Hypothesis: Given the current debate about whether Americans are profligate consumers, I will abide by the rules of those (commonly called Freegans) who are protesting this alleged over-consumption. The point of this experiment is to investigate what actions and/or sacrifices make an actual difference in reducing consumption and slowing global.
Experiment: Using advice and mentoring from the Freegans, I have developed the following Freegan rules to be lived by for one month (August 20 - September 16, 2007):
1. I will spend as little as possible on food, and shell out for medical needs or in case of emergency.
2. I will be a vegan.
3. All my food will be organic (and local if at all possible) and only from local sources such as New York City’s Greenmarkets or the Park Slope Food Co-op. I will also investigate waste reclamation and wild foraging.
4. I will scrupulously recycle, reuse and compost. If I want something, I will barter for it or go to freecycle.org.
5. I will not throw away what I already have and buy "green" items. I will use what I have until it’s gone.
6. I will aim to reduce my energy bill by 50% and be carbon neutral.
7. I will only use Eco-Friendly Transportation (including the subway) but I will take a car if it is a matter of personal safety (such as late nights.)
8. I will open a Freedom Savings Account where I will put the money I save. This money will, in time, give me the freedom to quit working.
9. Most importantly, I will mindful of the impact of my actions on the earth.
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