54: Litter Prevention and Community Action — What the 2026 National Litter Study Reveals with Keep America Beautiful

Litter is one of the most visible forms of waste in our communities. It shows up along roads, in parks, on trails, near schools, and in the places we move through every day. But it is also a clue — about our habits, our infrastructure, our systems, and how we care for where we live.In this episode, I’m joined by Jenny Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, for a conversation about the 2026 National Litter Study, what it reveals about litter in communities across the United States, and why litter prevention is about more than picking up garbage.We talk about why litter matters, how social norms and infrastructure shape behaviour, what has changed since 2020, and how individuals, businesses, local governments, and community organizations all have a role to play in creating cleaner, healthier public spaces.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by big environmental problems, this conversation is a reminder that you can take action in a very practical place: your own neighbourhood.TakeawaysLitter is connected to community care, shared responsibility, and how people feel about the places where they live.The 2026 National Litter Study shows real progress, while also making clear that there is still work ahead.Infrastructure, access, education, enforcement, and local programs all shape litter prevention.Social norms play an important role in how people care for shared spaces.Businesses, producers, local governments, and communities all have a role to play in litter prevention.Community cleanups are a great starting point for broader environmental action.One Small ShiftChoose one shared space you pass through regularly and notice it differently.Look at what kind of litter shows up, whether there are bins nearby, and whether the space feels cared for. Then choose to help reduce waste by picking up few pieces of litter and look for the nearest bin.Connect With Keep America BeautifulWebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedInTwitterRelated Podcast EpisodesEp. 18 - Community Communities Through Green SpacesEp. 42 - Overwhelmed by Climate Change? Start HereEp. 51 - Sustainable Living in the SuburbsRelated Blog Posts50 Ways to Be More SustainableHow to Start Living More SustainabilityHow to Do a Trash Audit (With Kids!)Support the showConnect With MeWebsiteNewsletterShopInstagramSupport the ShowSustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal StudioIf you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener.