Date of Award
Spring 5-2012
Document Type
Open Access Senior Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Environmental Analysis
First Thesis Advisor
Heather Williams
Second Thesis Advisor
Char Miller
Rights Information
© 2011 Elizabeth Emery Donovan
Terms of Use & License Information
Abstract
This paper investigates the potential of dumpster diving as a tactic of the freegan movement. The goal of the freegan movement is the realization of a postcapitalist world. I first investigate the scope, legality and demographic of dumpster diving in the U.S. I then contextualize dumpster diving within the history of waste, consumerism and excess in the U.S. since the beginning of the 20th century. I conclude by assessing the viabaility of freegan dumpster diving as a transformative tactic in light of its inaccessibility to various individuals as a result of their race and class. I ultimately argue that freeganism has the potential to inspire individual action for social change as well as de-naturalize trash.
Recommended Citation
Donovan, Elizabeth Emery, "Day to Day Change Making: The Transformative Potential of Dumpster Diving" (2012). Pomona Senior Theses. Paper 59.
http://scholarship.claremont.edu/pomona_theses/59
Comments
Senior thesis submitted in December 2011.