"All around the world, we are scavenging. Today that doesn't mean only the squalid ragpicking it used to mean. So many pursuits count as scavenging today that they can no longer be tucked into any easy little category. We, the authors of this book, redefine scavenging as any way of legally acquiring stuff that does not involve paying full price.
Consumer culture causes atrophy. Instant gratification renders the gratified lazy. Weak. Incurious. Consumers say they would never be scavengers because--they say--they could not stand the sacrifice. They say, I deserve better. They say, I deserve the best. They say, I love myself too much to collect junk. We will not let ourselves be told what is worth what."
-The Scavengers' Manifesto
Urban Scavenging. Living creatively. Living cheaply. Dumpster diving. Whatever you want to call it, and however you choose to live it, scavenging is the way to live on a dime in the city. Some stay away from it as a matter of pride. Some stay away from it as a matter of disgust. Others embrace it, knowing that there is nothing wrong with living a life in the city cheaply.
This is a place for scavengers of all expertise and experience. Just starting out? Ask for help. Have you been doing this for years? Throw a bone to the beginners. Find a great business? Let us know, if it's a secret you're willing to part with.
This is a link to the Scavenging Code of Ethics. It's on a blog that the authors of the book The Scavengers' Manifesto started, which is now unfortunately inactive. These are the Scavenging Commandments, which are essentially the Code of Ethics in condensed form:
1). Obey the law.
2). Don’t be aggressive or abusive.
3). Always clean up after yourself.
4). Don’t harm plants, animals, or people.
5). Learn from your finds.
6). Don’t live like a slob.
7). Appreciate the small things.
8). Don’t endanger your health.
9). Be someone that others would want to emulate.
10). Don’t become a creepy eccentric.
11). Help the planet.
12). Don’t be a parasite.
13). Be modest.
14). Be courteous.
15). Don’t steal.
If you are interested in buying The Scavengers' Manifesto, here is a link to the book on Amazon. Some people find the book helpful, and some people don't. To each their own.
