The Femme Files

Talking Trash – All in the name of preserving our planet.

They dive into to skip bins find thrown away treasures; they even rummage through garbage bins to find their next meal. They are not street beggars or homeless, but they do live off what others squander.  

Known as Freegans, these groups of people live an alternative, anti-consumerist lifestyle. Their motivations may be political or environmental and be perceived as outlandish; however, when you understand what their motivations are, it could make you reconsider your own. 

There is an undeniable amount of waste in our world today, which is due to our increasing consumerist motivations. We are encouraged to work more so that we can have more. While there is nothing wrong with working hard and having possessions, how much emphasis is placed on acquiring more is. We end up over consuming, yet never feeling satisfied. This is not only costly to our self, but costly to the environment, too. Now, how outlandish is that?

Freegans should be commended, then, because they seek to combat this destructive behavior. Freegans reduce the burden of over consumption by recycling our waste. They may live by the old adage “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”, yet there is something quite new age about this- they are being progressive and “green”. Now, we are not recommending that you go dumpster diving or dining, but perhaps making more “green” choices to reduce waste. Femme File Readers, do you know how “green” you are? Take the quiz below to find out how you rank.

Question 1:
How much of your home is lit by energy saving light bulbs?
A) I have one.
B) 50%.
C) 75% or more.

Question 2:
How much of your household waste do you recycle?
A) I use the recycling collection facilities provided by my local council.
B) As A, but I also take other items to my local recycling centres.
C) As A and B, and I also make my own compost.

Question 3:
Did/do you use washable nappies for your children (if you have not had children you will have to say what you think you would do, however many good intentions are ruined by sleepless nights!)
A) No
B) Used them mostly but did use some disposables in emergencies.
C) Never used anything else.

Question 4:
How many cars do you have in your household?
A) Two or more.
B) One.
C) I don’t own a car.

Question 5:
How do you keep your house clean?
A) I choose environmentally sound cleaning products, but occasionally for a really tough cleaning job, I get out the bleach and Mr Muscle.
B) I use all environmentally friendly products.
C) White vinegar, baking soda and elbow grease.

Question 6:
How much organic food do you eat?
A) I buy a few organic products from my supermarket.
B) As A, and I also buy from local farmer’s markets.
C) I grow all my own food.

Question 7:
How green are your household appliances?
A) I’m always pleased when the appliance I like the look of is energy efficient too!
B) I buy the highest rated appliance that suits my needs.
C) I buy the highest rated appliance available.

Question 8:
What do you do with books, clothes and other items that you no longer need?
A) Bin ‘em.
B) I keep them until they are unusable. Then I have to bin ‘em.
C) Give them to family and friends, charity shops or sell them at car boot sales, on eBay or in my local newspaper.

YOUR GREEN RATING:

If you got:

Mostly As
Light Green – You have made a good start at doing your bit to save the planet. Next time you go shopping maybe buy a low energy light bulb OK?

Mostly Bs
Mid Green – You make a real contribution to saving the planet with your green lifestyle. Well Done!

Mostly Cs
Dark Green – The planet earth is almost immune to your presence, you are an example to us all. Either that or you are well over the age of sixty, lived through the war and brought up your family before disposable nappies were invented.