Dumpster diving: As Americans worry about inflation, planet, some look to trash
Dumpster diving has gained popularity due to rising living costs and environmental concerns, with enthusiasts finding valuable items and promoting sustainability, aided by social media and a cultural shift towards reusing.
Read original article
In recent years, dumpster diving has transitioned from a taboo activity to a trendy pursuit, driven by rising living costs and environmental concerns. Individuals like Annemarie Cox in San Diego view dumpsters as treasure troves, finding everything from clothing to antiques. Cox, a marketing manager with a degree in archaeology, dives almost daily, motivated by a desire to reduce waste and promote sustainability. Social media platforms, particularly TikTok, have popularized dumpster diving, showcasing the vast amounts of discarded items, including food and household goods.
The phenomenon has attracted a diverse group of enthusiasts, including YouTubers like Kelly Sparks, who document their finds and share tips with a growing audience. Sparks emphasizes the shocking volume of waste, noting that many viewers are surprised by the quality of food and items available in dumpsters. In New York City, Janet Kalish leads "freegan" tours, highlighting the abundance of edible food that retailers discard for reasons unrelated to spoilage.
As awareness of waste issues increases, the stigma surrounding secondhand shopping and dumpster diving is diminishing. Participants argue that these activities not only provide financial relief but also contribute to environmental sustainability by diverting usable items from landfills. The cultural shift suggests that dumpster diving may become more accepted in the future, reflecting a broader movement towards reusing and recycling.
Related
Our Underground Future (2012)
Engineers and urban planners explore using underground spaces for stadiums, waste repositories, and power plants to address urban crowding. Challenges include costs and psychological barriers, but advocates see potential for safety and development.
Digital public archaeology: Excavating data from digs done decades ago
Emily Fletcher discusses digital public archaeology's significance, focusing on the Gulkana Site in Alaska. She addresses the challenge of unanalyzed excavation records and advocates for using modern technology and community engagement to revitalize archaeological data.
How do jewellers capture every last particle of gold dust? (2017)
Jewellers utilize advanced techniques to recover gold dust from workshop waste, partnering with companies like Mastermelt. Educating on waste's value is key, with some earning substantial profits from reclaiming materials efficiently.
How do jewellers capture every last particle of gold dust? (2017)
Jewellers refine workshop waste like vacuum bags and carpets to extract gold and platinum. Educating on reclaiming waste benefits is crucial. Advanced technology and strategies enhance profitability in reclaiming precious metals.
What I learned about a plastic-free life
An NPR producer documented her week-long challenge to eliminate single-use plastics, revealing difficulties in sourcing food, high costs of alternatives, and the need for systemic changes to reduce plastic use.
2 commentsRelated
Our Underground Future (2012)
Engineers and urban planners explore using underground spaces for stadiums, waste repositories, and power plants to address urban crowding. Challenges include costs and psychological barriers, but advocates see potential for safety and development.
Digital public archaeology: Excavating data from digs done decades ago
Emily Fletcher discusses digital public archaeology's significance, focusing on the Gulkana Site in Alaska. She addresses the challenge of unanalyzed excavation records and advocates for using modern technology and community engagement to revitalize archaeological data.
How do jewellers capture every last particle of gold dust? (2017)
Jewellers utilize advanced techniques to recover gold dust from workshop waste, partnering with companies like Mastermelt. Educating on waste's value is key, with some earning substantial profits from reclaiming materials efficiently.
How do jewellers capture every last particle of gold dust? (2017)
Jewellers refine workshop waste like vacuum bags and carpets to extract gold and platinum. Educating on reclaiming waste benefits is crucial. Advanced technology and strategies enhance profitability in reclaiming precious metals.
What I learned about a plastic-free life
An NPR producer documented her week-long challenge to eliminate single-use plastics, revealing difficulties in sourcing food, high costs of alternatives, and the need for systemic changes to reduce plastic use.