Ba'al Tashchit - Wasting

Although the Torah only mentions a prohibition against "wasting" and "destroying" in the context of cutting down fruit trees,[1] it is nevertheless forbidden to waste or needlessly destroy any item whatsoever.[2] As the Sefer Hachinuch writes: "It is the way of the pious and those of good deeds that they have peace and rejoice in that which benefits people…and they never destroy even one grain of mustard in the world and they are upset by any destruction  that they see. If they can save something, they will save anything from destruction in any way they can."[3]

It seems that King David was scolded for merely destroying clothes - even when it was done under justifiable circumstances.[4] Our sages define an imbecile as one who needlessly destroys property.[5] It is even forbidden to take part in waste or destruction in an indirect manner.[6] God cares about our money and does not want us wasting it recklessly![7] It is noted that Yaakov Avinu would not even allow his most basic possessions to be wasted.[8] He even made sure to retrieve some small inexpensive jars rather than have them go to waste – an act which nearly cost him his life![9]

Returning to fruit trees, there are a number of instances where cutting down fruit trees is considered an acceptable thing to do. For example, it is permitted to cut down a fruit tree which is causing damage other trees. So too, if the value of a tree's wood is greater than the value of its fruit, it is permitted to cut down the tree in order to make use of its wood.[10] One may also cut down trees which are impeding the construction and development of one's property[11] or are otherwise impeding the quality of one's life.[12] A tree which is old and only producing minimal amounts of fruit may also be cut down.[13] It is interesting to note that cutting down fruit trees without a legitimate reason is deemed to be a "dangerous" thing to do.[14] There is usually no prohibition on simply cutting a few branches off a fruit tree, when needed.[15] One must always contact a rabbi before cutting down a fruit tree under any circumstances.

One should never put food on one's plate if one suspects that one will not be able to finish it, as this too, is a form of wasting.[16] Leftover food that does not become repulsive after having been touched should be saved to be eaten at a later time.[17] One should not give food which is perfectly fit for human consumption to animals.[18] It goes without saying that food should not be used for decorative purposes, especially if it will be rendered inedible as a result.[19] It is best not to allow children to use food items for arts and crafts projects although there is some justification for the widespread practice of allowing them to do so.[20]

When a mourner rips his garment as is halachically required, he should only rip what is required and no more.[21] The unfortunately prevalent practice of burning all manner of objects in Lag Ba'omer bonfires is completely forbidden.[22] Destruction for a constructive purpose, however, is often permitted.[23] So too, it is permitted to destroy something in the course of a mitzva, such as breaking a glass under the chuppa or breaking a plate in honor of an engagement.[24] It is forbidden to engage in anything that will cause exaggerated or unnecessary air pollution.[25] Indeed, there was an ancient enactment prohibiting the use of furnaces in Jerusalem due to the effects of the smoke that is released.[26]

One should never needlessly spend more money than necessary on anything, including food, when one can get a similar product of equal value, for less.[27] Only someone who is especially wealthy should spend money on expensive foods.[28] We are taught that a righteous person is one who is careful to properly dispose of any waste that has the potential to hurt someone. So too, it is characteristic of the righteous to be genuinely disturbed at the sight of any manner of destruction.^[29] It is told that when Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak of Lubavitch was a young boy, he carelessly ripped a leaf off of a tree while walking. His father, Rabbi Sholom Dovber quickly pointed out that God had His intention for that leaf and he was not to damage it unnecessarily. Rabbi Avraham Kook similarly rebuked Rabbi Aryeh Levine in a similar incident. Disregard for waste, as well as a laziness to reuse and recycle, is absolutely contrary to Torah thought.

[1] Devarim 20:19, Bava Kama 91b

[2] Rambam Melachim 6:10

[3] Sefer Hachinuch 529

[4] Berachot 62b

[5] Chagiga 3b

[6] Rambam Melachim 6:8

[7] Rosh Hashana 27a

[8] Chullin 91a

[9] Rashi;Bereishit 32:35

[10] Bava Kama 91b, Chachmat Adam 68:7

[11] Taz;Y.D. 116:6, Kaf Hachaim Y.D. 116:85

[12] Chavot Yair 195

[13] Rambam Melachim 6:7,8

[14] Bava Kama 91b, Bava Batra 26b, Taz;Y.D. 116:6.

[15] Aruch Hashulchan Y.D. 116:13. But see Dovev Meisharim 40

[16] O.C. 170:22

[17] O.C. 170:22

[18] Ta'anit 20b

[19] Ben Ish Chai;Bechukotai

[20] Avnei Derech 1:30, Aseh Lecha Rav 4:24

[21] Bava Kama 91b

[22] Y.D. 348:1

[23] Sefer Chassidim 879

[24] Berachot 31a. See also Pri Megadim M.Z. O.C. 560:4

[25] Tosefta;Bava Batra, 1:10, Bava Kama 82b, C.M. 155:23

[26] Bava Kama 82b

[27] Shabbat 140a, Yoma 44b

[28] Rambam Deot 5:10

[29] Bava Kama 30a, Chinuch 529