Dumpster Diving

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Dumpsters in Ann ArborI've been meaning to write about dumpster diving for awhile now, but Colin at No Impact Man beat me to it. Be sure to watch the video he posted from CNN and also all of the comments on his post...it's a great eye opener. A fortune 500 executive dumpster diver? Who woulda thought?

I just cannot wrap my brain around the fact that we as a nation throw away and waste so much food every day...and yet there are people who go to bed hungry. Why on earth would a restaurant or grocery store taint food it throws out for the sole purpose of keeping people from eating it? They threw it out...it's trash in their eyes. Why not let someone else make use of it? I just don't get it. I can understand why they would be upset if someone was taking food from their dumpster and making a mess around the area, but one of the generally known rules of dumpster diving is to leave the area cleaner than you found it.

I have never gotten food from a dumpster (although I have found other lovely household items like this!), but I am certainly not opposed to it...and have been quite fascinated by it for awhile. What a brilliant form of activism...the ultimate in anti-consumerism. Freegan.info describes the activism side of it like this:

"Freeganism is a total boycott of an economic system where the profit motive has eclipsed ethical considerations and where massively complex systems of productions ensure that all the products we buy will have detrimental impacts most of which we may never even consider. Thus, instead of avoiding the purchase of products from one bad company only to support another, we avoid buying anything to the greatest degree we are able."

I think this might be why people are so opposed to letting their trash go to whoever wants it. Food, trash, possessions....they are all highly political. The choices you make about these things reflect your values. And when you get your food from a dumpster, it makes others uncomfortable...like you are judging them for NOT getting their food from the dumpster. They don't understand it, so they fight against it. They can't imagine themselves doing it, so in their mind...it's wrong/weird for anyone to do it. There seems to be feeling of "if I have to work hard for this...then you do too!".

In the book Evasion, the anonymous author brings up the absurdity of it all:

"There is the odd paradox -- the casualness with which they will throw something into the dumpster, and the lengths they go to protect it once it's there. How an innocent and harmless act -- dumpster diving -- will be confronted by greedy shopkeepers, store managers, and employees with scathing words, rage, and violence. "

What would Jesus say about dumpster diving? I think he would hold weekly dumpster diving parties. He would be right there inside the dumpster with everyone else...exclaiming words of joy when he finds a sealed box of bread or a bright shining apple. He would take the food and feed those in the neighborhood...and then go fight for better processes when it comes to food waste!

I think one of the biggest reasons for people throwing things away, wasting food, etc. is pure laziness. I am just as guilty as anyone else of this....although I am much more mindful about my choices now. Household items that you could Freecyle get put in the trash because you're in a hurry. Restaurants throw out food because it takes too much work in their mind to partner with a food bank or homeless shelter. There needs to be a greater network of people who are willing to be the liason and fill the gap. How about a restaurant with only dumpstered food? A health inspector's worst nightmare, I'm sure...but what a wonderful thing for a community. And Jesus would be the general manager :)

More resources: Everything you ever wanted to know about "freegans" and dumpster diving at Freegan.info A friend of mine on MySpace documents her loot here. How to Dumpster Dive

Photo credit: Flickr/toddmundt

A Sovereign God

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I do not believe in being lucky or unlucky. Or in coincidences. I DO believe in a God that is sovereign and who knows all things and can control all things. He is in charge of the universe and yet still delights in me and the knows the details of my daily life. And if He knows those details AND He is in control, why would I waste one minute of my day worrying? Your life will be transformed when you can grasp this fully. It truly is amazing , and I don't think our human minds can fathom His greatness. I love to read the Psalms to be reminded of the characteristics of God...as the Psalmists pour out their love for Him. I long to understand whom I serve....and what I find is a loving, personal God who wants to be involved in every decision of our lives. He allows us to wake every morning...can He not handle the problems of our day?

John Piper had this to say in response to the Minneapolis Bridge Collapse and the sovereignty of God (see full response here):

"All of us have sinned against God, not just against man. This is an outrage ten thousand times worse than the collapse of the 35W bridge. That any human is breathing at this minute on this planet is sheer mercy from God. God makes the sun rise and the rain fall on those who do not treasure him above all else. He causes the heart to beat and the lungs to work for millions of people who deserve his wrath. This is a view of reality that desperately needs to be taught in our churches, so that we are prepared for the calamities of the world."

Piper reminds us of our frail existence here on earth...and of a God who is POWERFUL beyond measure. Powerful, and yet He desires that none should perish. He has a gentle spirit. He longs speak with us all day. To be close to us. Isn't it amazing how easy it is to forget who holds all things together? We walk away from His love and His plan so easily.

Elisabeth Elliot shares this:

I know of no greater simplifier for all of life. Whatever happens is assigned. Does the intellect balk at that? Can we say that there are things that happen to us that do not belong to our lovingly assigned "portion"("This belongs to it, that does not") Are some things, then, out of the control of the Almighty? Every assignment is measured and controlled for my eternal good. As I accept the given portion, other options are canceled. Decisions become much easier, directions clearer, and hence my heart becomes inexpressibly quieter. A quiet heart is content with what God gives.

Are some things, then, out of the control of the Almighty? No! So why do we act as if they are? In every circumstance, God's purpose can be found...although it may take years or even a lifetime. It's ok to question God when you are in a difficult, painful situations...but we must never doubt His purpose in it and His desire to be glorified through it.

If you have never read the blog "Especially Heather", you need to start. I have been reading Heather's response to her brain cancer since she was diagnosed...and I am encouraged daily by this amazing woman's understanding that God is sovereign. She is continually blessing others with her wisdom and giving God glory, despite the incredible pain she is going through right now. She has recently posted a couple of videos/lyrics that have really made me think about what it means to give God glory in ALL things. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did (the titles link to the videos).

Bring The Rain MercyMe I can count a million times People asking me how I Can praise You with all that I’ve gone through The question just amazes me Can circumstances possibly Change who I forever am in You

Maybe since my life was changed Long before these rainy days It’s never really ever crossed my mind To turn my back on you, oh Lord My only shelter from the storm But instead I draw closer through these times So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace Bring the chance to be free Bring me anything that brings You glory And I know there’ll be days When this life brings me pain But if that’s what it takes to praise You Jesus, bring the rain

I am yours regardless of the clouds that may loom above because you are much greater than my pain you who made a way for me suffering your destiny so tell me whats a little rain

And one of my favorites...

Shane and Shane Psalm 145

great is the Lord, so worthy of praise great is the Lord

one generation will commend Your kingdom to one another they will speak of You and i will meditate on Your wonder and they, they will speak of Your glorious splendor of Your majesty everyday i’ll praise thee forever and ever

everyday i will praise for You open Your hand and satisfy desires of all things my God the King

the Lord is gracious and slow to anger He is rich in love He is good to all

all who call on Him in truth He is near to and He hears their cry and saves them