Mottainai is an ancient Japanese philosophy. It is translated as "Oh what a waste!" or "Don't be wasteful!". It is a term used to express a feeling of regret at wasting the fundamental value of a resource or object.
The word "mottainai" is believed to have origins in the Buddhist philosophy and religious practices. *It is used to express the feeling of regret that carries metaphysical, ethical and aesthetic connotations.
*taken from HERE
This term was made famous outside of Japan by a Kenyan environmentalist named Wangari Maathai. "Mottanai" to an environmentalist is to respect the resources around us. To not waste resources. To use things with a sense of gratitude. It has become synonymous with the four Rs: re-use, re-purposing, repairing and respecting items.
In these times of consumerism, massive wastage and extreme pollution, let us practice "mottainai" in our everyday life to help save our environment and also our wallets!
