dumpster diving

Dumpster diving: it's not just for hobos! In fact, a growing community of freegans and environmental activists have taken to foraging for their food, clothing, furniture, building supplies, and everything else in lowly (but frequently fruitful) garbage receptacles. In this way, most hope to make better use of items that would otherwise be wasted, while gaining access to things they might not otherwise be able to afford.

Dumpstering is illegal in some parts, and carries a strong stigma in most cities; nonetheless, it is widely practiced and in some cases welcomed by businesses. While most dumpster divers simply wait until a store or bakery has closed before surreptitiously plundering their refuse, some have entered into agreements with local businesses, who donate their day-old, damaged, or expired goods willingly.

Still, this lifestyle is not for the faint of heart. If you want to eat for free, you'll most likely end up climbing inside a dumpster or two. In urban areas, things could get dangerous. Do your research, understand the limits of legality in your area, and find other freegans to work with; once you know how to begin, you'll be pleasantly surprised to see how much is available to those in need.

by Jessica Reeder Are you a writer, passionate about this or any other topic? Join Blogcritics!

Latest blogosphere posts tagged “dumpster diving”

 

• how far is too far?

  
  WeUseCoupons.com — Authority: 153
  I know everybody goes into the recycle bins and gets coupons and like ive found shelves that were in good shape so i got em and cleaned em up and my grandparents loved them so they got em. but i know there was a show on tv a few years ago about freegans. people who get food out dumpsters and eats it. so when it comes ...
  1 week ago

• Dumpster Diving

  
  WeUseCoupons.com — Authority: 153
  I wouldve never thought to look in the paper dumpsters for coupons but after reading all the virtual classes me and my husband have been going out the last three weeks and have found a ton of inserts! We got 58 from week before last and then 27 from this weeks when we went out yesterday! I even have my twin sister ...
  1 week ago

• Maybe not the best time

  
  WeUseCoupons.com — Authority: 153
  I went to the dumpster the other day got lots of coupons but after I look at my hands and face Im all red and cant feel my hands. Maybe I should not do this At -12F. I was at the dumpster only 10min. And stayed in my truck just pulling them out.
  1 week ago

• Lean Cusine Dumpster Diving

  
  WeUseCoupons.com — Authority: 153
  Im addicted to Lean Cusine delicious rewards...I collect the boxes out of the trash at work! Is that going too far?
  1 week ago

• Oscilloscope clock made possible by dumpster diving

  
  Hack a Day — Authority: 644
  We see people driving around the night before trash collection and reclaiming items doomed to the land fill (or on their way to recycling… who knows). We’re beginning to think we need to join those ranks. Case in point is this vintage oscilloscope which [Bob Alexander] plucked from the curb in the nick of time. ...
  2 weeks ago

• The Big Waste

  
  Renewal Dynamics — Authority: 79
  This week, Food Network debuts its one-hour special, The Big Waste. In the show, popular ”chefs Bobby Flay, Michael Symon, Anne Burrell, and Alex Guarnaschelli tackle one of the most massive problems in food today – waste! Divided into two teams, with only 48 hours on the clock, they are challenged to create a ...
  2 weeks ago

• Freeganism: A Dumpster Diving Family Affair

  
  Inhabitots — Authority: 549
  Modern freeganism can be thought of as the bastard stepchild of the green movement. Whereas mindful homeowners install batteries of solar panels and opt for high-efficiency washers and dryers, there is a faction of freegans who squat derelict buildings. Earth conscious commuters who seek to avoid fossil fuels pilot ...
  2 weeks ago

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