Apparently this idiom was first recorded in 1772 (yes, I Googled, LOL), but an even earlier version "willful waste makes woeful want" (never heard of that one I have to admit) goes all the way back to 1576. So I'm certainly not the first or only person to dislike waste, but it continues to surprise me when blatant waste occurs in times that are not exactly economically healthy, or by people who I wouldn't think could afford it. For example, not too long ago I saw this woman throw a skirt into the garbage can at the laundromat. When I happened to walk by I noticed that it still had a price tag attached and was obviously brand new. In a joking manner I asked her what was wrong with it, and she replied that it didn't fit. Personally I was floored as I would have automatically tried to pass it along to someone else or would have donated it to a second-hand clothing store, but what really got to me is that this happened in a laundromat. I mean, most people who can afford their own washer and dryer don't have to go to there, or else they simply to drop off their clothes and pay someone else to do it for them. (I once peeked at someone's bag to see how much it cost and was so flabbergasted that I now don't mind paying the $3 per load.)
But waste is everywhere. While I might complain about what I consider to be major waste at the macro level (and certainly lots of people would disagree with my stance on the Olympics for example), it's everywhere you go and it drives me nuts. Now I'm not saying that I never waste anything because of course I do, but I've lost count of the number of times I've seen perfectly good couches, chairs, tables and TV's so big they dwarf my little 20" antique set, just rotting in the rain. Hello? And it's a shame because there are lots of agencies that will come and pick up your stuff as long as you call them. (Or if you want to donate more directly, post your items on Craigslist, Kijiji or Freecycle.) The other day I saw this couple literally unload an entire truck of belongings at one of those charity boxes. I actually went up to them and asked them about it (no, I don't always mind my own business, snort) and they replied that they didn't have room in their new place. The kicker though was that they looked as if they couldn't even afford the old stuff they were getting rid of. I left shaking my head.
My own personal feeling is that wasting is not only foolish, but also disrespectful. It's taking for granted what you have, and what you can acquire, and it's almost like thumbing your nose at those who may not be able to afford what you can. If you think about it, it's just kinda rude on all levels. Don't you agree?


