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ARE YOU A FREEGAN?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Home Team Realty, llc

Yesterday afternoon I was able to catch the Oprah show.  She had guests on that practiced freeganism. 

Freeganism is when a person dumpster dives for food and other household items, not because they have to because they choose to.  There was one younger couple (a doctor and an engineer) that has been doing it for a couple of years now, they showed the things they had dug out of the garbage. You can click on the blue link to view the video.

 My question is have you ever found another person's discarded items that you brought home to use?  I know I have.  When I was younger my step dad owned a commercial trash service, he would always tell me "One mans junk is another man's treasure".  I'm not saying I'm going to dig in the dumpster for my food, but I have found used carpeting, exercise equipment and a few pieces of furniture.  It's not below me neither to ask for the throwaways at the grocery store for my chickens either, they won't always give it to you.  I think we as a society have come to live in a throw away world and it's a shame when their are so many that do without.

Elaine A. Cook
Connect Realty.com - Bellingham, WA
Bellingham Real Estate
Food no...to scary...furniture, the odd item here or there...when I see something that catches my eye...but I haven't actually gone through some ones garbage. I have seen shows about Freegans, and it is amazing what some people throw away!!!
Feb 28, 2008 02:01 AM
Vickie McCartney
Maverick Realty - Owensboro, KY
Broker, Real Estate Agent Owensboro KY
I can't for the life of me understand why people don't just take the stuff that is halfway decent to Goodwill, The Salvation Army or somewhere where it could be used.  You are right, we really are a throwaway society. 
Feb 28, 2008 02:10 AM
Bill Gillhespy
16 Sunview Blvd - Fort Myers Beach, FL
Fort Myers Beach Realtor, Fort Myers Beach Agent - Homes & Condos
When you consider all the needy folks who could use some of this stuff it boggles the mind to see what ends up in our landfills !
Feb 28, 2008 02:18 AM
Tammy Carpenter
Home Team Realty, llc - Del City, OK

Elaine, I have to admit I've found a nightstand in the dumpster at an Extra Closet storage before

Vickie, If I have something to discard that I think has some value I either give it away or I have been known to set some things out on the curb.  Usually either a junker or someone that sees a need for it will pick it up.

Bill, I went to the dump with my husband last year.  While we were there a commercial trash truck pulled up and unloaded.  He must have came from a dept store of some sort.  He had all kinds of good stuff.  We loaded up on 3 or 4 John Deere lawn sprinklers and a ceiling fan still in the box, it was only missing a bracket.

Feb 28, 2008 03:21 AM