Note: this article was written and first published online by out dear friend and colleague,  ‘Teacher Dude’, on his blog: http://teacherdudebbq.blogspot.gr

I once came across an article about ‘Freeganism’. It was titled “One Person’s Dumpster Is Another’s Diner” and was written by Becca Tucker, and posted on AlterNet on March 21, 2007. The article begins: “A subculture of people make a statement by living off the waste of millions.” For three days, a reporter gave it a dumpster-diving go in the “freegan” paradise of Manhattan.” I thought that it would make for an interesting lesson. As the article is quite long and complex this would be best done by advanced students.

The link to the article maybe found here: http://www.alternet.org/story/49547

Lesson Plan

1. Write the word ‘freegan’ on the board and ask students to come up with a definition. Make sure they understand that any definition is acceptable and that there are no wrong answers. E.g “A freegan is a person who rides a bus without paying.” [or] “Freegan is a organic compound found in inactive volcanoes.”
2. Students share their answers with each other.
3. Now write the headline on the board (and explain what a dumpster/diner is): “One Person’s Dumpster Is Another’s Diner”
4. Student then speculate on what the article is about and what a freegan might be.
5. Hand out the article and ask students to answer the following questions:
   a.) What is a freegan?
   b.) Why do some people do this? Support answers with examples from the text).
   c.) What is the writer’s opinion of freeganism?
   d.) Would you ever try freeganism? Why/why not?
6. Students first find the answers on their own and then get into groups of three/four to discuss their answers.
7. Elicit answers from the class.
8. Would freeganism ever become acceptable in students’ home country? Why/why not?
9. Ask students to watch the following video on freegan eating and if it changes their mind. The video can be found on “YouTube” at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4n35pS13rs – You can also watch the video below.
10. Students post the video along with a response (in written or video form on their blog). Alternatively, they could post a response on the original YouTube video. [Note: Special video equipment is not needed! Students can record their video on their mobile/cell phones or digital cameras and then upload them.]

Background Reading:

http://freegan.info/ – Strategies for sustainalbe living beyond captilaism

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freeganism – Freeganism on Wikipedia