From nature we extract resources to power our economy — energy, water, soil, minerals, fish and animals. What right have we to squander them?
Conservation is how we can ensure there are still bountiful supplies of natural resources for generations to come. The end goal of resource conservation is to use natural resources — especially non-renewable resources — sustainably. This we do through efficiency, reducing demand, substitution with renewable resources (such as renewable power), and recycling.
Conserving resources also makes good economic sense, whether you are trying to save money at home, reducing costs at work, or designing a more resilient economy.