• Food and Gastronomy -> Food and environment

• 0 Comment

What is the history of freeganism and its impact on the food and environment industries?

Estell Kubat

Freeganism is a subculture that emerged in the late 1990s in response to the excess and waste of consumer society. Freegans are people who by choice live on discarded or unwanted food and other goods. They salvage and consume food that would otherwise end up in landfills, thus reducing food waste and the environmental impact of food production.

The term “freegan” is an amalgamation of “free” and “vegan”. Freegans reject the dominant consumer culture and view it as a destructive system that perpetuates inequality, exploitation, and environmental degradation. They see themselves as activists who challenge the prevailing norms and values of society.

The roots of freeganism can be traced back to the anti-globalization movement of the 1990s, which critiqued the neoliberal policies of free trade and privatization. Freegans saw food waste as a symptom of a larger problem of overconsumption and greed.

Freeganism has had a significant impact on the food and environment industries. By reducing food waste, freegans have highlighted the absurdity of a system that produces more food than people need while millions go hungry. They have also drawn attention to the environmental costs of food production, such as greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and deforestation.

Freeganism has inspired other cultural and political movements that seek to promote sustainable living and challenge consumer capitalism. For example, the “dumpster diving” subculture has grown in popularity, with people scavenging for discarded food and other goods as a way to reduce their environmental footprint and live sustainably.

Despite the positive impact of freeganism, it has also been subject to criticism. Some argue that it undermines efforts to address food insecurity and perpetuates a culture of dependence on discarded goods. Others question the safety and nutritional value of discarded food.

Overall, freeganism is a complex and multifaceted subculture that challenges the dominant norms and values of society. It has had both positive and negative impacts on the food and environment industries, but its critique of consumer capitalism and commitment to sustainable living make it an important cultural phenomenon. If we all started living like freegans, the world would surely be a better, more sustainable place. So, let’s get on with the dumpster diving and reduce our environmental impact while feeding our bellies with some deliciously-foraged treats!