What best illustrates the idea of reducing material waste in design?

The idea of reducing material waste in design is best illustrated by the concept of conservation. Conservation involves using resources wisely and efficiently, which directly correlates with minimizing waste during the design and production process. By prioritizing sustainable practices and careful planning, conservation seeks to reduce the total amount of materials consumed, thereby lessening waste.

In contrast, minimalism focuses on simplicity and the idea of "less is more," which may not specifically address waste reduction in design practices. Recycling involves processing materials that have been used so they can be reused in a new form, while upcycling takes waste materials and transforms them into products of greater value or quality. Both recycling and upcycling contribute to waste management but are not primarily centered on the design process itself and thereby do not encapsulate the overarching goal of conservation as effectively.