Freegans – Living Free

When you hear the word Freegan, what do you envision?  Do you see dirty, hungry homeless individuals unwilling to conform to todays social constrictions?  This is what many people believe being a “Freegan” is about.  However, after researching the subject, I’ve realized that being a Freegan is a completely different animal.

The Freegans were based on a group from the 17^th century known as the “English Diggers”.  These Diggers believed in an economy free of monetary exchange.  This movement saw a resurgence in the 60’s with another group aptly calling themselves the “Diggers”.  They would set up free stores and community meals where they would offer free food to anyone who wanted it.  This food, was, of course, salvaged from dumpsters.

Essentially, being Freegan is creating as little waste as possible.  This is attained by bartering for goods and services, repurposing, and, if the case arises, going on the occasional dumpster dive.  I’d believe that almost every person in the United States has driven around the back of stores for packing supplies or cardboard, but what if, sitting next to that cardboard, you found a perfectly good, still sealed bag of cookies?  Or a few dented, unopened cans of green beans?  Freegans take advantage of these spoils and live fairly well on them.

Our grocery stores and mass market retailers generate millions of tons of waste a year; many times in bulk products like a pallet of orange juice, or a large package of soap. It is estimated that 30-50% of all food production is wasted, and that food waste is the largest component of that statistic. Freegans will take these items and trade them with other Freegans for necessary items or services like haircuts. 

Food taken from dumpsters is typically put through a rigorous cleaning process before consumption.  Since Freegans will abandon most of the USDA’s recommended expiration dates, they make a large effort to ensure their food is safe to eat.

While dumpster diving is considered taboo, the Freegan movement is attempting to have the act re-dubbed “Urban scrounging”.  These scrounging events can be found on the internet, and are open to the public.  Many newcomers will receive an orientation in urban scrounging, and media are welcome to film the events.

Freecycle.com is a relatively new site, originally created by Freegans.  This online community allows individuals to list their unwanted items-from car parts to food; the only rule is that it must be free.  Cheapcycle.com is another popular site where you can list items at an affordable price.

While being Freegan may be a bit extreme for the majority of the population, reducing waste is a hurdle that every family should strive to conquer.  By repurposing used items, donating them, or even listing them on freecycle, you ensure that these tangibles will not end up in the landfill.

Megan Wilson is a stay at home mom, blogger, and freelance writer.  She frequently writes on topics such as Sanborn Maps.