The Freeganism Lifestyle

You may not have hears of the term freeganism, though it’s gaining ground throughout the United States and Europe. Made up from the terms ‘free’ and ‘vegan,’ freeganism is the practice of  reclaiming and eating discarded food. Freegans are generally seen as part of the anti-consumerist culture and as well as freeganism, their lifestyle often includes other strategies for alternative living, such as minimal resource consumption and sustainable living.

 

A large amount of food is discarded every day in the U.S. by food producers and manufacturers. Often the reason for dumping the food is related to consumer and retailer food laws and standards. The food itself may often be perfectly edible. Food may be discarded due to the fact that they are larger or smaller than the size required by the food retailer. 

To keep their participation in the consumer economy, instead of shopping in stores, freegans rely on alternative sources for food and their other needs, such as :
 

·         foraging for wild food

·         dumpster diving

·         curb shopping

·         trading or bartering

·         sharing

·         organic farming

 

Freegans usually adopt a lifestyle that limits their environmental impact on the world by

·         using public transport, walking or cycling

·         recycling

·         composting

·         keeping their energy consumption to a minimum

 

Though freeganism is a diverse subculture, many of its members also share a commitment to surviving off capitalism’s surplus, vegan or only eating meat that would have been wasted, environmental and political activism, supporting local community.

Wild Foraging

Wild foraging is an increasing trend in the freegan lifestyle. Instead of buying industrially produced food, freegans harvest food and medicinal plants from within their own community. Some may participate in allotments or community garden, while others may use personal space to create urban gardens. Any food that is surplus can be traded with other freegans for different resources.

Bartering

Bartering, or trading, is a system of exchange involving the direct exchange of items or services without exchanging money. This enables freegans to use their personal skills and time for activities such as gardening, home repair or babysitting, in exchange for food, clothing or other needed resources.

How to Become a Freegan

If you are interested in adopting a freegan lifestyle, it may not be as difficult as you imagine. You can look for freegan events and meeting in your area. These might involve group foraging missions, exchanges or just a general get together. If you need an item, or you have things at home that you no longer have use for, check out your local chapter of Freecycle.  Freecycle  is an online system of recycling. If you have something you no longer want, whether it’s clothes, an old sofa or car parts, you can post it on the website and if anyone wants it, they will come to house and collect it. If you are in need of something, simply make a request post.

 

You can also find out more information about freeganism from  Freegan.Info

 

Corinna Underwood is a freelance writer who specializes in sustainable living, the environment and Chain of Title Searches.