Waste is not something we think about every day, but waste management has long-term environmental and economic consequences that cannot be ignored. Since 1960, the amount of waste generated in America has nearly tripled. Our society, including consumers, businesses and governments, must think proactively about reducing our impact on the environment. Although recycling has been embraced by much of the American population, many changes need to be made in the near future to keep up with the growing population which, in turn, creates more trash and trash. Americans should continue to recycle, but they should also make better choices about the products they buy, the packaging involved and how they dispose of it. Many artists have used discarded objects and created artistic masterpieces. These artists, including Lee Bontecou, ​​inspired people through their art, as well as recalling the use of “found” materials in their work. The idea of ​​using repurposed objects in artwork can be applied to classroom activities. Students would not only have the opportunity to create art, but they would become aware of the impact everyone can have on the environment if they made responsible choices with disposable items. There are many reasons to recycle. It conserves natural resources, saves energy and reduces the number of landfills and the amount of methane emitted from landfills. Although many citizens choose to recycle, in 2008 Americans generated 250 million tons of waste and recycled or composted only 83 million tons of material, just one-third of the amount generated (US Environmental Protection Agency, 2008). Given the growing amount of waste generated in the United States, two-thirds of our nation's waste is clogging up... half the paper... of the world. It is a problem that affects everyone on the planet. Recycling is a solution to this ever-growing problem. It reduces the amount of material dumped in landfills, saves natural resources, creates manufacturing jobs and, most importantly, protects the environment for future generations. Educating the public is essential for recycling to be affective. Additionally, governments, local and national, should be aware that the regulations they adopt will influence the success of recycling programs. Reusing the material is another option. Artists from all over the world have incorporated found materials to create their works of art. Teachers can emulate these artists and pass the idea on to their students. There are many possibilities for reusing waste material. Teachers just need to keep an open mind and use their creativity and imagination.