Why Dumpster Dive?

Why Dumpster Dive?

Have you ever thought about getting your food out of the dumpster? I know when you hear this question you automatically would say, “Who would eat out of a dumpster?” People who dumpster dive will. It has been known to be a hot, new trend in America. In fact, the dumpster divers have a name for themselves -- Freegans. It’s a term that combines free and vegan. They get their food from dumpsters, “though not always because they need to, but to make a statement about wastefulness of society” (“Freegans Salvage Food for Dumpster Diving”). The food that they come across most of the time is big double bagged garbage bags that have good sealed up meat in packages, eggs in a carton, fruit, and often good vegetables that are still fresh. It stated in the film that every year in America, we throw away 96 billion pounds of food that could feed Haiti for five years. That to me is very astonishing. People should pay close attention to America when it comes to wasting food. More Americans should participate in dumpster diving because the activity helps save money, serve others in need, and offers an alternative for those who are seeking new hobbies.

            Dumpster diving has become a trend for some people in America. This new method of gathering food is something people do by choice, just because of the state of the economy (“Freegans Salvage Food”). Many Freegans consider dumpster diving saves them from having to go to a supermarket to stand in long lines to purchase groceries. It also saves money. During my research I came across an article that interviewed a man named David Giles who dumpster dives. He says he spend less than a hundred dollars a week on groceries. However, many true dumpster divers now spend far less than that if anything (Tett).

            Many Freegans wonder why America wastes food. “The kind of society that would waste this much food is one that doesn’t value the earth or the products it produces. It’s in our own personal detriment to continue the process,” according to Dr. Timothy Jones (“Facts about Food Waste”). Most dumpster divers question why many American’s waste food in our society when you can serve others who are in need instead of throwing good food away. If you are a dumpster diver, you can help serve others who are in need of food. You can go to local homes, food banks, churches, and charities. You can also give out food to homeless people who you see on the street in different parts of your city. There are many ways Americans can avoid wasting good food, so there should not be an excuse to get rid of good food.

            Furthermore, becoming a dumpster diver can be an alternative for those who are seeking a hobby. Dumpster diving could be a good way to forget about everyday frustrations as opposed to staying at home thinking about problems that maybe going on in your life. It also can be for adventure seekers who don’t mind trying a thrilling experience. Diving can serve as another hobby for those who like helping others for the sake of sheer enjoyment. In more recent years, many people in metropolitan areas are taking matters into their own hands. “In many towns there are dumpster diving communities, composed of students, self-styled anarchists, homeless people, newly poor families or just rebellious citizens. These networks typically operate outside state organizations, but with a string informal etiquette and counter-culture” (Tett).

            Conclusively, there are many reasons to dumpster dive. It helps you save money, serve others who are in need, and offers an alternative for those who are seeking new hobbies. As you can see, dumpster diving is not so bad after all. It has so many positive outcomes when it comes to being a dumpster diver. I don’t see why it would be a problem to dumpster dive in certain cities or states. “We as Americans need to let the grocery stores know that you care about food waste, the environment, and hungry people and they should too” (“Facts about Food Waste”)!