Sending the car into space was most likely just a publicity stunt, and considering it of being a waste, depends on each person point of view.

Once the value is bigger of the thing being wasted, it gets a lot of attention. But have you ever considered, of spending few minutes less in the shower, turn your light off if it's not necessary to not waste electricity, don't make to much food, and throw out leftovers?

These things are present and common in average person everyday life but could be described the same (car to us), as to someone who doesn't have any of things we are wasting, day by day.