Waste plus want equals poverty
A classic phrase!
"Waste plus want equals poverty" is a quote often attributed to Thomas Malthus, an English economist and demographer, who wrote about the relationship between population growth and food supply in his book "An Essay on the Principle of Population" in 1798.
The phrase suggests that when there is a mismatch between the resources available to meet people's basic needs (want) and the waste or inefficiencies in the system (waste), it can lead to poverty. In other words, when resources are not used effectively or are wasted, it can exacerbate poverty and inequality.
This concept is still relevant today, as it highlights the importance of:
- Resource management: Effective management of resources, such as food, water, and energy, is crucial to ensure that everyone's basic needs are met.
- Efficiency: Reducing waste and inefficiencies in systems, such as production, distribution, and consumption, can help to allocate resources more effectively and reduce poverty.
- Sustainable development: The phrase also emphasizes the need for sustainable development, which balances economic growth with social and environmental considerations to ensure that resources are used in a way that benefits everyone, not just a few.
In summary, "waste plus want equals poverty" is a reminder that poverty is often the result of a combination of factors, including inefficiencies and waste in the system, and that addressing these issues is essential to reducing poverty and promoting sustainable development.