Freeganism: eat from a dumpster is pink of fashion
New York-based freegans are even more fortunate. There are detailed instructions posted on the above web site regarding the timetable of the most “savory” dump site in the city. Freegans can take advice on dumpsters recommended for the aficionados of exotic cuisine or disposal times concerning leftover bags deposited near one of the city’s trendiest restaurant etc. The tips posted on the Internet are something akin to gastronomic guidelines for the dumpster divers.
In short, it is pretty safe and comfortable to get food from the trash in a civilized world. Some of the Russian immigrants are said to dive the dumpsters too. But the reason why they get their food for free has nothing to do with some lofty antiglobalistic ideals. They simply follow the practice to save up.
“The Mind’s Unable to Fathom Russia …”
It seems unlikely that the practices associated with the Western freeganism will reach the Russian shores soon. The prediction is not based on a shortage of those who are strongly opposed to consumerist society. The reason is much banal, by and large. The Russian dumpsters do not look so appetizing in most cases.
Owners of supermarkets and restaurants in Russia do not order their staff to pack expired foodstuffs into clean bags and place them near the dumpsters. They do not want to scare off respectable clientele. Owners prefer to let the foods rot away without allowing anybody to make use of it. The above scenario is not the worst and most typical one.
At times Russian stores keep marketing expired foodstuffs to make more profits. The policy is based on the notion that a smart customer will not buy a bad product anyway as opposed to a stupid fellow who should get what he deserves.
The management also use discount prices as a sure way for selling off expired foods. In other words, a civilized variety of capitalism is yet to come to Russia . Meanwhile, those who fancy a bit of something tasty from the dumpster had better go to America . U.S. freegans seem to have plenty of food to share.
Medportal.ru
Translated by Guerman Grachev
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