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Across the Fence:  Did anyone see Oprah yesterday?  |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
 Posted - Feb 28 2008 : 10:03:46 AM
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She had a show on "fregans" - people who spend only a miniscule amount of money to live. She showcased a women who had a six figure income and a couple in which he was a doctor and the wife was an engineer and these people all eat out of dumpsters. Lisa Ling went along with them as they dug through dumpsters by grocery stores looking for food that had been thrown out. I agree that the waste is horrible - stores throw things in the dumpster instead of passing it on to the hungry (I understand it's a legal issue that drives them to do this), but I really don't know that I could eat out of a dumpster. Some of the foods they were picking up were packaged baked goods, still sealed, and cartons of milk, close to their pull date, and it makes sense that it would still be good, but I don't know if I could get past that mentally!! The one couple said they spent $10-$20 a week on groceries. Boy, it wouldn't take long to get your debt paid off or your dream farm if that was your grocery budget! What do you all think?
Farmgirl Sister #98
Check out my new online store
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Feb 28 2008 : 10:14:39 AM
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The thing that I was wondering about was all the bacteria and germs that have to be rampant in those dumpsters. Ick. And they showed them pulling out bagels that had been in a garbage sack (broken bagels and such from a bakery) and I know from working fast food a long time ago- we would throw away our floor sweepings in bags like that-ick. Plus- what if someone had to blow their nose and threw it in that bag? I don't think I could do it. I would rather just buy and eat frugally and try to raise as much of my own food as possible. Doug and I often only spend about $150 on food a month anyway, so while it isn't the $80 the freegans were doing, I still think we do pretty good.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
Edited by - Alee on Feb 28 2008 10:14:57 AM |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
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abbasgurl
True Blue Farmgirl
1262 Posts
Rhonda
USA
1262 Posts |
Posted - Feb 28 2008 : 10:55:51 AM
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I didn't see the show, but I know a group of college students that do this. They steal food too (among other things). For them it is a "political statement", to me it's just stealing.
There are a number of creative ways to cut your food budget...eating out of a dumpster isn't at the top of my list. I understand that there are folks who survive this way...that's another story.
My husband used to haul "trash" for a large drugstore chain. They package everything that is not sold up neatly, take it back to the distribution center, and shrink wrap it on pallets. Then it gets hauled to the landfill. You seriously would not believe the things hubby saw dumped into the landfill. Think of ANYTHING you have every seen at a drugstore, from crutches, to food, to scotch tape...etc. etc. etc. These are not expired or damaged items. They are NEW, still packaged. Last years nail polish colors, holiday tins of coffee...just disgusting to think of! He once backed up a semi load of TAPE and dumped it. The workers at the dump rummage through and pick things out...but the waste is incredible! There are so many organization these things could be donated to. I think of the walkers and crutches he saw dumped, children's books, baby formula...
A woman from our BSA troop works at the distribution center. She said things are returned because the colors or seasons change, displays change, size or shape of packaging changes. She said OTC meds are returned that sometimes have 2-3 YEARS left before expiration! 
This is about one thing, PROFIT.
Thankfully hubby no longer works for that trucking company.
Rhonda
I will sing at the top of my lungs, and I will dance even if I'm the only one...
http://www.kattywhompus.etsy.com |
Edited by - abbasgurl on Feb 28 2008 11:02:58 AM |
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one_dog_per_acre
True Blue Farmgirl
1572 Posts
Trish
Sandpoint
ID
USA
1572 Posts |
Posted - Feb 28 2008 : 11:13:46 AM
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When I was a kid, my dad asked the produce people at grocery stores to save old veges in a box for our pigs, and we would pick them up every few days. Sometimes there were veges good enough for us to eat. I think it is cool to fish out furniture, etc. As far as thinking dumpsters are gross, I used to work in an upscale grocery/natural food store's bakery, and there was the 5 second rule going on. At least you can wash produce, you can't washa bagel. The fish seemed the scariest to me. You never know why they threw it away, it could have been that someone didn't want it at the register, and it didn't get reshelved in time. It seems a little risky, but if you are hungry..... When I was 19, I worked a grocery store, and lived off of pull date/written off food. Dept. managers would put the old food on the break room table for the taking. Very cool. My roommate worked in parishable grocery, and so we always had gourmet pasta, ben and Jerry's, and Odwalla smoothies.
Farmgirl Sister #91
Make cupcakes not war! |
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catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
Posted - Feb 28 2008 : 11:40:30 AM
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I worry about the bacteria/cleanliness too. But, it is too bad that they couldn't just put the food out somewhere for free- I know laws and lawsuits,etc...but boy, I am ashamed of the waste in America.
Alee- how do you only spend $150 a month. I spend that about every 2 weeks or so.
Thanks.
Cheers,
Heather
FARMGIRL #90 |
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KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - Feb 28 2008 : 11:46:27 AM
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When I worked at the animal shelter (which was conveniently located near the landfill), Iams occasionally would dump thousands and thousands of boxes of treats and food that were special holiday designs, or mispellings or whatever into the landfill. Our friends at the landfill would then forklift these huge crates of unused, totally good, food and treats to our shelter outbuilding for storage.
I'm not sure I would eat something from a garbage, but I would pick a piece of furniture (that wasn't upholstered--bedbugs around here!!!)
Farmgirl Sister #80, thanks to a very special farmgirl from the Bluegrass..."She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian.
http://www.buyhandmade.org/ |
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kissmekate
True Blue Farmgirl
890 Posts
Kate
Delano
Minnesota
890 Posts |
Posted - Feb 28 2008 : 1:48:25 PM
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I wanted to watch it, but it is on in the afternoon while I am at work, and they re-run it really late at night.
I have no problem picking up furniture, but I guess I draw the line at dumpster diving for food. You just don't know. Food poisoning is so horrible, I guess, to me it isn't worth it.
I'd rather be frugal with what I do buy.
As for the drug store or product left in the break room scenario, I could see rifiling through that stuff too, as long as it was relatively clean, in date and new product.
Don't miss out on a blessing, just because it isn't packaged the way you expected. ~MaryJo Copeland |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
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Beemoosie
True Blue Farmgirl
2077 Posts
Bonnie
New York
USA
2077 Posts |
Posted - Feb 28 2008 : 3:38:04 PM
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Hi Sherri,
My daughter and I watched together. One minute we were like, "what a great thing" then it was, "eewwww" -my conscience tells me I'm a big baby and it really is the right thing to do (if you could find such gloriously filled dumpsters!) but I don't think I'm running out there to try it yet.
My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. Luke 1:46,47
www.beequilting.blogspot.com
http://beemoosie-picture-diary.blogspot.com/ |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
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Marybeth
True Blue Farmgirl
6418 Posts
Mary Beth
Stanwood
Wa 98292
USA
6418 Posts |
Posted - Feb 28 2008 : 4:26:01 PM
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You know we tell our kids be careful what you eat and who you get it from. How do these people know that the food hasn't been tainted by human hand. Actually my daughter brought this up. Someone on the show found a whole pizza in the box--who's to say it wasn't injected with something. Sometimes that happens inside the store. And I'm the dirty grubby one too. lol
I'm not squeamish either. well anyway.............MB
www.strawberryhillsfarm.blogspot.com
www.day4plus.blogspot.com www.holyhouses-day4plus.blogspot.com
"Life may not be the party we hoped for...but while we are here we might as well dance!" |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Feb 28 2008 : 5:06:22 PM
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I get the germ thing but if you really want to be grossed out watch the shows that tell about the human fecal matter on your sliced lemon that comes on your water in the very expensive resturants, or how about the rodent beans and such in the fast food, or the packing plants that use downed cows....... It is of more concern that the High School kids are coming down with medication resistent strep and flesh eating illness then rather you might pick something out of a trash can. I think also American's waste so much and never, never think about it. Companies should have their feet held to the fire about the amount of waste they generate. When I first started with chickens some 17 years ago I went to my local chain food store and asked if I could have the vegies they pulled - I came every three days on the way to picking up my sons and we then picked thru the vegies and feed only the good stuff to the chickens and dumped the rest in the compost. I was teaching my boys and feeding animals that produced great eggs. When we started with chickens again I went to the store and asked them for the cast off vegies and you know what they said - they could not let me have them because I would sell them to other folks - these are my neighbors who work at this store - they have known me forever. Even when I spoke to the top manager and showed him my business license, told him he could visit my farm - he replied that they under law can not give me that food..... Now I ask you how screwed up has our society become - I guess if I was willing to sneak around I could have it but if you where to be up front and trying to do the right thing they have made laws against that...
Just another reason I do not leave my farm much. I just keep thinking how all that food could be taken to shelters, offered to those who have nothing and could help cut down on our landfills but that would make sense and the U.S. is not about making sense
Sorry for the rant - I think I will go out and play with the goats and remember my path is different and that is just fine with me. Stay well, warm and well feed tonight ladies.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Feb 28 2008 : 5:14:56 PM
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Personally, I think the waste is disgraceful, but I was kind of thinking "Poor Shop Owners!" Sure-they shouldn't be wasteful, but how much of their waste is due to public health laws? I know that here in Idaho, boxes that get crushed corners or dented cans can't be sold because of the risk of botulism's and other contaminates.
I wonder how much money the shops loose because people stop shopping?
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
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one_dog_per_acre
True Blue Farmgirl
1572 Posts
Trish
Sandpoint
ID
USA
1572 Posts |
Posted - Feb 29 2008 : 10:00:15 AM
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MB- Injected inside the store? Can you elaborate?
Alee, don't worry so much about the shop owners, that stuff gets written off, and some vendors give credit, so not a total loss. Also, I bet that it's less than 1% of the pop. that garbage shops. I bet the folks who do wouldn't be big spenders anyway. I couldn't help but think the diving Dr. will be on one of oprah's "i'm a hoarder," show sometime in the future. I must admit, i would rather dumpster dive than be a stripper.
Farmgirl Sister #91
Make cupcakes not war! |
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kydeere40744
True Blue Farmgirl
1132 Posts
Jessica
Kentucky
USA
1132 Posts |
Posted - Feb 29 2008 : 10:01:14 AM
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I've worked in management for a retail store that had grocery & general merchandise. I learned quickly about waste and the fact that I would not purchase my groceries there because dairy products were left on pallets for several hours before placed into a cooler and other things.
I refuse to purchase used furniture even if it may save a few dollars because you don't know if the previous owner had bedbugs, lice, etc. That just grosses me out.
Dumpster diving is something I would never consider. We know of a couple of folks here that will go around the night before a garbage pickup and go through people's trash. It totally grossed me out. I always shred papers, etc and use it for packing, etc. and recycle other paper/bottles. We spend maybe $100 between the both of us on groceries a month by buying in bulk and buying things we know we would eat & can prepare in multiple dishes (chicken for dumplings, fried chicken, casserole, etc.). We both grew up learning about saving money and how to use it wisely instead of wasting it.
I'm all for frugalness, but dumpster diving for food is a little sickening!!
~Jessica in Kentucky & Farmgirl Sisterhood #137~
Be sure to visit my blog & Crafty Clipart for some of my photographs:
http://bluegrassprincess.blogspot.com/
http://www.craftyclipart.com |
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Past Blessings
True Blue Farmgirl
1083 Posts
Brenda
Orchard Prairie
WA
USA
1083 Posts |
Posted - Feb 29 2008 : 10:59:36 AM
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I have to admit . . . hanging my head in shame . . . I have been a dumpster diver for years! The difference though is I have dived for tangible goods, not food. I have gotten furniture, antiques, and more from dumpsters. The best are apartments where people are moving often and would rather shove it in a dumpster for someone else to pay for than go to the dump. It seems dumb that these people don't donate this though. My current bedrails on our antique bed were my first dumpster dive. It was clear back in my young single days when I went to the dumpster of my own apartment to empty my garbage. My bed was sitting for monthes, trying to find these antique rails and there they were in all of their glory, beckoning me into the dumpster. I was hooked from then on! LOL! I don't do it often but every now and then if I drive by and see a corner of something peeking out, I can't help myself. My name is Brenda and I'm hooked on dumpsters . . .
Brenda
Past Blessings . . . Celebrating Life as it used to be . . . when people loved God, loved their families and loved their country. |
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one_dog_per_acre
True Blue Farmgirl
1572 Posts
Trish
Sandpoint
ID
USA
1572 Posts |
Posted - Feb 29 2008 : 12:17:01 PM
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LOL, Be proud Brenda, you're a super recycler!
Farmgirl Sister #91
Make cupcakes not war! |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
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faithymom
True Blue Farmgirl
360 Posts
Faith
Sandpoint
ID
USA
360 Posts |
Posted - Feb 29 2008 : 6:30:58 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by mikesgirl
I thought it was really wierd to have dumpster divers and a stripper on the same show. What's the connection?
Trash?
Just kidding...kinda...
My dad is a serious DD!
I don't have a problem with it up to a point. I think that food that is sealed (Dad used to get loads of bagged salad) is fine, but I draw the line at opened food that has been touching other garbage.
I am certainly angered by the waste! I wish that I could claim pre-dumpster 'dibs' on the produce that the store would toss because of a bruise! I'd use it.
"All television is educational television. The only question is, what is it teaching?"-Fmr. FCC Commissioner Nicholas Johnson |
Edited by - faithymom on Feb 29 2008 6:31:59 PM |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Feb 29 2008 : 6:39:50 PM
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Sherri
The one about the lemons came from compact.com but all you have to do is to search for latest food safety articles on line. There are thousands..........
Also I read several Mag's YES, ODE, to name a few that publish many of the labor, food safety and fair trade issues.
The biggest issue is when to stop reading because soon you can get really freaked out
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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one_dog_per_acre
True Blue Farmgirl
1572 Posts
Trish
Sandpoint
ID
USA
1572 Posts |
Posted - Feb 29 2008 : 7:06:32 PM
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The link between the dumpster and the stripper was: How far would you go? Living on the edge. Six figure salary that eats garbage to the suburban soccer mom by day that takes it all of for $ at night.
Farmgirl Sister #91
Make cupcakes not war! |
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22shortie
True Blue Farmgirl
329 Posts
rebekah
sulphur
la
USA
329 Posts |
Posted - Feb 29 2008 : 7:55:30 PM
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Alee...what on earth do you guys eat that only costs 150$ a month???? Please tell me your secret... : )
quote:
Originally posted by Alee
The thing that I was wondering about was all the bacteria and germs that have to be rampant in those dumpsters. Ick. And they showed them pulling out bagels that had been in a garbage sack (broken bagels and such from a bakery) and I know from working fast food a long time ago- we would throw away our floor sweepings in bags like that-ick. Plus- what if someone had to blow their nose and threw it in that bag? I don't think I could do it. I would rather just buy and eat frugally and try to raise as much of my own food as possible. Doug and I often only spend about $150 on food a month anyway, so while it isn't the $80 the freegans were doing, I still think we do pretty good.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
Check out my latest projects and all the news from my chaotic little world!
http://pumpkinseed-unscripted.blogspot.com/ |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Feb 29 2008 : 8:06:51 PM
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Doug and I spend about $500 twice a year at Costco stocking up on essentials. Some of that includes:
Toilet Paper (From Costco last us about a year)
Dish Soap (Lasts us a year)
Garbage bags (Lasts us a year)
Bulk Pasta
Bulk Pasta sauce for when I get lazy and don't make my own.
Bulk bag of Basmati Rice
Bulk canned (glass) jars of peaches
Then we also buy our meat in bulk, then break it up and freeze it in manageable portions.
I buy lots of fruit, buy Steel Cut oats in bulk, buy milk as we need it. During the summer I try to grow as much as I can and then use my homemade sauces before buying or using store bought.
We had a grocery challenge going for a while with detailed lists of what I buy/don't buy. I will bump the topic.
Check out www.hillbillyhousewife.com for great tips as well!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Feb 29 2008 : 8:22:48 PM
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Here is an example of a month's worth of groceries for our house, This month was July of 2007 and Doug bought a rib roast that was $25 and we still only spend $180.
Pita Bread
Hamburger Bun
5 Large cans of Tomato Sauce
A gallon of vinegar
Head of Lettuce
Red Bell Pepper
Green Bell Pepper
2 big packs of Tyson Chicken Thighs
2 big packs of Tyson Chicken legs
Half gallon of Whole milk
Small package of frozen peas
Corn Tortillas
Small package of forzen brocolli
2 cans of Cream of Mushroom Soup
10 lbs of Flour
Two packages of white gravy
One package of italian dressing mix
Bulk Pizza Dough Mix
Bulk Cheese Ravioli
4 White Onions
Bulk Italian Seasoning
Bulk Blueberry muffin mix
1 Cream Cheese
9lbs of bananas
5# of ground turkey
Tub of Nancy's Vanilla Yogurt
Cucumber
frozen salmon fillet
10# ground beef
tzatziki sauce
refried beans
unsalted butter
sour cream
celary
6 packets of yeast
4 tomatos
cooking oil
bulk chicken base
garlic
cinnamon
4 onions
worchestershire sauce
4 packages lunch meat
4 ears of corn
beef tenderloin *ouch!!*
10# potatos
top round roast (will make 2)
Nufatel cream cheese
tomato paste
green cabbage
ketchup
Dog food
ricotta cheese
coconut milk
refried beans
otter pops
We spent *drum roll please* $180.67!!! Now the challenge is to not have to return to the market for the whole month!!! :)
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
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Across the Fence: Did anyone see Oprah yesterday? |
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Did anyone see Oprah yesterday?
