What are the most common criticisms of freeganism?
(i) Aren’t freegans just free-loaders? True freeganism involves giving back to the world. Through making use of such things as waste, while being content to live simply, freegans are actually freed to use their time investing in relationships; putting back into the local community; and seeking to make the world a better place. If we are recklessly consuming the worlds resources without giving back, then we need to consider whether we are the real free-loaders. (ii) Why should freegans benefit from government services such as the NHS without paying tax? Almost everyone in the UK pays tax of some kind, be it income tax or V.A.T. The amount of money earned, or tax paid, is not a fair indication of someone’s contribution to society. Should a volunteer nurse who works in a developing country be more entitled to NHS benefits, than (for example) a wealthy, tax paying tobacco company executive? Freegans believe basic necessities of life such as food, clothing, education and health, should be m
