Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.

Mottainai is a phrase that represents the feeling of waste or regret, or the idea that something of value is being wasted. The equivalent in Western culture might be the statement, “What a waste,” or the proverb “Waste not, want not”. Believed to have originated in the 13th century, it has evolved in meaning and significance. Today, it is commonly used by environmentalists to encourage people to reduce waste, reuse, recycle, and upcycle.

Its adoption is global. Nobel Prize winner Wangari Maathai of Kenya introduced the concept of mottainai as a slogan for environmental protection at the 2009 United Nations Summit on Climate Change. While the concept has been embraced by the eco-conscious, there are other deeper meanings that it represents in everyday life—the expression of gratitude and respect for all that you receive by avoiding waste.

Many cultures understand and practice mottainai. From the Polynesians to Native Americans to Mongolians, each culture understands the importance of respectful consumption. Showing genuine gratitude for what they have, preserving everything consumable, and taking only what is needed. We can all benefit from this practice, not only from an environmental perspective, but also for economic rewards.

Here are a few ways you can reap the benefits of mottainai:

1. No matter how tempting it is to purchase in bulk or items that are on sale, buy only what you need or what you can consume and use.

2. When shopping for a specific item, look for markdowns that are about to expire or are seasonal but can still meet your immediate needs.

3. Carefully portion your meals and consider ways to extend their use by freezing or storing leftovers in reusable, airtight containers.

4. Search for recipes that repurpose leftovers or upcycle and find new uses for unused garments and other items.

5. Be more mindful of energy consumption. In this modern age, it’s easy to lose sight of the overuse of natural resources, such as water, gas, and electricity.

Pulled from the rich soil,
the sweet potato prepared —
I savor each bite.