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

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.

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.