We all try to do our part in making the world a greener place—whether it’s recycling, composting, or upcycling. But have you ever stopped to wonder just how much we’re actually recycling?
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2025), Americans recycled and composted nearly 94 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW), resulting in a 32.1% recycling and composting rate. Additionally, about 17.7 million tons of food waste were managed through alternative methods like donation or anaerobic digestion.
Recycling offers significant benefits:
Each of us plays a vital role in protecting and preserving our environment. It conserves natural resources, reduces landfill use, cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions, helps sustain a healthier environment, creates green jobs, and gives waste a second life.
Interestingly, paper and paperboard products made up the largest share of all MSW materials, accounting for 23.1% of the total. However, the generation of these products has been on the decline, from 87.7 million tons in 2000 to 67.4 million tons in 2018. Newspaper waste in particular has been steadily decreasing, largely thanks to digital media replacing print.
This is why ARTMIND.TLD is committed to helping in waste management and waste reduction. Some of the Products, Art, and Packaging will either use or be made of upcycled/ recycled materials. If you see this Logo appear next to a product, it is made with upcycled/ recycled materials.
We can all do our part in building a better sustainable future. So, how can you contribute to reducing waste and promoting sustainability?
Here are a few simple steps:
Get creative by upcycling items like old fabric, jars, or bottle caps, use a dedicated recycling bin at home, choose products made from natural or recycled materials, compost food scraps and yard waste, or start a garden.
Every small action counts. Together, we can reduce our environmental footprint and move toward a cleaner future.
Helpful Links:
Recycling – Keep America Beautiful
National Overview: Facts and Figures on Materials, Wastes and Recycling | US EPA
