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

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.

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 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 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.