh, Paterson, New Jersey
Show Notes:
- 00:00 “Empowering Communities: A Litter-Free Movement”
- 06:11 Addressing Nationwide Tire Dumping Issues
- 09:35 Urban Green Spaces and Community Renewal
- 11:50 Addressing Urban Heat with Innovations
- 14:12 New Jersey’s Pivotal Revolutionary Role
Show Links:
- Greatest American Cleanup: https://kab.org/greatest-american-cleanup/
About Keep America Beautiful®:
Keep America Beautiful®, the nation’s leading community improvement nonprofit organization, inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment. Established in 1953, Keep America Beautiful® strives to End Littering, Improve Recycling, and Beautify America’s Communities. We believe everyone has a right to live in a clean, green, and beautiful community, and shares a responsibility to contribute to that vision. The organization is driven by the work and passion of 700 Keep America Beautiful® affiliates, millions of volunteers, and the collaborative support of corporate partners, social and civic service organizations, academia, municipalities, elected officials, and individuals. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin, and YouTube. Donate and take action at kab.org. MEDIA CONTACTS: McCall Vrydaghs Keep America Beautiful® communications@kab.org