U.S. wartime posters
This gallery represents a small selection of posters produced during the two world wars, which were crucial in
convincing those who were prehaps not directly involved with the war effort that there were ways of re-using all kinds of
materials that might otherwise be regarded as simple waste, and that wasting resources that were seemingly more insubstantial - such as time - could also have
unwelcome consequences. These posters illustrate the extent to which the wartime economy of the
U.S. was reconfigured around ideas of restraint, efficiency and vigilance, with over-indulgence and carelessness represented as life-threatening and wasteful behaviour
for the consequences it would have for others.
Note on the use of these images:
These images are part of the collection of the US National Archives, and can be found in
the Archival Research Catalog (ARC) of
the U.S. National Archives & Records Administration (NARA).
Use of these particular images is unrestricted, but users should note the NARA guidance on the proper
citation of these documents, which is available here.
War - don't waste time, 1941 - 1945
From the series: World War II Posters, 1942 - 1945
Creator: Office for Emergency Management. Office of War Information. Domestic Operations
Branch. Bureau of Special Services.
ARC Identifier: 516030
Photo ID: NWDNS-44-PA-2304
Food is a Weapon - Don't Waste it, 1941 - 1945
Creator: Office for Emergency Management. Office of War Information. Domestic Operations
Branch. Bureau of Special Services.
ARC Identifier: 513830
Photo ID: NWDNS-44-PA-378
Blood or Bread. Others are giving their blood. You will shorten the war- save life if
you eat only what you need, and waste nothing, ca. 1917 - ca. 1919
Creator: U.S. Food Administration. Educational Division. Advertising Section.
ARC Identifier: 512567
Photo ID: NWDNS-4-P-128
A war message - Fight waste!, 1941 - 1945
Creator: Office for Emergency Management. Office of War Information. Domestic Operations
Branch. Bureau of Special Services.
ARC Identifier: 513742
Photo ID: NWDNS-44-PA-295
The Greatest Crime in Christendom, ca. 1917 - ca. 1919.
Creator: U.S. Food Administration. Educational Division. Advertising Section.
From the series: World War I Posters, 1917 - 1919
ARC Identifier: 512530
Photo ID: NWDNS-4-P-91
Don't Burn Waste Paper, 1941 - 1945
Creator: Office for Emergency Management. Office of War Information. Domestic Operations
Branch. Bureau of Special Services.
ARC Identifier: 514136
Photo ID: NWDNS-44-PA-658
Fruit You Waste Here...May Prevent his Wounds from Healing There!, 1941 -
1945
Creator: Office for Emergency Management. Office of War Information. Domestic Operations
Branch. Bureau of Special Services.
ARC Identifier: 514341
Photo ID: NWDNS-44-PA-847
Vital War Materials From Salvaged Kitchen Waste", 1941 - 1945
Creator: Office for Emergency Management. Office of War Information. Domestic Operations
Branch. Bureau of Special Services.
ARC Identifier: 515984
Photo ID: NWDNS-44-PA-2277
Keep oily waste in the safe container oily waste can be as dangerous as a fire
bomb 1941 - 1945
Creator: Office for Emergency Management. Office of War Information. Domestic Operations
Branch. Bureau of Special Services.
ARC Identifier: 514805
Photo ID: NWDNS-44-PA-1199
How many do you waste? ca. 1942 - ca. 1943
Creator: Office for Emergency Management. War Production Board.
ARC Identifier: 534953
Photo ID: NWDNS-179-WP-1102
Don't Waste Gasoline, Rubber, Money. Share Your Car! ca. 1942 - ca. 1943
Creator: Office for Emergency Management. War Production Board.
ARC Identifier: 533927
Photo ID: NWDNS-179-WP-69