Mr Memon Mustache

[mrmoonymartian]

http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20191208-pakistans-centuries-old-zero-waste-movement

“It’s not ‘don’t spend’ – it’s ‘don’t waste’,” clarified Nadeem Ghani, a Memon and dean of Academia Civitas and Nixor College, an elite school and college in Karachi. “Being frugal,” he said, “has an element of humility. It’s a manifestation of respect. We don’t shy away from placing a monetised value on our comfort.”

“Memons don’t suspend reality to splurge and have an aspirational moment beyond their existence,” Ghani explained over the phone.

Citing Memon dining conventions as an example of frugality, he continued, “It’s less about the image we cultivate, and more about optimal usage. To us, it would be disingenuous not to use that free appetiser coupon – whether during the first date or years after marriage.”

Memon frugality may mirror the larger zero-waste movement, but their habit of earnestly and openly discussing savings and money is what sets them apart.

[trashtalk]

http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20191208-pakistans-centuries-old-zero-waste-movement

“It’s not ‘don’t spend’ – it’s ‘don’t waste’,” clarified Nadeem Ghani, a Memon and dean of Academia Civitas and Nixor College, an elite school and college in Karachi. “Being frugal,” he said, “has an element of humility. It’s a manifestation of respect. We don’t shy away from placing a monetised value on our comfort.”

“Memons don’t suspend reality to splurge and have an aspirational moment beyond their existence,” Ghani explained over the phone.

Citing Memon dining conventions as an example of frugality, he continued, “It’s less about the image we cultivate, and more about optimal usage. To us, it would be disingenuous not to use that free appetiser coupon – whether during the first date or years after marriage.”

Memon frugality may mirror the larger zero-waste movement, but their habit of earnestly and openly discussing savings and money is what sets them apart.

Very cool. Thanks for sharing.

[Roots&Wings]

Enjoyed these parts too:

Certain themes were recurrent in many of the Memon households I visited, such as preferring to consume what is in season and locally grown, or meal planning to ensure there is no food wastage.

A Memon of Karachi would much rather make do with less or err on the side of caution than spend unnecessarily. It’s a sort of indemnification against unpredictably hard times; an homage to previous hardships.

The subsequent reverent handling of resources drives community members to cherish what they have and stretch it as far as possible.

And how interesting the Memon's use weddings for networking and branding!