In this episode of Do Beautiful Things, Jenny Lawson talks with Veronica Roof, HDR’s national solid waste planning leader, about the groundbreaking 2026 Keep America Beautiful National Litter Study. Together, they explore how innovative research methods and robust data collection are uncovering the true scope of litter across the country, informing strategies to reduce waste, and inspiring action for cleaner, healthier communities nationwide.

Show Notes

• 00:00 Discovering a career in waste management
• 03:43 Beginning the litter project journey
• 08:46 Improving data analysis methods
• 11:56 Preparing for fieldwork and sample sites
• 15:40 Developing coastal litter research methodology
• 19:12 Discussing waste reduction programs
• 23:32 Discussing litter reduction goals
• 2 ...