What can a national litter study tell us about human behavior, environmental stewardship, and the future of America's communities?

In this episode of Purpose 360, Carol Cone welcomes David Scott, Senior Vice President of Impact and Analytics at Keep America Beautiful, to discuss the organization's newly released National Litter Study—one of the most comprehensive analyses of litter and waste behavior in the United States.

The findings reveal encouraging progress, including a 34% decline in litter along roadways and waterways since the previous study. But the research also uncovers important challenges, from rising tire waste and cardboard litter to significant concentrations of debris along America's coastlines.

Together, Carol and David explore what the data reveals about changing consumer habits, why litter is fundamentally a behavioral issue, and how cleaner communities contribute to stronger local economies, safer neighborhoods, and healthier environments. David also shares practical insights into the proven strategies that help reduce litter, the role of shared responsibility, and why community engagement remains one of the most effective tools for creating lasting change.

Purpose 360 is produced by TruStory FM.

Full Show Notes & Resources Here

View on YouTube Here

(00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360
(00:13) - David Scott, Keep America Beautiful
(02:39) - David’s Background
(04:18) - Their First Litter Study
(06:02) - The Litter Study
(08:53) - Coastal Areas
(12:01) - Change in Consumption
(14:29) - Litter Bugs
(15:17) - Impact of Cleaner Places
(17:07) - Key Messages
(19:12) - When Seeing Someone Litter
(20:15) - Social Cleanups
(22:11) - Last Thoughts
(24:02) - Wrap Up