Spanish ‘Freeganism’ Movement Converts Trash Into Dinner

Spanish ‘Freeganism’ Movement Converts Trash Into Dinner

LAST UPDATED: 30 December, 2014 @ 6:04 pm
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Members of the Comida Basura dig through bins

Members of the Comida Basura dig through bins

By Rund Abdelfatah

WITH supermarkets closed and rubbish bins lining the streets, their work begins.

Sifting through discoloured containers, members of Comida Basura pull out fruits, vegetables, pastas and cereals, gradually assembling
a feast.

These bin dwellers live by the motto ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure’, working on an ideal of anti-consumerism and antiwaste.

“The aim is to try to promote moderate, responsible consumption. We don’t have unlimited resources  and we have to share with those who need it more,” said group member Miguel Carreno.

With nearly 22 per cent of the population currently living below the poverty line, the average person in Spain continues to waste 163 kg of food each year.

In response, the movement has expanded its efforts to include an element of community service, converting the recovered food items into a communal meal.

While most of their activity is concentrated in Madrid, they hope to spread to cities throughout the region.

As their chosen struggle becomes an imposed reality for many in Spain today, the movement gains momentum.

Though inspired by the ‘freeganism’ movement in the U.S., the Comida Basura has assumed a uniquely Spanish persona, geared towards the issues that plague Spain.

And with a long road to recovery ahead, the group may be a saving grace for many in the months to come.

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