תלמוד בבלי מסכת שבת דף סז:
אמר רב זוטרא האי מאן דמיכסי שרגא דמשחא ומגלי נפטא קעבר משום בל תשחית
One who covers an oil lamp [causing the flame to burn inefficiently] or uncovers a kerosene lamp [allowing the fuel to evaporate faster] violates the prohibition of Bal Tashchit. [translation by Dr. Akiva Wolff based on commentary of Rashi]
Suggested Discussion Questions:
What common modern examples of societal and personal waste might violate the spirit or letter of the law of Bal Tashchit?
Time Period: Rabbinic (Maccabees through the Talmud)