Do Beautiful Things (Jenny Lawson)

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 study's promising initial findings, highlighting how planting trees can reduce inflammation markers and decrease the risk of heart disease in underserved areas. The discussion delves into the meticulous setup of the research and the exciting implications for urban planning and public health.

Whether you're an urban planner, a member of a local community group, or someone looking to make a difference in your own backyard, this episode is filled with valuable information.

Show Notes:

00:00 Investigated heart disease causes, prevention, and global rise.

03:28 Studied pollutants' impact on heart disease risks.

08:03 Experimenting with trees for health in neighborhoods with high levels of pollution.

11:10 Planting trees decreased residents' inflammation and air pollution levels.

14:27 Plant female trees to reduce pollen and the resulting allergies and asthma.

19:27 Ground cover enhances biodiversity, possibly boosting immune resilience.

23:12 Join cleanup: 250 items for America’s 250th.

24:18 Take care, stay informed, see you soon.

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 across the country so that it doesn't have to be a guessing game of what happens at the bin."— Keefe Harrison, CEO of The Recycling Partnership

Show Notes:

00:00 Jenny Lawson introduces CEO Keith Harrison for a recycling discussion.

05:19 Companies must ensure recycling effectiveness with nonprofit help.

07:20 City picks up and sorts your recycling.

11:12 Promoting consistent recycling practices for a better world.

15:43 Encouraging individuals to use their voice for recycling.

17:02 EPR promotes business involvement in recycling efforts.

22:05 Recycling CEO seeks partnership to clean up.

The Recycling Partnership: https://recyclingpartnership.org/

Great American Cleanup®: https://kab.org/our-signature-programs/great-american-cleanup/

Register for the #152PickUpChallenge: https://kab.tfaforms.net/f/152IndividualReg

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 efficient. Learn how you too can get involved in tracking and improving the cleanliness of your local environment with just a simple tap on your phone. Join us as we dive into the world of tech-enabled environmental change and see how we can all contribute to making our surroundings rubbish-free. Stay tuned for an enlightening conversation that just might inspire you to take part in the Great American Cleanup and help turn the tide against the staggering 50 billion pieces of litter in our country. Let’s commit to doing beautiful things together. Now, let’s get started.

Show Notes:

00:00 Come together, clean up, and beautify communities.

03:37 Larson (the dog) choked on a chicken bone, inspiring community initiative.

08:45 Recycling AI app assists with disposal.

12:24 AI speeds up litter surveys with photo IDs.

15:54 The app simplifies setup and map creation, including video capabilities and automatic notifications for illegal dumping.

19:25 Join the great American Cleanup to make a difference.

RUBBISH: https://www.rubbish.love/

Great American Cleanup®: https://kab.org/our-signature-programs/great-american-cleanup/

Register for the #152PickUpChallenge: https://kab.tfaforms.net/f/152IndividualReg

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 together, we can continue to do beautiful things for our neighborhoods and the world. Stay tuned for more inspiration in our upcoming episodes. 

"The mural reflects the beauty and wonder of reading. It shows two beautiful black children opening new worlds of learning and excitement within the pages of a book." — Christina Porter 

Learn more about the MLK Community Improvement Grant HERE. 

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.

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.

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 to create Beni to help tackle the massive problem of textile waste—think millions of tons of clothing ending up in landfills every year.

In this episode, Kate shares some amazing insights and practical tips for anyone looking to make more sustainable fashion choices. Whether you’re a thrifting pro or just getting started with resale.

So, get ready to dive into an inspiring chat about how we can all make a positive impact on the planet. Let’s take some simple steps to reduce textile waste and keep doing beautiful things together!

“We have to make the sustainable option the easy, convenient, acceptable one if we want the mainstream audience to participate in it.”— Kate Sanner

Show Notes:

00:00 Grateful for conversation, loves secondhand clothing.

04:47 Fashion and resale industry face supply-demand issue.

06:58 Brands embracing resale to benefit fashion industry.

10:17 Simplifying shopping sustainability with Benny browser extension.

13:05 Fashion industry reframing clothes as valuable assets.

Beni: https://www.joinbeni.com/

America Recycles Day®: america-recycles-day

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 Workshop's Oscar the Grouch. We also explore the vital role consumers play in advocating for sustainable practices and policies.

Tune in to learn how corporate leaders and everyday people are making significant strides in sustainability and how you can be a part of the movement. Plus, get the inside scoop on Keep America Beautiful's upcoming Power of Beauty celebration and how you can get involved in the Greatest American Cleanup.

Thank you for joining us on this journey to do beautiful things together!

Show Notes:

00:00 Lauren Riley discusses United Airlines' sustainability award.

05:33 Sesame Workshop made complex climate change digestible.

08:15 Consumer role in sustainable travel and behavior change.

09:40 United passengers can invest in sustainable aviation fuels.

13:37 Proud of generational change towards sustainability leadership.

16:38 See you in the next episode.

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 Indianapolis. We’ll explore groundbreaking research with the University of Michigan showing a 12% reduction in gun violence thanks to greening efforts and discuss strategies for community engagement and collaboration. We’ll also touch on the challenges and successes experienced along the way. Stay tuned as we uncover the story behind these beautiful transformations and the vision driving Jeremy’s leadership. Get ready to be inspired and informed!

“When Keep Indianapolis Beautiful goes in and makes one of these vacant lots into a green space, there is a statistically significant 12% reduction in gun violence in particular. And that positive impact can be felt within a half-mile radius of the location of the green space.”— Jeremy Kranowitz, President and CEO of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc.

Show Notes:

00:00 Transformed polluted water-inspired environmental career and leadership.

05:33 Community engagement through greening efforts and research.

08:41 Green spaces reduce gun violence by 12%.

13:33 Training kids for home invasion, now transforming.

16:00 “Collaborative efforts improving Indianapolis through community partnership.”

20:06 Building trust for green infrastructure in neighborhoods.

22:38 Indianapolis initiative sees reduced service calls in neighborhoods.

24:52 Partnership, persistence, impact in vulnerable neighborhoods.

28:15 Stay informed and keep doing beautiful things.

Keep Indianapolis Beautiful: https://www.kibi.org

Gun Violence Reduction Study Analysis: https://www.kibi.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/KIB-GreenSpace-Gun-Violence-Reduction-Study.pdf

Great American Cleanup®: https://kab.org/our-signature-programs/great-american-cleanup/

Register for the #152PickUpChallenge: https://kab.tfaforms.net/f/152IndividualReg

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 improve Oakland and learn how you can get involved in similar initiatives in your own community. Stay tuned for an insightful and inspirational conversation that will leave you motivated to contribute to the beauty and sustainability of your surroundings.

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 sectors. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of battery recycling, covering rechargeable batteries, car batteries, cell phone batteries, and much more. We’ll be discussing sustainable best practices in this ever-evolving technological landscape.

To learn more about Cirba Solutions®, click HERE.

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 person to talk to about this topic.

Don’t miss it!

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 Affiliate Network, Dave Forsell, recently attended the mural unveiling and spoke with key members of Keep Jackson Beautiful. You'll hear their stories about how the project came to be and the significance it holds for the city of Jackson.

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 consumers to scan and obtain real-time, package-specific recycling information in seconds.