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Aug
20
Diving for Discounts
Filed Under Saving Money
Last week, the Miami Herald published what I find to be a troubling article, entitled Freegans, referring to people who live by salvaging other people’s discards. As the “anti-consumers”, these people both eschew capitalism and loathe waste. Also referred to as Dumpster Diving and many other terms, it includes searching for anything, including food, with health warnings galore. There’s even a book about it!
Personally, used food is where I draw the line. But for furniture and other treasures, it can really be a good way to go. Last week, before leaving on our trip, my sister went through the (dry, all paper) garbage in her mail room to retrieve about 50 Dunkin Donuts free-coupon books that we’ve been using along the way. I have furnished a few houses almost exclusively with found objects. My friend Ralph found a stereo component in perfect working order, and sold it on eBay for several hundred dollars. And that’s just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. We’ve barely scratched the surface of stuff you can buy second-hand to save you unbelievable amounts of money.
Most things can be used and re-used before they reach the end of their natural lives. Some continue in their original uses, maybe in a different place. Some things are transformed into other items or to objects of art. (I call this Art Wrecko.)
How do you find the best things without getting your hands dirty? Beyond rubber gloves, start by “shopping” in the finest areas — find out which nights are garbage nights in the high-rent districts in your area, and bone up on your Antique Roadshow skills. One friend of mine found two old chairs, took them home to strip and refinish and discovered that they were actually valuable antiques!
Beyond Craigslist, Ebay and local yard and estate sales, there are lots of places to shop, some without even having to leave home. For a starting list of free and bartering sites, click here.
Finally, a Road Trip update: We’ve been on Fire Island for 6 days so far, and have spent an additional $7 to buy ice cream for our housemates. That’s all, folks!
Comments
One Response to “Diving for Discounts”
Art Wrecko – I love it!