Living a Health Hazard Free Freegan Lifestyle-You Don't Have to Go Dumpster Diving

250 million tons of garbage is generated in the US alone every year. Most of the garbage comes from households and it is mostly good food or commodities that are still in good or recyclable condition. Isn't it ironic that on one end of the world we have food products overflowing the supermarket shelves, these are western countries, while in continents like Africa, Asia and South America we have people dying of hunger or lack of shelter.

Freegans are anti-consumerists. The freeganism is against society's wastage of resources. A freegan's lifestyle is almost similar to a vegetarian's, but the freegan is more on the extreme. Not only are they against animal torture or chemical testing on animals, but also they are activists against society's greed. Their main goal is to spend as little as they possibly can and only use or have what they really need. Freegans fulfill their goals by recycling, sharing what they already have, and gardening. The most controversial issue about freeganism, is the recycling process which many people call dumpster diving. It is a taboo in our current society for people to go about searching other peoples' trash, let alone scavenging for food leftovers.

While it is a good thing that we live in America and are free to lead any kind of lifestyle we want as long as we don't hurt anyone, a freegan's lifestyle threatens his or her own life. Even though most of them say they haven't had any medical issues related to consumption of dumpster food, it is still not safe for us to scavenge for food from other peoples' trash. I mean, the food could have all sorts of chemicals or bacteria especially after it stays in a dirty trash bag for some time. This is like knowingly consuming poison. I know there are so many people who would love to recycle and not waste any food products, but they are just not willing to search through trash for food poisoning.

Now, here are two tips for all of you aspiring freegans, you do no have to go through a stranger's trash to get your supplies:

Instead of dumpster diving, you could make a deal with supermarkets or neighbors to give you leftover food before it is thrown in the garbage. In fact, this is a win-win for both parties. The freegan gets his supplies without having to waste time dumpster diving while the other partner won't have to worry about their privacy because no one is going through their trash.

Another tip is to let other people know that you need their recyclable waste. This way they can willingly give it to you without any qualms.

Generally, I agree with doing anything that can help in our battle to save our planet.