Scavenging: An Art Form

FourOfSwords · Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2008 10:17 am Post subject: Scavenging: An Art Form

I'm sure there are many who are better at it than I am, but for me and my daughter, scavenging for what we need, or what could be useful to help us live a little bit more comfortably, is a major deal.
From dumpster diving for food, to picking up others thrown out garbage to resell, it's becoming an art form for me.
This idea in my mind sort of blends with the hillbilly thread, and the recycling thread, and the I made for a PO world thread.
Fellow scavengers, lets hear your strategies, your triumphs, and difficulties in persuing this 'way'.
Alex(...legs dangling out of the dumpster)

Ebyss · Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2008 10:28 am Post subject: Re: Scavenging: An Art Form

Forgive me but - do you really take food from dumpsters? I'd like to know more, like... what kinds of food do you take? What condition is it usually in?

(Not judging, just very curious to know more!)
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FourOfSwords · Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2008 11:57 am Post subject: Re: Scavenging: An Art Form

Ebyss · Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2008 12:13 pm Post subject: Re: Scavenging: An Art Form

Thanks! That site looks great!

Don't know if you've ever read "Possum Living" by Dolly Freed, but for frugality lovers it is a must! And for ultimate frugality - here's a free, legal, online copy : Link

That is so wasteful of the bakers! I know of people who do similar things, but arrange with the company themselves so they don't have to go searching through the dumpster (though I get the feeling that part of it is more fun than one might at first think). It's a great source of extra feed for the pigs too.
_________________
We've tried nothin' and we're all out of ideas.

I am only one. I can only do what one can do. But what one can do, I will do. -- John Seymour.

FourOfSwords · Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2008 12:22 pm Post subject: Re: Scavenging: An Art Form

Ebyss, nice link, thanks. You may want to try this site: http://www.backwoodshome.com/ as it offers some interesting insights in the Articles Index.
Cheers
Alex

Ebyss · Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2008 12:27 pm Post subject: Re: Scavenging: An Art Form

That is an AWESOME site! Thank you!
_________________
We've tried nothin' and we're all out of ideas.

I am only one. I can only do what one can do. But what one can do, I will do. -- John Seymour.

SILENTTODD · Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2008 1:20 pm Post subject: Re: Scavenging: An Art Form

Good Posts! Makes me want to break out my Waders and go Dumpster Diving!
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Brokaws-area · Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2008 2:45 pm Post subject: Re: Scavenging: An Art Form

I started dumpster diving to help "Food Not Bombs" feed the homeless. After a while, they were able to negotiate with some local bakers and grocers to just save them the food to avoid the trouble of going into the dumpsters.
But I've continued on my own.
What I usually do is "dumpster dipping"... not going all the way in. That way I stay clean for my business appointments!

Most of what I gather goes to my chickens. Last week I found 2 cases of organic half and half- still good. That went to the animal shelter, and they were most happy to get it.

Today I am feasting on organic black cherries - tossed out - clean and packaged- because a few of them were too ripe.

There is something about being a scavenger that feels right; and empowering.

I wonder whether, as times get tougher, the competition at the dumpsters will become more fierce?
Or the grocers more reluctant to toss out day old bread?

alokin · Intermediate Crude Joined: Aug 24, 2007 Posts: 700

I don't do this, what I'm doing is always have an eye open were there are fruit trees. Not the ones in the gardens, but before we moved I "has" 3 marvelous guava trees and for weeks we had heaps, they were just growing at a quiet street.
People often prefer buying stuff in the supermarket than picking some, but it's so expensive and sprayed on and they don't sell guavas anyway.
I consider helping a bit burring some seeds here and there...

Narz · Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 3:37 am Post subject: Re: Scavenging: An Art Form

Don't forget Craigslist "free stuff" & "wanted" sections. Smile

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rattleshirt · Tar Sands Joined: Oct 26, 2006 Posts: 94

www.Freecycle.org you can join a local group, ask for and give away al sorts of things, I have gotten a futon, windows, a crib, baby changing table, and a number of other things there.

FourOfSwords · Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2008 7:31 am Post subject: Re: Scavenging: An Art Form

Ha, ha, ha. I just dumpster dived a perfectly good beach cruiser bike. It must be fate or karma, but I've been in desparate need of a bicycle, and while scrounging the dumpster in this 'third world' apt. building I live in there it was. I've just pumped up the tires, oiled the chain and adjusted the seat, and now I'm good to go. The wastefulness of North Americans still shocks me...oh well someone's garbage is my treasure.
Alex(riding his 'new' bike looking for a beach for is beach cruiser, ugh, nearest beach approx. 150 kms. oh, I can feel my sore legs already...maybe I'll do some more dumpster diving on the way. Smile

)

mommy22 · Heavy Crude Joined: Jul 22, 2005 Posts: 264

It's actually quite an interesting time driving around the suburbs here in the US...some great finds!
I found the best drying rack about 8 years ago, and it' s helped me save tons on my (laundry) electric bill...it folds up neatly to hide behind a door if not in use. It was right in the trash, and I drove by (I was needing a new one at the time)...I put on my brakes, went in reverse, and put it in the car...I've also found crystal chandeliers, lots of toys, furnishings, but no food. I think the local social services have contracted with local restaurants and they get all extra bread, donuts, etc...

BigTex · Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2008 3:42 pm Post subject: Re: Scavenging: An Art Form

Think about what fossil fuel extraction is.

Just a big dive into a prehistoric dumpster.
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auscanman · Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2008 3:46 pm Post subject: Re: Scavenging: An Art Form

Even better than dumpster diving is going to a dump/landfill (if you have one near you that allows you access). Up about 3 hours north of Toronto you can go in and spend as long as you like at one I know. I don't go wading through the thick of the trash, but I do take anything useful that I find lying around on the edge of the dump.