November 5th, 2010 
Tushar Mathur 
As the move towards environmentally-friendly lifestyles continues to gain momentum, an alternative movement known as freeganism has begun to emerge. This unique group of individuals places on emphasis on anti-consumerism, and engages in somewhat controversial methods of procuring the necessary resources needed to live. Though the movement officially began in the 1960s, it has begun to experience an upsurge in popularity in recent years, due to the precarious economic situation across the globe and a growing number of consumers concerned with lessening their impact on the world around them.
Unlike other movements which are primarily focused on the environmental aspects of consumerism, many “freegans” participate in their lifestyle as a political statement against traditionally capitalist societies. Nevertheless, the two movements share many goals and objectives in common, which include reducing the waste that results from mass production and consumption. Freegans obtain these objectives in untraditional ways, with most relying wholly upon discarded products and wasted food to survive.
For example, freegans are noted for the unconventional methods in which they obtain food. Dumpster diving is one of the most common ways freegans find food, with many looking through the trash of supermarkets and restaurants. Freegans argue that the foods they find in these garbage bins are most often safe to eat, and have simply been tossed because they have simply passed their sell-by dates. According to many freegans, a simple “sniff test” is enough to determine whether or not something is still safe to eat.
In fact, freegan’s dumpster diving behavior is not limited solely to the quest for food. Many freegans search through dumpsters in search of anything recyclable or reusable. From clothing to furniture, freegans emphasize reusing items that are otherwise unwanted. In doing so, less waste is sent to the landfill, and money is saved on items that would have otherwise been purchased from a traditional retailer.
Another popular freegan mentality revolves around the idea of sharing your possessions with the community around you. Food is actively shared amongst freegans who have obtained too much food to eat on their own, as are other items for which they no longer have any need. Freegans claim that society has unjustly placed a stronger importance on fighting wars than meeting the needs of humanity, and extends these sharing gestures in attempt to right these social wrongs.
In addition to dumpster diving and using waste products found on the street, many freegans are actively involved in urban gardening. These gardens are often planted with foods found while dumpster diving, and are promoted as another way to foster community with those around you. Some freegans also practice wild foraging, which consists of eating edible plants found growing outside of a traditional garden.
Other freegan philosophies include the idea of only working when absolutely necessary, as earning a salary to procure material things goes against freeganism’s anti-consumerism stance. Many freegans also squat in vacant buildings, as they believe housing to be a basic human right. Some freegans also practice veganism.
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