If you happened to see my FB post yesterday, then you will know about this score I found. Literally, in a dumpster:
I know these chairs are ugly, but each one of them was in PERFECT condition.
The person who had to actually heft each of these into the dumpster had to exert more effort than calling a local thrift shop, who would have come to their residence to pick them up!
Yesterday, after reading everyone’s remarks on FB, I spent some time thinking about how disposable we are as a culture. I have thought about this since the day I had my first child. My kids have never known anything but a disposable culture. It hasn’t been easy to teach them that when things break, they don’t automatically get replaced. When you no longer like a piece of clothing, it doesn’t mean you get to be rid of it and purchase another in its place. Give it away yes, always replace it immediately? No.
I am no means trying to stand on a soap box here
Since I have begun dumpster diving in earnest, I have been AMAZED at what people will just toss out.
I know many things are broken. People do not have the skills, or time to fix things. I know most thrift stores will not take things in poor condition.
I am talking about the all the things that get thrown out, that are perfectly fine.
Here are some of the things I have found, that were really just fine, ugly, but still good!
Now, if everyone stopped throwing things into dumpsters, I would be out of a hobby and even some income.
Perhaps we can find a middle ground? I am far more delighted to find something slightly damaged, that truly would not be taken by a charitable organization than I am things that are completely whole, just ugly.
That’s my two cents for the day. I would love to hear what you may have found by the roadside, your neighbors trash, or even a dumpster that was perfectly fine, no damage, just ugly.
Oh maaaan do I want that (b-day) chair!
**I have dumpster-envy!
Catherine
I love to “junk” and try to do so everywhere — dumpsters, curbsides, sidewalks, house sales, etc. and I am never embarassed to do it. I have found many treasures. Some people either have no imagination or are too concerned about what somebody might say . . .
I haven’t found it road side yet,( but I’m hopeful), but I have responded to someone on CL who was offering up a “free” antique oak buffet to anyone promising not to turn it into firewood. It had seen better days and we did have to rope it together just to get it home in mostly one piece. But it has so many amazing possibilities and I am so happy that they recognized that it was more than they would ever be capable of handling and passing it on to someone who will spend the time and money to piece it together again. I am always amazed at GW and other thrift stores with what people dispose of. So, I’d join you on your soap box if you wanted to get on one!
Ok, now I gotta look in dumpsters, lol. Boy my hubby’s gonna be happy with me … just kidding. When I use to live in a townhouse I found next to the dumpster a FULL set of Pfaltzgraff dishes. They weren’t me colors at the time so I ended up selling em but a full set? Since I’m not really around a dumpster, I tend to just roadside hunt : )
Your blog is absolutely inspirational and is, in a small way, changing the way I think about things. I may be the person who has been putting out great finds on my curb for you to find, take, and re-purpose. Please continue to educate me so I can grow. I’m pleased to say that I did stop this morning on my way to work, to check out some “offerings” my neighbor was donating to the dump…
Talk about dumpster envy? Our “recycle” center promises retribution to those who take from the dumpsters instead of leaving a deposit. Guess I need to check out the big grey bins behind the shopping center in town. There are a couple of interesting possibilities. But first I need to repair and repaint a tall bureau, a Restore table and Restore table and 6 chairs, a tripod table, a quilt rack, and my own 1960s bedroom suite. Only then can I bring home anymore, as the car wants to return to its garage.
But thanks for the burst of energy, imagination, and goodwill (no pun intended) you have shot right into the middle of my day…..