In this episode of “Do Beautiful Things,” host Jenny Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, explores how collaborative, innovative approaches are making America’s national parks cleaner and greener for all.

Special guest Ashley McAvoy, Director of Programs and Partnerships at the National Park Foundation, joins Jenny Lawson to discuss the unique challenges of managing waste in parks ranging from Cape Cod to Yellowstone. The conversation highlights new solutions for recycling and waste reduction—and how every visitor can play a part.

A standout moment in the episode features the National Park Foundation-funded project at Colter Bay Campground in Grand Teton National Park. There, Keep America Beautiful partnered with TerraCycle and Grand Teton Lodge Company to introduce a repurposed shipping container as a dedicated recycling hub for hard-to-recycle items like fishing line and snack wrappers. This innovative and flexible infrastructure helps visitors keep the park clean and supports a more circular economy, even in remote areas.

Tune in to discover how education, smart infrastructure, and the actions of everyday people are helping to preserve these breathtaking spaces—and to learn practical ways you can make a difference on your next visit.

Show Notes:

• 00:00 "Protecting Parks, Reducing Waste"
• 05:50 "Leading by Example in Sustainability"
• 06:44 Activism: Rent for Earth Living
• 11:07 "Reuse Innovations in National Parks"
• 14:29 Sustainability Program Driven by Data
• 18:46 Reducing Plastic Waste in Parks
• 21:56 "Recycling Challenges in Parks"
• 24:03 "Building Environmental Stewards Everywhere"
• 26:57 "Preserving America's Beautiful Spaces"

In this episode of “Do Beautiful Things,” host Jennifer Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, dives into the complexities of recycling with a focus on leftover paint—an item found in nearly every home but often misunderstood when it comes to disposal.

Joining the conversation is Brett Rodgers, Vice President of Communications at PaintCare, a nonprofit organization leading industry-driven efforts to create convenient, statewide paint recycling programs. Together, they unpack how PaintCare’s innovative public-private partnership makes it easy for residents to drop off unused paint, keeping it out of landfills, waterways, and storage spaces while giving it new life as recycled paint. Hear firsthand about successful statewide initiatives like Connecticut’s, insight into upcoming expansions, and how this model is inspiring broader recycling and product stewardship strategies across America.

You'll also learn practical tips for responsibly managing leftover paint, how to find recycling locations near you, and the impact you can make in building a cleaner, greener community.

Ready to clear up the confusion around recycling paint and boost your confidence as an environmental steward? Tune in to the full episode and discover how small actions—like recycling your old paint—can add up to big wins for our planet.

Show Notes:

· 00:00 "Do Beautiful Things Podcast"

· 03:50 Statewide Paint Recycling Program

· 09:27 Recycled Paint Process Explained

· 10:17 Affordable Paint for Large Projects

· 15:59 "Doing Beautiful Things Together"

In this episode of “Do Beautiful Things,” host Jennifer Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, dives into the transformative world of sustainable fashion—just in time for America Recycles Month.

Special guest Tanjuria Willis, founder of Atlanta Sustainable Fashion Week, joins the conversation to share her inspiring journey from nuclear plant systems engineer to entrepreneur and change-maker in the eco-fashion movement. Together, they unpack how sustainability and style can reinvent our wardrobes and redefine what it means to practice mindful consumption. From upcycled runway looks and innovative educational workshops for youth, to collaborations that repurpose game-day banners and promote zero-waste events, this episode shines a spotlight on the exciting future of fashion rooted in environmental responsibility.

Whether you’re a thrifting enthusiast, curious about the impact of textiles on our health, or eager to learn how collaborative communities are turning waste into wearable art, you won’t want to miss the rich insights and practical ideas shared in this conversation.

Tune in to discover how Atlanta Sustainable Fashion Week is nurturing the next generation of designers, fostering international exchange, and welcoming everyone to experience clothing that’s good for both people and the planet.

Listen to the full episode to find inspiration for making sustainability a beautiful part of your everyday life.

Show Notes:

00:00 "Recycling Reality Check Podcast"

05:42 "Journey Into Entrepreneurship"

09:16 "Rethinking Clothing and Health"

11:12 Sustainable Fashion Week Insights

15:58 "Zero Waste Fashion Movement"

18:53 Upcycled Game Day Banner Fashion

21:16 "Sustainable Fashion Made Stylish"

25:08 Atlanta Fashion & Earth Events

27:21 "Reducing Waste, Inspiring Action"