Freeganism on Oprah

Posted by Jill Harris Feb 28, 2008

I haven't heard the term "Freegan" in quite a while. I included it in my article What is a Vegetarian? thinking it was somewhat of an artifact.

Today, however, the most popular talkshow in the world interiewed several freegans about their anti-consumer lifestyle - freeganism has gone mainstream on Oprah.

So what is freeganism? I previously understood it to be:

• Some who follows a vegan diet when cooking/purchasing food for themselves
• May accept and eat animal products (eggs, dairy, meat, fish) if given to them freely or thrown away
• Environmentally motivated - wishes to minimize waste

In other words, I thought all freegans were vegans.

The guests on Oprah have redefined freeganism as a way of life that takes a stand against the consumer culture of buying and throwing away. People like Lisa Ling have abandoned their six-figure salaries in favour of "dumpster diving" and scavenging for necessities - food, stationary, flowers, furniture...people throw away all sorts of perfectly safe, useable items.

Whether motivated by vegetarianism or not, freeganism is not doubt an effective way to reduce your environmental impact and attempt to halt the wasteful culture most of use are used to.

While their motives seem pure, readers on the Oprah discussion board do not seem impressed - one even comments "People who gather their food from filthy dirty dumpsters are clearly emotionally disturbed!"

Freeganism may not be the easiest way to help the environment, but no doubt its practice has immense impact that is growing with the increasing number of freegans. While we all don't have to make the switch (and of course, that would be impossible), try to think of the small things we can do to reduce food wastage. Eat lower on the food chain, for example. Enjoy vegetarian meals at least weekly. Small changes can make a big difference.