While the Japanese are far from perfect when it comes to waste in their society, let’s talk about the ancient term Mottainai. The term translates as “a sense of regret concerning waste when the intrinsic value of an object or resource is not properly utilized.” Could this be a synonym for the modern day English term “eco-guilt”? The meanings are similar. The idea behind both terms is similar as well. However, Mottainai is based in Buddhist philosophy and because of its ancient roots, Mottainai goes much deeper than eco-guilt.

The difference is someone adhering to the Buddhist philosophy would get upset to waste something not because they are surrounded by media penetrating the idea that their grandkids will inherit a doomsday like planet based on science from the last few decades. This is fear based, frantic, reactionary choices made by many people today. Mottainai is the idea that you wasted something and should feel remorse because your surroundings have given you so much it is wrong to disrespect it back. Relationships with your surroundings exist and that gives people accountability.

What we all can learn from this will differ from individual to individual. What I’ve taken away when coming across this Japanese term in a history class back in college is: respect and understand your surroundings; once you start to understand your surroundings (or if a problem exists), you can control it (create a solution). No matter how small or large. Let’s get started!