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Home > Oprah's Show Today - Dumpster Divers

Oprah's Show Today - Dumpster Divers

February 27th, 2008 at 03:23 pm


Hey all, it's 19 minutes into the Oprah Show (Chicago time) and she has show-cased some NYC Dumpster Divers/Freegans who are "purusing" garbage cans by grocery stores and bakeries for groceries. Some of it does indeed look wasteful - but in all conscience I couldn't "shop" for food from a dumpster.

They also showcased a doctor and engineer who regularly shop this way and have an apt filled with "finds".

Next it looks like an exotic dancer is going to say she does this to take care of her family financially.

what's your opinion? I'm intrigued yet replused ... and I'm not sure why ...

Posted in Uncategorized | 7 Comments »

7 Responses to “Oprah's Show Today - Dumpster Divers”

  1. Elly Says:
    February 27th, 2008 at 03:28 pm 1204126094
    1204126094

    I'll have to check that out. Definitely not for me though.

  2. Aleta Says:
    February 27th, 2008 at 03:36 pm 1204126576
    1204126576

    I think that when I think of a dumpster, I think about germs and bacteria lurking there and how many people have been handling these items that possibly could have communicable diseases. In this life, people have to do what they have to do; but if you don't have to do this - why would you waste your time when you can afford to buy what you need. Didn't watch the program, so can't comment on it. We were involved in the Florida outage yesterday.

  3. Mr. Meager Says:
    February 27th, 2008 at 05:03 pm 1204131832
    1204131832

    I have dumpster dive before but never for food. In some cities, dumpster diving is illegal because of identify thief issues. Personally, even though I do rumage, I think the dumpsters and trash cans are still personal property until the agent (contracted trash vendor)responsible for disposing of that property takes ownership during scheduled pickups. Though I have little concern for the environment, I am a big proponent to waste, if that makes sense. I recycle not for the environment but because I have paid the money for the redemption value already. If I have something I think someone might be able to use, I post it to the free items board on craigslist rather than throw it away.

    As for rumaging for food, if those that are well off are doing it, then they better have the medical coverage just in case. With a father who was homeless, I understand the need of some to find food where ever then can. If it wasn't for legal issues, more restaurants would be willing to donate leftovers at the end of the day.

  4. Aleta Says:
    February 27th, 2008 at 05:13 pm 1204132435
    1204132435

    Mr Meager: That is so true about the legal issues. Have you ever seen what McDonald's does with a hamburger returned? They throw it in the garbage can. Don't you think some animal could have eaten that at the least?

    The larger grocery chains dump food because they don't want to get sued for spoiled food. Our nation hurts ourselves with frivolous law suits when people know what they're doing when they go to food that is thrown away.

  5. Joan.of.the.Arch Says:
    February 27th, 2008 at 06:52 pm 1204138326
    1204138326

    There actually are a lot of companies small, medium, and humongous who donate their over-production. I used to pick up for charity bread, donuts, sub sandwiches and even hospital food regularly. Caterers would donate big trays of lasagna, crepes, roasted chicken, twice baked potatoes, etc. Also dairy and produce culled from a large supermarket --gallon milks with a leak , bruised fruits, produce starting to go limp, yogurt expired yesterday, anything that they didn't want out on the sales floor but which was still edible. But my state has a "good Samaritan" law which protects donors.

    The really big companies tended to donate only through a sort of distribution house food pantry. And theirs was packaged food--boxes of cereal, granola bars, cans of sloppy joe sauce, shelf stable stuff for the most part. But the donations from small and medium companies came directly because of the owner caring or a single employee caring, bringing on board the management, making the arrangements, and then bringing on board the other employees. I can think of one particular cashier who is responsible for a lot of people getting fed some nutritious meals --but it took her initiative and the cooperation of the supermarket she worked for.

  6. heidihouse Says:
    February 28th, 2008 at 12:06 am 1204157179
    1204157179

    Re: Oprah and the freegans

    Luckily in our hood, we have this practice of putting nice 'take it' items to the side on garbage night. So I have avoided any dirty diving. People take items without embarrassmetn: magazines, books, frames, knick-naks, kitchen items, small furniture, ect.

    Food from a dumpster makes me shudder. However, seeing all of that waste is enough to illit the same 'gag reflect'. I am torn on this one. It is ashame that I am not more accepting of the imperfect fruit and boxes, so to avoid the toss factor. I think I'll pick one of these the next time I shop.

  7. Luis Says:
    April 4th, 2008 at 09:14 pm 1207343656
    1207343656

    I also think that I have dumpster dive before but never for food. It[s terrible enough

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