So, like most Americans, I live paycheck to paycheck. And if you're also American, you may have little or no contingency plan in the event of a furlough. This may mean you have no money for luxurious bologna sandwiches covered in Miracle Whip.
For us, I have created another section, living on no budget.
Topic One:
Dumpster Diving.
Eww, gross, never! Never say, never my friend. Although I personally have never dumpster dove (I have a french manicure), I have been on the receiving end of the fruits of someone else's labor from a dumpster. When I was 21 I was living in London, and much like today, the dollar was weak to the almighty pound. So, my flat mates regularly dove into dumpsters. The coveted dumpsters being "Patridges" in the posh neighborhood of South Kensington. The shop closed promptly at 8, and day old sandwiches were placed lovingly in a large trash bag, just yearning for someone to collect them from the dumpster. Smoked Salmon and Boursin cheese, yes please! Arugula and oven roasted turkey with sun dried tomatoes? You betcha!
SO, don't knock it till you try it, and don't try it without reading my How To guide first!
Know your local laws. In many jurisdictions trash is not considered private property, so dumpster divers cannot be charged with theft, however, some municipalities have ordinances prohibiting scavenging trash, most notably in the United Kingdom.Australian Law reflects a thinly disguised intolerance of the practice. Dumpster divers may run afoul of laws regarding trespassing, invasion of privacy,environmental,or even in some cases "Theft".In addition police in most states have "move On" powers that are often brought to bare on salvagers. Research the laws in your area or contact your local police department to inquire about the legality of diving practices.
Prepare yourself mentally and adapt your methods to avoid practices you see as disgusting. If you're still put off by sifting through trash, consider scavenging only items placed with trash but not in rubbish bins, such as furniture and sometimes crates of food.
Network with other divers (think fellow FTEs). As you get into dumpster diving, you'll likely meet other divers, and many, but not all, will be friendly and helpful. Share tips and experiences and you'll probably get some good tips in return. Consider joining an online dumpster diving forum or a local club. Other divers can keep a look out for items that you want.
Find the dumpsters in your area and keep track of when you find the best items and when the garbage collectors come. In residential areas, find out standard move-in and move-out dates.
Plan your diving according to what you're looking for. If you're just looking for unexpected treasures, you can look pretty much anywhere, but if you want something like food, search behind grocery stores and bakeries. Most stores throw out food at the expiration date, though much of it is still good, only a little past its peak. Look for larger items like furniture or electronic items sitting next to trash cans. Look online at dumpster diving forums for tips on where to go in your area.
Wear appropriate clothing. Wear protective gloves, long-sleeve shirts and pants to protect you from dirt and cuts. If you're going to actually enter a dumpster, wear sturdy fabrics such as denim, and cover as much of your body as possible. Protect your feet by wearing thick, fully-enclosed shoes or boots. Wear clothes that you don't care too much about.
Make sure no one is around and keep a look out. Dumpster diving is somewhat controversial, and divers are frequently confronted by shopkeepers or homeowners. While a confrontation is no big deal if handled properly, you should still try to avoid it. If you see people in the area, wait a while.
Keep clear the Chipotle and Panera bread in Bethesda, they're mine. Nothing like artisan bread straight from the bin, or a barbacoa taco laced with day old guacamole.
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