Would You Eat Food from a Garbage Can If You Were Starving?
When faced with extreme circumstances, many question their survival instincts and the lengths they would go to for sustenance. This is a pertinent discussion, especially in the face of global food waste and economic hardships.
The Reality of Food Waste in Retail and Wholesale Sectors
It is a well-known fact that restaurants and stores often discard perfectly edible food out of fear of legal repercussions. However, it may come as a surprise that wholesale warehouses also contribute to this issue. I worked for a wholesale firm supplying retailers, and we frequently saw shelves of goods thrown away before their sell-by dates. For example, legs of roasted ham, joints of roasted beef, and large blocks of cheese were chucked away weekly due to the need to provide retailers with maximum freshness.
I left this role to pursue a different career, only to find myself next to the same retailers in a different location. For five years, I did not buy any food, instead saving money towards my mortgage, living with my parents, and using my earnings to heat their home. This experience taught me the value of recycling and using available resources efficiently.
The Call to Action: Utilize Available Resources Wisely
When faced with the option, there is no issue with taking food from wholesale skips if it is still edible. The sentiment of 'just do it' is crucial. If you find yourself in a situation where food is scarce, there are ethical and legal ways to access it. Take every opportunity to use whatever food you can find. For instance, if you see a fallen apple, take it and use it to make a pie. Embrace the idea of using every resource available to you.
The idea of dumpster diving should not be shunned. My time with the Marines taught me to cook and eat things that would make even the toughest animals puke. If you were to experience real starvation, you would understand the necessity and feasibility of dumpster diving.
Some individuals have experienced true hardship and know the depths of survival. For instance, I once found myself in a situation where I had no money in the city and no options. Those in such situations would indeed eat garbage to survive, even if it sounds repulsive. After that experience, I turned to wilderness survival techniques in the hills, teaching myself how to thrive in challenging environments.
The answer is a resounding 'yes'. The concept of dumpster diving is common in the USA, where a staggering amount of edible food is thrown away each year. This serves as a stark reminder of the paradox between waste and scarcity. With the right mindset and a bit of creativity, one can find ways to secure sustenance, no matter the circumstances.
By embracing the idea of using available resources to their fullest, we can minimize waste and build resilience. The key is to act ethically and responsibly, treating every scrap of edible food as a precious resource. It is not about being 'too posh' to do so; it is about practicality and survival in a world that often overlooks the value of our shared resources.
Conclusion
Whether you are in a place of privilege or facing dire circumstances, understanding the value of food waste and dumpster diving can be a crucial survival skill. Embrace the idea that resources, no matter where they come from, should be used to their fullest potential. By doing so, we can all contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future.