Dumpster Dive to Give to Charity Organizations!
Today 40 percent of all the food in the United States goes uneaten, according to a recent report by the Natural Resources Defense Council. That’s the equivalent of $165 billion dollars, or 20 pounds of food per person per month. It accounts for an astounding 33 million tons of landfill waste—which in turn generates 16 percent of the country’s methane emissions. Some of this wasted food could definitely be used to benefit people who don’t have the means to afford it on a regular basis. Charitable organizations and food banks could definitely use some of the food that you may find, especially if they are canned foods.
Many restaurants and public facilities throw out “old” food that they don’t want to sell or distribute. This food, although thrown away, may still very much be edible. Dumpster divers can take this opportunity to scavenge their trash and give back to those who really need it, just don’t forget to mention how you got the food.
Food is not the only thing you can give to charitable organizations, you can also donate other things you find such as clothing, furniture, electronics, etc. if it is something that still works or is in good condition and you don’t need it, take it and donate it. Just like with food, it is best to mention how you obtained these goods.
As dumpster divers, we practice and preach taking what you need and leaving the rest behind for fellow divers, but why not take the opportunity to take what you didn’t need and give it to a charitable organization. Someone, somewhere, could most definitely make use of the goods you find.