Breaking Down Barriers: What Holds Us Back from Picking Up Litter?

This episode of “Do Beautiful Things” reveals new Harris Poll insights on litter—its impact, cleanup barriers, and what drives action.

In the latest episode of “Do Beautiful Things,” host Jenny Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, explores the intriguing question: What motivates some people to pick up litter while others ignore it? With spring bringing a fresh start, it’s the perfect time to commit to cleaner, greener, and more beautiful communities.

Jenny is joined by Wendy Salomon, Managing Director of Reputation and Corporate Strategy at The Harris Poll (opens in a new tab), to discuss the findings of a commissioned study on litter and community engagement. This year-long research partnership with Keep America Beautiful reveals surprising insights into how Americans perceive litter, why they choose to act (or not), and what factors can boost cleanup participation.

Some key takeaways:

• Litter ranks lower on the list of unpleasant chores than you might think—so why isn’t cleanup more common?
• The ‘gross factor’ is the top reason people hesitate to pick up litter.
• Community pride, pollution reduction, and personal values are the biggest motivators for regular cleanup efforts.

Together, Jenny and Wendy explore generational differences in attitudes toward litter, the importance of community engagement, and how small interventions—like providing gloves or cleanup kits—can dramatically increase participation.

Curious about what else the research uncovered? Listen to the full episode to gain valuable insights and get inspired to take action!

Tune in now and join the movement for the Greatest American Cleanup.

“Whether I identify as Democrat, Republican, or Independent, I am motivated to pick up litter because it aligns with my personal beliefs. So this is truly a unifying bridging activity.” – Wendy Salomon, Managing Director of Reputation & Corporate Strategy at The Harris Poll