What are some of the common criticisms of Freeganism?
Because freeganism doesn’t contain a sale, questions about the ownership of the items concerned can arise (Thomas, 2010) . Freegans argue that once items have been “Abandoned” by the owner they no longer have a use for it, and there for those items cannot be stolen. However one article describes freegans as scavengers, “living upon the edges of the society they supposedly do not respect.” (Freeganism: What’s Up With That?, 2006) .
While the word freegan was taken from the words “Free” and “Vegan” many vegans argue that argue, "freeganism" is more a label or pretension than a principled diet which is actually followed (Word IQ, 2010) . However, freegans counter this argument with by saying that many so called “vegans” do not follow the rules of their own diet in their entirety. Another criticism of freeganism is that it is a lifestyle choice embarked upon by the rich, and it is therefore not morally sound as it effectively removes limited resources, from the homeless and other poor people (Eco Knight, 2006) .
There have been some claims that freegans advocate shoplifting (Money Smarts, 2009) . Freegans stance on shoplifting is that “this is a more direct attack on the store selling the goods, not the produce…always let your conscience be your guide!” (Freegan.info, 2000)
What do freegans say are the positive aspects of “Dumpster Diving”? What is Dumpster Diving Etiquette?
Freegans recover goods individually and in groups, often sharing what they find with others usually at freemeets, within intentional communities, with neighbors or right on the street (Freegan.info, 2008) . This practice is more commonly known as dumpster diving. This name applies even when there is no dumpster involved.
Dumpster Diving can be profitable. You can make money with everything from aluminium cans to items that can be resold at garage sales (Willhite, 2010) . Reducing the waste in landfills - at least temporarily, is believed to be another strong reason why people dumpster dive. Some people just love to go out there and see what they can find to use for their own household (Chavis, 2010) .
There is an etiquette to dumpster diving, which is followed by most; don’t go behind a closed fence or past a no-trespassing sign to reach a dumpster or garbage heap. Don't leave a mess. Leave the dumpster or trash pile better than you found it so those who enjoy this hobby can continue. Don't take paperwork with people's confidential records. Take only what you can use, and leave the rest for someone else (Willhite, 2010) .
