Keep Louisiana Beautiful: Lt. Governor Nungesser on Community, Innovation, and the Fight Against Litter

How Louisiana’s bold initiatives are transforming litter cleanup into a sweeping movement for a more beautiful state

In this episode of “Do Beautiful Things,” host Jenny Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, sits down with Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser of Louisiana for a candid conversation on leadership, innovation, and the fight for cleaner communities across Louisiana and the nation.

Together, they explore how initiatives like “Love Your Waterways” and “Love the Boot Week” are mobilizing everyone from sportsmen to schoolchildren to tackle litter on land and in our vital waterways. Lt. Governor Nungesser shares the personal “aha” moments that sparked his lifelong commitment to stewardship, while offering practical strategies for change—ranging from legislative action to corporate partnerships.

Tune in for inspiration, practical advice, and a look at how communities are driving real impact—one cleaned river, engaged classroom, and empowered leader at a time.

<<Previous episodes

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

About Keep America Beautiful®:

Keep America Beautiful, the nation’s leading community improvement nonprofit organization, inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment. Established in 1953, Keep America Beautiful strives to end littering, improve recycling, and beautify America’s communities. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Donate and take action at kab.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

McCall Vrydaghs

Keep America Beautiful®

[email protected]

Keep America Beautiful® Presents 2025 National Awards at Largest Summit in Organization’s History 

Thirty-eight affiliates and partners honored in New Orleans for advancing clean, green, and beautiful communities 

NEW ORLEANS, LA (Feb. 27, 2026) – Keep America Beautiful® presented its 2025 National Awards on Thursday during its annual Summit, recognizing 38 affiliates, individuals, and partners whose work is building cleaner, greener, and more vibrant communities across the country. 

Held under the theme Let’s Do Beautiful Things, the Summit was the largest affiliate gathering in the organization’s history, drawing more than 500 attendees from across the nation. 

Louisiana Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser co-hosted the Summit and was on hand to personally welcome attendees to the state. He joined the Louisiana Office of Culture, Recreation and Tourism in accepting a State Agency Partnership Award along with Keep Louisiana Beautiful. 

“New Orleans is a city defined by culture and resilience and place where doing beautiful things feels especially meaningful,” said Jennifer Lawson, president and CEO of Keep America Beautiful. “These honorees are demonstrating how the power of beauty can strengthen communities and unite Americans around a shared commitment to the places we live and love.”  

The Lady Bird Johnson Award was given to Kris Ziller of Keep Stockwell Beautiful in recognition of more than 20 years of volunteer leadership advancing local cleanups, expanding recycling programs, and engaging young people in service. The award, named for the former First Lady, was presented by Lucinda Robb, Lady Bird Johnson’s granddaughter. 

Lady Bird Johnson Award recipient Kris Ziller of Keep Stockwell Beautiful (center) with the former First Lady’s granddaughter Lucinda Robb (left) and Keep America Beautiful President and CEO Jennifer Lawson (right).

The Sue Smith Professional Leadership Award was presented to Frances Kennedy of Keep College Park Beautiful and Susan Russell of Keep Louisiana Beautiful for their exceptional leadership within the Keep America Beautiful network of more than 750 affiliates. Both were honored for strengthening partnerships and advancing innovative programs that have expanded impact in their communities. 

Sue Smith Professional Leadership Award recipient Frances Kennedy, Executive Director of Keep College Park Beautiful

Additional honorees included:  

Innovation Awards: Recognizing affiliates for innovative approaches to building clean and beautiful communities: 

• Local Program (Population 30,001–100,000): Keep Longview Beautiful, Texas 

• Local Partnership (Population 30,001–100,000): Keep Coral Gables Beautiful, Florida 

• Local Program (Population 100,001–250,000): Keep Tangipahoa Beautiful, Louisiana 

• Local Partnership (Population 100,001–250,000): Keep Cobb Beautiful, Georgia 

• Local Program (Population 250,001 and over): Keep Polk County Beautiful, Florida 

• Local Partnership (Population 250,001 and over): Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful, Florida 

• State Program (Population 250,001 and over): Keep Oklahoma Beautiful 

• State Partnership (Population 250,001 and over): Keep Mississippi Beautiful 

Communicating Beautifully Award 

• Keep Golden Isles Beautiful for its “Georgia’s Coast Is Not an Ashtray” campaign, a scalable effort to reduce cigarette litter. 

Youth Engagement Recognition Award 

• Girl Scout Troop 3002, in partnership with Keep Liberty Beautiful, mobilized volunteers to deliver 50 self-sustaining mobile gardens to low-income families. 

• Daniel Jackson, a Keep Texas Beautiful Young Texan Ambassador, founded EcoBike, a youth-led initiative that has removed hundreds of bags of litter and logged thousands of trail miles. 

Photo Gallery

State Agency Partnership Awards
Honoring state departments and agencies that support Keep America Beautiful affiliates in local communities: 

• Alabama Department of Transportation – Keep Alabama Beautiful 

• Alabama Tourism Department – Keep Alabama Beautiful 

• California Volunteers, Governor’s Office of Service & Community Engagement – Keep California Beautiful 

• CALTRANS – Keep California Beautiful 

• Delaware Solid Waste Authority – Keep Delaware Beautiful 

• Georgia Department of Community Affairs – Keep Georgia Beautiful 

• Georgia Environmental Protection Division – Keep Georgia Beautiful 

• Georgia Forestry Commission – Keep Georgia Beautiful 

• Louisiana Office of Culture, Recreation and Tourism – Keep Louisiana Beautiful 

• Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development – Keep Louisiana Beautiful 

• Mississippi Department of Transportation – Keep Mississippi Beautiful 

• Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, & Parks / Natural Science Museum – Keep Mississippi Beautiful 

• New Mexico Marketing Center of Excellence / New Mexico Tourism Department – New Mexico Clean & Beautiful 

• Oklahoma Department of Transportation – Keep Oklahoma Beautiful 

• Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality – Keep Oklahoma Beautiful 

• Oklahoma Turnpike Authority – Keep Oklahoma Beautiful 

• PA Department of Environmental Protection – Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful 

• PA Turnpike Commission – Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful 

• PA Department of Transportation – Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful 

• SC Department of Natural Resources – Palmetto Pride / Keep South Carolina Beautiful 

• Tennessee Department of Environmental and Conservation – Keep Tennessee Beautiful 

• Tennessee Department of Transportation – Keep Tennessee Beautiful 

• Tennessee Department of Tourist Development – Keep Tennessee Beautiful 

• Virginia Department of Transportation and Virginia Tourism Corporation – Keep Virginia Beautiful 

About Keep America Beautiful®:

Keep America Beautiful, the nation’s leading community improvement nonprofit organization, inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment. Established in 1953, Keep America Beautiful strives to end littering, improve recycling, and beautify America’s communities. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Donate and take action at kab.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

McCall Vrydaghs

Keep America Beautiful®

[email protected]

Keep America Beautiful Names Four New Members to National Board of Directors

New appointments bring deep expertise across corporate philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and environmental stewardship

STAMFORD, CT,  February 12, 2026 –  Keep America Beautiful®, the nation’s leading community improvement nonprofit organization, today announced the appointment of four new members to its national Board of Directors: Steve Berlin, Managing Partner at Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP; Ann Marie Chock, Senior Director of Corporate Giving at Niagara Bottling; Natalie Johnston-Russell, Executive Director of the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation; and Jeremy Kranowitz, President and CEO of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful. 

“We are pleased and proud to welcome these four exceptional leaders to the Keep America Beautiful Board,” said Jennifer Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful. “They bring an extraordinary breadth of experience across corporate philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, environmental stewardship, and community engagement, strengthening our leadership as we advance our mission to build cleaner, greener, and more beautiful communities nationwide.”  

Steve Berlin is a nationally recognized environmental litigator with nearly 40 years of experience and serves as Managing Partner of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP’s Winston-Salem office. He has demonstrated longstanding civic leadership across North Carolina, serving organizations including the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Arts Council, the Winston-Salem Alliance, Forsyth Futures, and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts Board of Trustees. A longtime advocate for the arts, Berlin received the North Carolina Bar Association’s Citizen Lawyer Award in 2023.

“It is an honor to be a part of an organization with a history as powerful as Keep America Beautiful and a future that is even brighter,” said Steve Berlin. “I look forward to working closely with my fellow board members as we find innovative ways to inspire communities across the country to create clean, green, and beautiful spaces.”

Ann Marie Chock is a philanthropic leader with more than 15 years of experience in strategic giving and nonprofit management. As Senior Director of Corporate Giving at Niagara Bottling, she leads Niagara Cares, the company’s charitable organization, overseeing grantmaking and partnerships that advance community impact while aligning with business values. Previously, Chock spent a decade working at the intersection of innovative philanthropy and ultra-high-net-worth giving, including work with family offices and multinational corporations, and was part of the team that brought Red Nose Day to the United States and launched Growfund, an early donor-advised fund for everyday donors.

“I’m honored to join the Keep America Beautiful Board and collaborate with leaders making a real difference in communities nationwide,” Chock said. “I’ve seen the impact that comes from showing up with partnership, humility, and long-term commitment, and I’m excited to help advance this important work.”

Natalie Johnston-Russell brings more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience advancing community-based initiatives. As Executive Director of the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation, she leads efforts to support more than 70 local affiliates and statewide partners, expanding engagement in litter prevention, waste reduction, recycling, and community beautification. Prior to joining the foundation, Johnston-Russell held several leadership roles with the American Red Cross.

“I’ve seen firsthand the meaningful impact Keep America Beautiful affiliates have in strengthening their communities,” Johnston-Russell said. “I’m honored and excited to join the board and support KAB’s work to equip communities nationwide to thrive and remain beautiful for generations to come.”

Jeremy Kranowitz is a sustainability and environmental nonprofit executive with more than 30 years of experience leading collaborative efforts to address climate change, food loss and waste, clean air and water, and sustainable forestry. He serves as President and CEO of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, where he leads a team of 35 staff members and mobilizes thousands of volunteers to create a cleaner, greener city. Previously, Kranowitz served as Executive Director of Sustainable America, helped launch the international nonprofit Forest Trends, and co-chaired sustainability committees for major national sporting events, including the NCAA Final Four.

“I’m honored to join the Keep America Beautiful Board of Directors and grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside such an accomplished group of leaders,” Kranowitz said. “Keep America Beautiful’s affiliate network is a powerful engine for change, and I’m excited to both share best practices from Indianapolis and learn from communities across the country. Together, we can strengthen our collective impact and continue building cleaner, greener, and more beautiful places for everyone.” 

About Keep America Beautiful®:

Keep America Beautiful, founded in 1953, is a national nonprofit that inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment. Through its powerful network of community-based affiliates, millions of volunteers, and strategic partners, Keep America Beautiful brings people together to transform public spaces into beautiful places. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Donate and take action at kab.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Leslie McClain, Keep America Beautiful

703-517-4550 / [email protected]

Show the Earth Some Love This Valentine’s Day

From eco-friendly gifts to volunteering together, discover easy ways to care for the people you love and the planet you share.

Valentine’s Day is almost here! February 14 is all about celebrating love and showing the special people in your life how much you care.

And like you, we think it is also a great time to show the Earth some love.

Traditional Valentine’s Day habits such as flowers, cards, gifts, and food can create more waste than we realize. But with a few thoughtful swaps, you can celebrate in ways that are just as meaningful and much more sustainable.

We’ve put together 7 simple tips for an eco-friendly Valentine’s Day with no sacrifice on the lovey-dovey stuff required.

1. Skip the bouquet and give a potted plant instead.

Many cut flowers travel long distances and have a surprisingly large carbon footprint. A potted plant lasts longer, brightens your home, and keeps on growing. Try easy-care options like aloe, snake, or spider plants. You could also plant seeds together for a sweet shared activity.

2. Keep it sweet with fair-trade chocolate.

Choose chocolate that is ethically sourced and better for farmers, forests, and wildlife. Look for a fair-trade certification on the wrapper. It is a win-win.

3. Make a homemade card.

Skip store-bought cards and write a heartfelt note or create something yourself. A personal touch means more and uses fewer resources.

4. Choose recyclable or reusable wrapping.

Many wrapping papers are not recyclable. Opt for plain paper, reuse newspaper or fabric, or skip wrapping altogether for a zero-waste gift.

5. Share a local meal.

Support local farms and restaurants to reduce your meal’s footprint. Cook at home with farmers market ingredients or plan a cozy picnic.

6. Help kids create eco-friendly classroom cards.

Use recycled materials or make DIY valentines together. It is a fun way to teach sustainability early.

7. Show your sweetheart and your community some love.

This Valentine’s Day, consider proposing something different by volunteering together.

Giving back boosts happiness, strengthens connection, and creates shared purpose. It is a meaningful way to spend time together while making a real difference.

Make your commitment official by pledging to join the Greatest American Cleanup. From picking up litter and planting trees to beautifying parks and neighborhoods, you can help create cleaner, greener places for everyone.

Say yes to each other and yes to your community.
Take the pledge and be part of the movement today. Click here to join!

About Keep America Beautiful®:

Keep America Beautiful, the nation’s leading community improvement nonprofit organization, inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment. Established in 1953, Keep America Beautiful strives to end littering, improve recycling, and beautify America’s communities. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Donate and take action at kab.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

McCall Vrydaghs

Keep America Beautiful®

[email protected]

Keep America Beautiful Announces $228,000 in Grants to Beautify Communities Along MLK Corridors

Youth apprentices and volunteers with Urban ArtWorks, a Keep America Beautiful 2025 MLK Community Corridor grantee, paint a vibrant mural along the MLK Jr. Corridor.

STAMFORD, Conn. (January 19, 2026) – Keep America Beautiful® today announced it is now accepting applications for the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Corridor Community Grants, a national program supporting community-led efforts to revitalize and beautify roads, neighborhoods, and parks named in honor of the civil rights leader. Target is the lead sponsor of the program, with additional support from The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation.

Across the United States, more than 950 MLK corridors serve as critical connectors between neighborhoods and commercial districts. Many of these corridors are located in historically under-resourced communities, highlighting both the challenges and the opportunity for meaningful investment and collective action.

The MLK Corridor Community Grants help communities reimagine and enhance these spaces through projects such as creating gardens and green spaces, painting murals, removing litter and debris, and installing recycling infrastructure.

Since the program launched in 2020, Keep America Beautiful has awarded more than $750,000 in grants, engaging thousands of volunteers in hands-on improvement projects along or near MLK Boulevards nationwide.

The 2025 grants supported the following projects:

• Keep Mobile Beautiful (Mobile, AL): Cleaned and restored three historic MLK Avenue sites through litter removal, cemetery restoration planning, façade and sign preservation of a National Register landmark, and the creation of a community mural honoring the corridor’s civil rights legacy.
• I Love A Clean San Diego (Del Mar / Oceanside, CA): Organized community cleanups and environmental education events within MLK corridors and partnered with students to design and install a mural at O’Farrell Charter School celebrating environmental justice and Dr. King’s legacy.
• Keep Winter Park Beautiful & Sustainable (Winter Park, FL): Built a community garden at MLK Park featuring edible plants and educational signage, expanding access to healthy food while providing hands-on sustainability education for residents.
• Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful Commission (Macon, GA): Expanded and relocated school garden beds and added a wildflower and butterfly garden at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School to support outdoor learning and youth engagement.
• Keep Slidell Beautiful | City of Slidell (Slidell, LA): Revitalized Ducksworth Park with murals, landscaping, playground and pavilion improvements, and youth-led art projects celebrating Dr. King’s life and legacy.
• Keep Charlotte Beautiful (Charlotte, NC): Rehabilitated an unused greenhouse at a Title I school on MLK Boulevard, creating an inclusive green space for students with disabilities to grow produce, support pollinators, and engage the surrounding community.
• Keep Mohawk Valley Beautiful (Utica, NY): Transformed a formerly unwelcoming entrance area at an early childhood education center into a shaded, park-like gathering space with seating, trees, and native plantings for families and caregivers.
• Jersey City Free Public Library Foundation (Jersey City, NJ): Launched a Clean and Green Initiative combining litter cleanups, infrastructure upgrades, new plantings, and community gardens to create safer, more inviting public spaces near the library.
• Memphis City Beautiful Commission (Memphis, TN): Installed artistic crosswalks and street banners in the historic Peabody Vance neighborhood to honor Dr. King’s legacy and increase visibility and care along the MLK Avenue corridor.
• Looping Us Together (San Angelo, TX): Revitalized public spaces along the MLK corridor through murals, landscaping, and cleanups led by local artists, volunteers, and community-based vendors.
• Keep Denton Beautiful | City of Denton (Denton, TX): Partnered with youth volunteers to design and paint a landmark mural at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, fostering creative expression and community pride.
• Urban ArtWorks (Seattle, WA): Engaged local youth apprentices and volunteers to design and install a large-scale mural along the MLK Jr. Corridor, beautifying a commercial area while providing paid opportunities for young artists.
• Tennessee Environmental Council (Nashville, TN): Planted native trees and shrubs at Martin Luther King Jr. Academic Magnet School and nearby neighborhoods to expand green space, reduce heat, and engage students and residents in environmental stewardship.

“MLK corridors reflect the strength, resilience, and pride of the communities they serve,” said Jennifer Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful. “Through this program, we honor Dr. King’s legacy by investing in local leadership and supporting projects that create visible, lasting improvements—while advancing environmental stewardship and community pride.”

Grants are available to Keep America Beautiful affiliates, nonprofit organizations, local governments, and community groups. Eligible projects must be located along or near MLK corridors and should address locally identified needs while promoting inclusion, equity, and self-determination. Grant awards range from $5,000 to $20,000.

Applications for the 2026 MLK Corridor Community Grants are due by 5:00 p.m. ET on March 16, 2026. Grant award announcements will be made March–April 2026, with funded projects implemented May through December 2026. Keep America Beautiful requires all grant recipients to complete both interim and final reports as part of the program.

Click HERE to learn more about the MLK Community Corridor Grant and how to apply.

About Keep America Beautiful®:

Keep America Beautiful, the nation’s leading community improvement nonprofit organization, inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment. Established in 1953, Keep America Beautiful strives to end littering, improve recycling, and beautify America’s communities. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Donate and take action at kab.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

McCall Vrydaghs

Keep America Beautiful®

[email protected]

Ring in the New Year, Sustainably!

10 Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve Without the Waste

New Year’s Eve is a big night for family and friends to come together and celebrate — but unfortunately, it also tends to be a big night for waste.

Throughout the holiday season, from Thanksgiving to the New Year, Americans produce 25% more waste than usual. We’re talking food waste, millions of plastic toys and decorations, and tons of other non-biodegradable trash ending up in our landfills.

Wouldn’t it be nice to start the new year with more sustainable, earth-friendly traditions?

So, here’s our toast: We put together 10 tips to keep your NYE party fun and festive, but in a way that’s beautiful for the earth too!

Let’s count them down! 10…

10. Be thrifty with that sparkly New Year’s Eve outfit.

Being eco-conscious does not mean that you have to forget about fashion. If you like to get dressed up for New Year’s Eve, don’t skip the glamor and glitter — just get it secondhand.

Thrift store shopping can help you find really unique clothing and accessories, both vintage and lightly used. You can dive into the racks with a theme in mind, or just see what you come across. Maybe you’ll see an elegant dress with costume jewelry or a vintage suit that you can give new life!

9. Keep it classy — ditch the disposable cups and plates.

An easy way to reduce waste at your party is to use real glasses, plates and utensils. A bit more of a cleanup effort, but think of the waste you’re avoiding!

If you don’t already have enough for all your guests, consider shopping at the thrift store. You’re likely to find a really affordable and unique assortment of vintage glassware for saying cheers at midnight!

It’s also a great idea to use cloth napkins rather than paper ones, and skip the paper towels.

And if you have leftovers, try to use reusable containers or ask your guests to bring their own!

8. Plan ahead and limit your food waste.

Speaking of leftovers….

For many families, a big feast is an important part of New Year’s. But food waste becomes a major problem at this time of year.

Try to plan ahead so you have a manageable amount of leftovers to keep or share with your guests. You can coordinate with everyone ahead of time if others are bringing dishes. And you can look for recipes that will help you finish up all of your ingredients so you’re not left with products that will spoil without being used.

7. Help your guests recycle the right way.

You’re bound to pile up some recyclable bottles and cans on the big night.

Make sure your guests know exactly how and where to recycle everything — don’t leave it up to wishful recycling! Tossing in the wrong items or contaminated things does more harm than good.

Leave your recycling bins out — maybe in a few places around the party — with clear labels on what goes where. You might want to make sure your guests can rinse things if needed, or otherwise leave them by the sink.

6. Keep your decorations eco-friendly.

If you’re hosting New Year’s Eve, you don’t have to skip out on the festive decorations. Just try to skip out on the plastic.

During the holidays, far too many plastic decorations are tossed in the trash after just a few weeks of use. This year, look for more sustainable options! You can use paper lanterns instead of balloons and shop for biodegradable confetti (or look up how to make your own!).

This is your last chance of the year to get really creative! There are so many ways to decorate with natural items or things around the house you already have. Create a photo booth out of cardboard boxes or by hanging a tapestry as a background! You can head back to that thrift store for some fun photo props.

5. Hand out smarter party favors.

If you’re giving out little goodie bags or party favors to your guests, try to choose gifts that are eco-friendly.

You can look for items that are made locally or from recycled material. Or just make some homemade sweets! Another thoughtful option is small succulents or plants from a local nursery.

Make sure to use reusable bags for your treats instead of plastic!

4. Skip the fireworks.

If you’re going big this New Year’s Eve, you might want to go out with a real bang by setting off fireworks on your own.

But unfortunately, as exciting as they are to watch, fireworks are bad news for the environment. They pollute the air and soil with toxic chemicals and can harm animals.

Consider celebrating midnight in a different way — try live music, a dance party, or a bonfire! If your heart is set on fireworks, look for a nearby community event that’s already planned, or tune in and stream celebrations from around the world!

3. Go DIY with noisemakers!

Another favorite tradition at midnight is making a whole lot of noise. Instead of buying plastic noisemakers that will get thrown out the next day, get creative and go DIY!

A classic way is banging on pots and pans, but you can also look online for ways to make noisemakers from paper and other items at home. This could be a fun New Year’s tradition for your family to start!

2. Buy local and organic.

Shopping locally is always a good way to reduce your carbon footprint. The less far your food travels to reach you, the less of an environmental impact it has.

When you’re stocking up on food for New Year’s, find a nearby farmers’ market so you can buy fresh, organic ingredients right from growers in your community. Making food from scratch — rather than buying packaged items — is much more sustainable.

For the bubbly, finding organic champagne isn’t always easy, but a nice alternative is organic sparkling wine!

1. Set New Year’s resolutions that are good for the earth.

If you need some inspiration for a New Year’s resolution, how about something that is good for your mental health but also good for your community and the environment?

Ring in the New Year with purpose by celebrating sustainably and making a positive impact! Why not make a promise to support a cause that matters—like joining the Greatest American Cleanup™? By participating, you’ll contribute to our mission of creating cleaner and more beautiful communities by July 4, 2026, in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. 

Start the year right — join the Greatest American Cleanup today! Click HERE to get involved.

About Keep America Beautiful®:

Keep America Beautiful, the nation’s leading community improvement nonprofit organization, inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment. Established in 1953, Keep America Beautiful strives to end littering, improve recycling, and beautify America’s communities. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Donate and take action at kab.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

McCall Vrydaghs

Keep America Beautiful®

[email protected]

Inside the Effort to Keep Our National Parks Clean Beautiful 

From Cape Cod to Yellowstone, discover how partnerships, education, and smart design are helping visitors reduce their impact and preserve the country’s most treasured landscapes 

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. 

<<Previous episodes

Show Links:

• National Parks Foundation: www.nationalparks.org

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” 

About Keep America Beautiful®:

Keep America Beautiful, the nation’s leading community improvement nonprofit organization, inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment. Established in 1953, Keep America Beautiful strives to end littering, improve recycling, and beautify America’s communities. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Donate and take action at kab.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

McCall Vrydaghs

Keep America Beautiful®

[email protected]

Keep America Beautiful Honors Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow with 2025 America Recycles Day Hero Award

Marine Corps installation honored for advancing recycling and sustainability across its 5,567-acre desert base

STAMFORD, Conn. (November 15, 2025)— Keep America Beautiful®, in partnership with Keep California Beautiful, announced that Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow in San Bernardino County, California, has received the 2025 America Recycles Day® Hero Award. The award recognizes the base’s outstanding commitment to recycling, waste reduction, and conservation across its 5,567-acre installation.

The honor is part of Keep America Beautiful’s America Recycles Day initiative, which encourages people to improve their recycling habits and take action toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.

“Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow’s environmental leadership is both inspiring and impactful,” said Ray Scott, Board President Emeritus of Keep California Beautiful. “Their innovative programs—from large-scale recycling efforts to wildlife conservation and cultural site restoration—show how environmental excellence can thrive alongside mission readiness.”

MCLB Barstow’s Environmental Division oversees a comprehensive suite of programs, including air quality management, hazardous material reduction, and natural and cultural resource preservation. Its Qualified Recycling Program diverted more than 186 tons of material from landfills in fiscal year 2025, while new initiatives such as organics recycling and “White Paper Only” programs have further reduced waste and increased community engagement.

The base also promotes hands-on education through creative outreach initiatives like the Recycling Quiz Game and the Great American Cleanup Challenge, which motivate Marines, civilian staff, and families to take part in litter cleanups, beautification projects, and sustainable practices through July 2026.

Located in California’s Mojave Desert, MCLB Barstow is one of only three logistics bases operated by the Marine Corps. The base plays a vital role in supporting operations across the Pacific and serves as a national model for integrating environmental responsibility with military readiness.

Funding for America Recycles Day 2025 has been generously provided by Altria, Anheuser-Busch, DOW, IBWA, Niagara Cares, and Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company.

About Keep America Beautiful®:

Keep America Beautiful, the nation’s leading community improvement nonprofit organization, inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment. Established in 1953, Keep America Beautiful strives to end littering, improve recycling, and beautify America’s communities. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Donate and take action at kab.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

McCall Vrydaghs

Keep America Beautiful®

[email protected]

From Garage Shelves to Beautiful Communities: The Power of Paint Recycling

Discover how PaintCare’s innovative model makes it easy to recycle paint and protect our environment

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.

<<Previous episodes

Show Links:

• Paint Care: www.paintcare.org

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”

About Keep America Beautiful®:

Keep America Beautiful, the nation’s leading community improvement nonprofit organization, inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment. Established in 1953, Keep America Beautiful strives to end littering, improve recycling, and beautify America’s communities. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Donate and take action at kab.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

McCall Vrydaghs

Keep America Beautiful®

[email protected]

Give Thanks, Not Waste: Simple Ways to Celebrate a More Sustainable Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of America’s most cherished holidays—a time to gather with family and friends, share a delicious meal, and express gratitude for all we have.

But amid the joy and abundance, it’s easy for the holiday to become a little too abundant. Studies show Americans generate about 25% more waste between Thanksgiving and New Year’s—and much of that comes from uneaten food. In fact, it’s estimated that we toss out around 200 million pounds of turkey during Thanksgiving week alone!

This year, let’s make Thanksgiving not only a time to be thankful—but also thoughtful. Here are seven simple ways to host a more sustainable celebration that’s every bit as joyful (and delicious).

1. Cut Down on Food Waste by Planning Ahead

While everyone loves leftovers, too much extra food often ends up in the trash. Spend a little time planning your menu and coordinating dishes with guests so you don’t double up. Encourage everyone to bring reusable containers for leftovers—it’s a simple way to reduce waste and share the feast.

You can also get creative with ingredients. Use recipes that complement one another so nothing goes to waste. If one dish calls for 1½ cups of broth, find another that uses the remaining ½ cup. Small changes add up to a big difference.

2. Shop Local and Seasonal

Shopping locally supports nearby farmers and reduces the environmental impact of long-distance shipping. Visit a farmers’ market for your produce or check if local farms offer fresh turkeys and deliveries. Local ingredients often taste better, too—harvested fresh and full of flavor.

When you head to the store, bring reusable bags and skip plastic produce bags whenever possible. Every small choice helps reduce waste.

3. Make Cleanup Eco-Friendly

Set your table with reusable dishes and cloth napkins, and avoid disposable items like paper towels. Make recycling easy for guests by labeling bins clearly—and don’t forget that aluminum turkey trays are recyclable!

Thanksgiving is also a great time to start composting. Potato peels, veggie scraps, and even old bread can all go into the compost bin (just skip anything with meat or dairy). You might even grow next year’s pumpkin patch from this year’s leftovers!

4. Add More Plant-Based Dishes

You don’t have to skip the turkey, but you can lighten your meal’s footprint by adding more plant-based options. Try using olive oil instead of butter, vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, or coconut milk in mashed potatoes.

And invite your vegetarian or vegan guests to bring their favorite dishes—you might discover a new family favorite that becomes part of your holiday tradition.

5. Decorate Naturally

Skip the store-bought plastic décor and opt for natural beauty instead. Gather colorful leaves, pinecones, gourds, and pumpkins for your table centerpiece. They’ll look festive, smell amazing, and can be composted or reused afterward.

For a fun family activity, try DIY crafts using upcycled materials. It’s a great way to get creative and celebrate the season sustainably.

6. Travel Smart

If you’re traveling for Thanksgiving, consider lower-impact options like trains or buses, or carpool with family and friends. Traveling on off-peak days can save both gas and stress.

Or create a new local tradition—invite neighbors or friends who may not be traveling, and keep the celebration closer to home.

7. Give Back to Your Community

Thanksgiving is rooted in gratitude and community. You can honor that spirit by donating to a food bank, volunteering at a local shelter, or lending a hand to neighbors in need.

Giving Tuesday, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, is a wonderful opportunity to give back. Consider volunteering with a Keep America Beautiful affiliate near you or supporting efforts to create clean, green, and sustainable communities by making a donation. Every contribution helps make a difference!

Join the Movement for a Cleaner, More Beautiful America

As we look ahead to America’s 250th birthday in 2026, Keep America Beautiful invites you to take part in the Greatest American Cleanup—a nationwide movement to create cleaner, greener, and more beautiful communities for generations to come.

Pledge to join this movement today at kab.org/greatest.

Together, we can make gratitude go even further—building communities that are as beautiful as the spirit of Thanksgiving itself.

About Keep America Beautiful®:

Keep America Beautiful, the nation’s leading community improvement nonprofit organization, inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment. Established in 1953, Keep America Beautiful strives to end littering, improve recycling, and beautify America’s communities. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Donate and take action at kab.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

McCall Vrydaghs

Keep America Beautiful®

[email protected]