In part two of this two-part episode of Do Beautiful Things, host Jenny Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful (KAB), talks with David Scott, PhD, KAB’s Senior Vice President of Data and Research, about the latest insights from the 2026 National Litter Study. Together, they unpack surprising litter trends across the United States—from the scale of coastal pollution to the often-overlooked problem of small litter and the rise in cardboard and vehicle debris. They also highlight encouraging progress, including a significant decline in cigarette butt litter, and discuss how prevention, community action, and smarter solutions can help build cleaner, greener communities for everyone.

In this episode of Do Beautiful Things, Jennifer Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, joins David Scott, PhD, SVP of Data and Research, to discuss the 2026 National Litter Study and what a 34% decline in litter means for communities nationwide. Dr. Scott offers an inside look at what it takes to count 35 billion pieces of litter across thousands of miles of roadways, waterways, and, for the first time, coastal areas—from rigorous field research conducted by trained environmental consultants to the careful methods used to ensure reliable, unbiased data.

Download the 2026 National Litter Study: https://kab.org/litter/litter-study/

Show Notes

• 00:00 Research partnerships on litter studies

• 05:50 Conducting thorough litter research

• 09:55 Discussing per capita litter issue

• 11:39 Studying litter and water pollution

• 15:05 Impact of coastal pollution

What does it take to lead a statewide movement for beauty? Join Jenny Lawson as she talks with Louisiana Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser about his decades-long fight against litter.

From the success of “Love the Boot Week” to the power of school education programs, this episode dives into how Louisiana is inspiring citizens to roll up their sleeves. Whether it's reporting a litterer or building business partnerships, Nungesser shares actionable advice for anyone ready to make a difference. Tune in for a dose of inspiration and a roadmap for driving change in your own community.

Show Notes:

• 00:00 "Love Your Waterways Initiative"
• 05:31 "Trash Impacted Economic Development"
• 08:00 Leadership Boosts Community Collaboration
• 11:58 Louisiana Litter Education & Funding
• 13:55 Collaboration for Positive Change
• 18:58 "Partnering Business for Community Funding"
• 19:52 Promoting Partnerships Against Litter