In this episode of Do Beautiful Things, host Jenny Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful welcomes Dr. Aruni Bhatnagar from the University of Louisville to discuss the powerful connection between urban trees and human health. Together, they explore the groundbreaking Green Heart Louisville Project, a study that examines how increasing urban greenery can positively impact cardiovascular health, particularly in communities heavily burdened by pollution. Dr. Bhatnagar shares the...

Welcome back to "Do Beautiful Things," a podcast by Keep America Beautiful dedicated to inspiring action for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable world. In this episode, we are joined by Lauren Riley, Chief Sustainability Officer at United Airlines, to discuss their innovative approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the significance of sustainable aviation fuels, and how they're engaging consumers through unique and effective communication strategies—like partnering with Sesame...

Welcome to another episode of Do Beautiful Things™️! Today, host Jenny Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful®, is joined by a special guest who’s making waves in the world of fashion and sustainability. Meet Kate Sanner, the CEO and co-founder of Beni, a browser extension that makes finding secondhand designer deals super easy from your own home. Kate got hooked on secondhand fashion while living in New York City, surrounded by some of the coolest thrift stores. She was inspired...

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the powerful and transformative work happening in Indianapolis. Our focus? How creating beautiful spaces can do more than just improve aesthetics—they can also reduce crime, foster community unity, and create safer neighborhoods. Joining us is Jeremy Kranowitz, President and CEO of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. Jeremy shares his inspiring journey from battling exercise-induced asthma as a child to leading impactful environmental initiatives in...

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...

In this episode, we’re excited to bring you a special guest, Emin Israfil, CEO and co-founder of Rubbish, as we explore the innovative intersection of technology and environmental cleanup. We’ll hear Emin’s riveting journey from a childhood love of programming to founding a platform that champions cleaner neighborhoods. Discover how Rubbish’s cutting-edge app and AI technology are revolutionizing the way we tackle litter and illegal dumping, making community clean-up efforts both fun and...

Welcome to "Do Beautiful Things"! In this episode, we have a powerful conversation with Oakland's deputy mayor, Dr. Kimberly Mayfield. Dr. Mayfield shares her insights on the challenges Oakland is facing and the initiatives aimed at making the community cleaner, greener, and more beautiful. From tree planting programs to community cleanups, Dr. Mayfield's work demonstrates the positive impact of maintaining a clean and vibrant environment. Join us as we explore the inspiring efforts to...

In this episode of Do Beautiful Things, we spoke with Christina Porter, board chair of Keep Oakland Beautiful, about their impactful work in preserving the beauty of Oakland. We learned about the transformative power of murals, the importance of community engagement, and the positive impact of creating green spaces. From the MLK grants to the enduring legacy of Marcus Books, this episode is a testament to the deep connection between beauty, community, and sustainability. It's a reminder that...

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...

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.

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...

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...

In our next episode, 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.

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. Additionally, you'll learn about Recycle Check, a QR code that allows...

In this debut episode of "Do Beautiful Things®," host Jenny Lawson, President, and CEO of Keep America Beautiful®, sits down with recycling expert Dr. Michael Washburn to kick off the "Recycling Reality Check®" series. Michael is a senior policy advisor and consultant 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...