No. 1: Freeganism??
We'll be discussing a misrepresented ideology, tiktok diy, and how to eat more plant-based.
Weclome to the first issue!! Let’s get into this week’s topics!
Freeganism
If you closely know me, you know I have some experience with dumpster diving. You get to be like a raccoon, scavenging and salvaging treasures. But actually, I have only ever ‘dived’ (I haven’t even gotten into a dumpster to be clear, but it is everyone’s choice) when privileged college students are moving out, thinking they can just toss their wardrobe, slightly used textbooks and replace it all next year. But as much as I appreciate the thrill, my heart aches at what is considered acceptable to be trashed. It’s 2022, this should NOT be the norm.
When researching more into dumpster diving, the term ‘freeganism’ or ‘freegan’ is apparent among results. As freegan.info themselves describes it,
We as Freegans employ alternative strategies for living that are based on limited participation in the conventional economy and minimal consumption of resources.
Meaning they opt for things that already exist, and support capitalism as little as possible.
However, other media outlets dehumanize these people to merely poor, starving creatures. Note: no one should be treated like this, period. This is due to dumpster diving for food, a concept many can’t quite get behind. Personally, I’ve rescued unopened packaged food, but something half-eaten? And yet people - some not by choice - have to live like this.
My point, just like with other things in life, extremes to sustainability are often the ones highlighted. You can care a little more than just throwing hundreds of dollars of perfectly good stuff away, but you also don’t have to dumpster dive for used food. Instead, vote (if eligible), talk to your representatives, and maybe share this newsletter with others… 😏
Straight from TikTok: eco-bricking
Maybe everyone else already knew about this, but there’s a ‘new’ way to condense plastic waste at home, reducing microplastics that make their way into literally EVERYTHING. Read below to learn more or check out this informative TikTok.
Here’s what you’ll need:
A plastic bottle (not super flimsy)
Tool to poke and shove strips in, think chopstick or skewer
Thinner plastics - think wrappers, stickers, food labels - are recommended for this, and must be rinsed and dried before being cut up into 1/2” by 1/2” strips. You can then use the heavier, sturdier bottles, aka bricks, for a home project or given to a friend or organization that will use them. Fun, right?
Plant-based basics
It doesn’t feel like my own writing (and my own newsletter!!) if I didn’t include some tips for a more plant-based diet, which is ideal for the planet, the animals, and your health. Here are my words of advice:
Don’t think of it as a restriction (cause it’s not), instead you’re diversifying your diet and trying new foods! For example: I was not a bean person prior to going vegan, but decided to give them a good chance: and realized they’re great! They are also so many types- pinto, butter, chickpea, cannelli, and black beans, to name a few.
Do your research (sorry I can’t do everything for you). I can provide the links and facts, but there’s something about the personal discovery - an epiphany if you will - that leaves you ready to embrace change.
Try Meatless Mondays! I honestly love this concept, and even convincing one other person to do this as a 12-week challenge will make a difference.
Trust me, making a change like this in your diet won’t leave you with regrets. None of us came out of the womb knowing it wasn’t okay to slap people, we had to learn.
Follow-worthy people: to further learn about sustainability
This week’s theme of people to follow: the informers. This is a great list of great people fully educated in the sustainability movement, sharing the bad, the ugly, and the good.
@groundzerowaste - Instagram
Wrap-up
That concludes the first issue, be sure to comment suggestions and future topics!