The Scavengers' Manifesto

by Anneli Rufus, Kristan Lawson

Destined to become the bible for a bold new subculture of eco-minded people who are creating a lifestyle out of recycling, reusing, and repurposing rather than buying new.

An exciting new movement is afoot that brings together environmentalists, anticonsumerists, do-it-yourselfers, bargain-hunters, and treasure-seekers of all stripes. You can see it in the enormous popularity of many millions of Americans are breaking free from the want-get-discard cycle by which we are currently producing approximately 245 million tons of waste every day (that's 4.5 pounds per person, per day!).

In The Scavengers' Manifesto , Anneli Rufus and Kristan Lawson invite readers to discover one of the most gratifying (and inexpensive) ways there is to go green. Whether it's refurbishing a discarded wooden door into a dining-room table; finding a bicycle on freecycle.org; or giving a neighbor who just had a baby that cute never-used teddy bear your child didn't bond with, in this book Rufus and Lawson chart the history of scavenging and the world-changing environmental and spiritual implications of "Scavenomics," and offer readers a framework for adopting scavenging as a philosophy and a way of life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Environment, Nature, Self Help, How To, Green

304 pages, Paperback

First published February 20, 2009

About the author

Anneli Rufus is an award-winning American journalist and author.

Born in Los Angeles, California, she first went to college in Santa Barbara, then to the University of California, Berkeley. Rufus earned an English degree and became a journalist. She's written for many publications, including Salon.com, the San Francisco Chronicle and the Boston Globe. Currently she is the literary editor for the East Bay Express, an alternative weekly newspaper. She is now married and resides in Berkeley, California. wikipedia

Reviews

[Trane · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was really disappointed in The Scavengers' Manifesto, which is not helpful at all in terms of practical information or concrete examples. At the same time, it's far too diffuse and soft in its attack to generate the emotional force of an actual manifesto.

Here are my three main issues with the book:

1) There is a serious lack of detailed information about scavenging. Unlike a classic alternative lifestyle text like Shelter, which includes photographs, building details, concrete accounts written by individuals, etc., this book deals in generalities that are almost impossible to use as a basis for practical action. A single online entry about jugaad, the Indian practice of ingeniously recycling objects for other uses, contains more actual examples of scavenge and reuse than the entire manifesto.

2) The philosophical basis that underlies The Scavengers' Manifesto is confused and imprecise. I think the authors wanted the book to feel like it could be everything for everybody (everyone can be a scavenger!), but in fact they made the idea of 'scavenging' so all inclusive that the term loses any meaning it may have once had. In a section called "MANY TYPES OF SCAVENGER, ONE SHARED MIND-SET," for example, Rufus and Lawson write,

"These days, more activities count as scavenging than you might imagine. To us, scavenging means any way in which goods can be acquired for less than full price. This could mean thrift shops. Flea markets. Metal detecting. Freecycling. Coupon clipping. Plain old sales. All of these and more are forms of scavenging. And all remove us from that soulless, processed, debt-provoking standard retail cycle."

If coupon-clipping and going to sales count as scavenging, than it's intellectually dishonest to pretend that scavenging is somehow anti-consumerist. Coupon clipping and sales are a central part of the consumer ethos — in fact, bargain bins are a classic way for retail outlets to get people to part with their money by buying things they don't really need.

3) A straw man argument is set up at the beginning of the book that is ridiculous on its face: "Most non-scavengers — we call them standard consumers — recoil at the very thought of not buying things brand-new at full price." I don't know on what planet these 'standard consumers' might exist (perhaps in the realm of the ultra-rich elite), but every middle-class family I've ever known, including upper middle-class families, has been more than happy to buy at bargain prices and even trumpet the "great deal" that they've gotten on something they've bought. Not a lot of recoiling going on there. This depiction of the 'standard consumer' is followed up by the creation of the category of 'scavenger as radical': "No matter how or why you do it [scavenge:], even if you're just re-using Christmas ribbon or picking fruit in a vacant lot, you are a radical."

Reusing Christmas ribbon does not make you a radical.

[Michael Grills · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok. I can't stand how much this author repeats herself. I think she mentioned Gleaning the fields no less then 4 times. Maybe the assumption is that people will only read certain chapters instead of from start to finish. I actually started to skip paragraphs as they would offer nothing new. She could have easily shortened the book by 100 pages and it would have been a lot better.



As for the philosophy discussed inside. Interesting ideas and as I write this review I see that there is a lot of books about scavenging written by various people. I think her attempt to disparage consumerism while talking about getting stuff for cheap is a little off putting.



I was impressed that she doesn't criticize capitalism as it is part of the system of scavenging and that she does criticize the current science of economics for not including recycling as a part of the study.



Only get this book if your super interested in scavenging.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Almost completely content-free--when the authors weren't patting themselves on the back about how great it is to be a scavenger, they were writing a weak history of scavenging that reminded me of the worst of Wikipedia. It doesn't offer anything to learn about being a scavenger, just self-congratulations.

[Sherry Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book as a gift. I would have given it five stars if the authors had spent less time writing about the history of the negative connotations of scavenging. As a woman who buys 99% of her wardrobe from thrift stores and garage sales, as well as most of her household items including furniture, I found the detailed information regarding "recycling" of utmost interest. I was particularly amazed by the overabundance of goods in the USA, so much so that much gets sold to other countries-some who want the stuff, some who don't because it supposedly hurts their own economy. I wish I had used my highlighter-I will definitely reread this book and then recycle it to friends and family.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

The authors bring to light our over consumeristic lives in a very light hearted manner. The manifesto asks us to consider what we really need in our lives and how we can consume goods in such a way as to keep the planet healthier and to simplify our lives. For some people, their Scavenger Code of Ethics and Scavenging Commandments go a litle too far. But for those of us already in the know, the book serves as a reminder. Besides, there is some very interesting history on scavenging that few people know.

To me the sub-title says it best:
"A Guide to freeing Yourself From the Endless Cycle of Buying More and More New [Though Not Necessarily Improved] Stuff, And Discovering How Scavenging, Swapping, Repurposing, Reusing, and Recycling Can Save the Earth, Your Money, and Your Soul."

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is NOT a "how-to."

Great stab at describing a lifestyle that doesn't rely wholly (or at all) on retail consumerism. The authors tried to make scavenging into a religious experience (whilst debunking true religion), which may be their experience. I tend to look out for bargins, shop at thrift stores, barter and trade out of necessity, and also in small part, out of rejection of "all new, all the time." And out of respect for the resources that God has given us. They've turned thrifting into a religion; I thrift because of mine.

From the intro:

"We're trash-pickers. We're treasure-hunters. Bargain shoppers. Beachcombers. Recyclers. Freecyclers. Sample-sifters. Coupon shoppers. Swappers. Wherever we are, wherever we go, we find ways not to shop.

We don't steal.

We don't scam.

But we don't pay full price. We don't pay at all if we can help it. In which case, to be true to our ethics, the authors feel like saying: Psst. Scavenge this book. Find it in the street. Buy it for spare change at a yard sale. Snatch it from a free box. Fish it from a Dumpster - although we hope it would never end up there. Borrow it from the library.

Whoops, there goes our future income."

[Prettytaz83 · Rating 1 out of 5]

I finished about 100 pages of this book and got rid of it. What I was hoping for was a helpful guide to figuring out how to go about redirecting my purchasing to getting used items and a "how-to" guide on where to find good buys that are used. What I got was a book that felt like it was written by a 16-year-old rebellious punk telling me why he is awesome for dumster
Diving and being a pack rat, and why I'm just a mindless consumer with no soul. I really liked rufus' other book ("stuck: why we can't (or won't) move on"), but this one felt condescending. It also felt like it glorified picking up anything that could be useful (in the next millenium) and becoming a packrat- hoarding junk just so you can claim to be a master of creativity. Sorry- obsessive compulsive hoarding is not for me.

[Latasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't want to say I hated this book because I weirdly enjoyed the chapters on the history of scavenging, the bits about the economy and "scavenomics," etc. However, the first few chapters were incredibly hard for me to get through. It felt almost like propaganda. Like "Look at how spiritual and aware I am because I don't conform to social norms or marketing ploys." The tone was condescending and defensive. I think you can definitely tell that two separate people wrote this book- I just wish I knew which one's chapters I liked. Interesting book, but I would just browse through it if I were you.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up at the Dollar Tree for a buck. I thought I could learn some techniques and secrets about scavenging. I never wanted to be a "freegan," but I do enjoy yard sales, thrift stores and never paying full price for new stuff. So, when I saw this during my weekly trip to the cheapest retail chain in town, I tossed it into my basket.

I found the book amusing, but not what I expected. I didn't take the term "manifesto" in the title seriously, but I should have. That's exactly what this book is. It's not so much a "how-to" as much as it is an explanation of a life philosophy. It is written by two people, who assume are a couple. While I'm not sure which individual wrote which chapters, I could tell they were written by two distinct personalities, one more analytic and one more poetic. The chapters written by the analytic mind were more informative. The others were amusing, though repetitive.

This book gives an interesting perspective of the history of scavengers' roll in society, from hunter-gatherer cavemen to the rag-pickers of Dickens' England, to the American hippie and punk movements. The portions of the book dealing with the historical significance of scavenging were fascinating, as were the sections on the scavengers of the animal kingdom.

The majority of the book totes the scavenging philosophy, over and over. It's stated in a variety of different ways, but in such a whimsical Mary Poppins like way that it wasn't nearly as annoying as it could have been. Clearly this is a matter of great conviction for these writers, and evidently it makes them incredibly happy and their life worth living, though they claim they are misunderstood by most people. They even explore the notion that it could be a considered religion. For the most part, I agreed with the tenets of their philosophy. There are different degrees of followers, according to the book. The all or nothing freegan who never purchases anything, the retail scavenger who never buys new and loves a good thrift store find, the bargain hunter who never pays full price, and every possible version in between. It's a very open, understanding life style that does not judge variations. So they say.

There is one specific notion though that was mentioned multiple times that rubbed me the wrong way. The writers claim that one does not find the items, but the items find the scavenger. Just wait, and what you need will present itself eventually. I can understand that, though sometimes the need can't wait. But the book claims that we should keep every single thing we find regardless of need or desire. They tell of finding an incredibly ugly painting, taking it home and hanging it up. That baffles me. Why keep something you don't want or need? Put it back out there in circulation. Someone else might like it or need it. If you already have a perfectly good toaster, leave the one in the free box for someone else. The unneeded items you hold onto just become junk cluttering your home. In a way, this book seems to be advocating hoarding, a serious psychological disorder. I was left shuddering at the thought of what the authors' house must look like.

Overall, it was a fun read and definitely work the dollar I paid for it. It's nice to know that you don't have to dumpster dive to be included in the group. Despite the repetitive nature of much of the text, I did learn quite a bit about a lifestyle that has characteristics bordering on religious. I may not dive in with both feet, but the concept of doing a little bit of legwork to re-purpose or reuse an item rather than buying new doesn't seem unreasonable. If nothing else, the lifestyle saves money, not to mention is way better for the planet. Too many perfectly good items are thrown away just to be replaced by identical items right out of the factory. Like the book says, scavenging is beneficial for the economy, society and environment. But take heart, without mainstream retail shoppers, there would be nothing to scavenge. That's the paradox that those who scavenge must accept.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book. I learned about the origins of scavenging, and the benefits to the environment. I also realized how my purchases in the past have also been wasteful, and unnecessary. I got a lot out of this book.

The author's attitude was a little grating, at times. She seems to have a condescending attitude towards those who don't scavenge as much as her, (you idiots actually spend money). Additionally, I question her sense of morality. She seems to applaud those who go to receptions at art galleries for the free food and drinks. The "free" food and drinks are inducements for folks to purchase the art, and are paid for by someone. Also, at the end of the book, she brags about returning wallets she has found over the years, and complains that folks generally don't offer a cash reward for her benevolence.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Anneli Rufus' books. She skillfully approaches any subject she writes about, uncovering the truths that everybody knows, but rarely speaks about. The best I like about Rufus’ style is her ability to deftly embellish narration with historical facts and scientific research, while sticking to simple language, and clearly communicating ideas through logical explanation of any subject she picks to reflect on. Rufus is witty, hilarious and a “must read.” Even if you disagree with the author, you’ll still get a lot of pleasure reading her books.

[Lauren Anderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really hoping to thoroughly enjoy this book and learn a lot from it. However, it ended up being quite disappointing. I felt as though every chapter was simply a way for the authors to justify their lifestyle. I GET IT, a lot of the world looks down upon scavenging, I am NOT one of those people... That is why I picked up the book. But I can understand, why they would feel a need to justify themselves, when they have probably been constantly criticized. This is just not the book I was looking for, unfortunately.

[Sherri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love garage sales, thrift stores, and scavaging, so I saw this book at Half Price Books, and picked it up thinking it would be a fun read. It has a lot of interesting ideas, but a lot of it was repetitive, it seemed as if the writer could not find enough information, so they went on and on with a lot of useless information that was not inline with what the book was actually about. It does give an insight to the many forms of being frugal. It does cover most topics on the frugal lifestyle, and it was a fun read, but goes overboard on some subjects.

[Standgale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting book. Like a written scrapbook of thoughts, facts, history and anecdotes relating to scavenging. Manifesto is a good title.
Thankfully, the authors recognise the dependence of scavengers on the non-scavenging society which is something critically missing in similar books (who seem to believe that stuff appears out of thin air).
Many reviews are disappointed that it's not a "how-to" but I don't know how you could write a how-to book about browsing second hand shops or accidentally coming across stuff on the street.

[Beth Lequeuvre · Rating 2 out of 5]

The beginning of this book is extremely preachy. The middle is interesting talking about the history and evolution of scavenging and how societies ideas and philosophy about it has changed. The rest of the book seemed like an endless series of repetition of common sense things. Maybe if you come from an upper-class background, this would be eye opening and revolutionary but for me it was just meh.

[Jeff · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried to like this book, because the subject matter is so dear. But this thing is more a soppy love letter to scavenging than a manifesto, and an apologetic where none is needed. I more skimmed than read the thing, because it contained so little useful information for me.

Fortunately, I checked it out of the library. =)

[4fabfelines Cox · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had a very good exhaustive information and history of scavanging. But it did not, until the end, have practical ways to scavange and how to's. I was rather disappointed in it at that. I wanted more practical ideas on scavanging, repurposing and such.
It is a great history lesson though.

[april violet · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's what the title says it is, a manifesto. This book seems to be written to help budding scavengers feel less icky about rooting through castoffs. Overall, there is very little practical info provided.

[Blythe Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this book. I have done my fair share of scavenging and this outlines almost all that I know of. The author also cautions folks about being a good citizen and representing all scavengers (read: "don't be a douche").

[Louise Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

not what i thought it would be. initially the background info was interesting, but i kept hoping it was just an introduction. didn't realize it was actually the entire content of the book. like others i guess i was looking for more of a how-to book....

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I will start it despite the bad reviews. I have no expectations, just looks interesting. Who gave it to me? Or did I buy it? Hmmm...

Okay, gave up after 2 chapters. Bad writing, repetitive, pointless.

[Joshua Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

where did this book go??? wtfffffffffffffff

[Megan Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think everyone should read this book.

[Fourborne · Rating 3 out of 5]

It sound better than it read. I was truly hoping for some insightful guidance.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note, this book was read before I got a Goodreads account as part of a challenge to read 50 new books by the end of 2019. I wrote a review for it right after I read it and copy pasted it here.

I was presold on this idea before I even read it. I'd say that the majority of the stuff I own was scavenged by some definition of the word by either my mom (who is very talented in this area) or me including pretty much all my furniture, non-underwear clothing, cookware utensils etc., books, even over half my yarn stash. I would even argue that insect-collecting (though not mentioned in the book when it discusses some of the varieties of scavenging), qualifies more as a type of specialized scavenging than hunting. I actually enjoyed that it talked about how you can include things like using libraries, coupon clipping, and even the more ethical forms of archaeology under the umbrella of scavenging alongside the more commonly thought of dumpster diving, yard saling, etc.

I was actually expecting more of a how-to, but the first half was more of a history, followed by a bit of a rallying cry, some philosophy, and then guidelines on ethics related to scavenging. Like, it provides some ideas, but mostly is more about persuading people to try it. I feel like the whole bit about how looked down on scavenging can be was overemphasized, especially past the historical parts. It's not even really a social stigma anymore, at least in the social circles I'm in. I suppose it might be different for others, though, and it was definitely true in the past.

And yes, I did in fact scavenge this book in that it came from, and now will be returning to, a little free library.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although somewhat redundant throughout, the energy, verve, and perspective were worthwhile. I spent the next few weeks able to interact with my surroundings differently, walking more deliberately, choosing to see what my societal conditioning would have me ignore. I needed that, and this was overall a good read.

[Ryan Grossenbacher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. Chapters 6 and 9 were worth reading. Pretty much everything else was just filler though.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting philosophy on breaking the "typical American consumerist" style of acquiring items and then throwing it away. Rather than throwing away, they encourage many avenues to recycle, reuse, upcycle and swap. Near the end of the book, I especially enjoyed the encouragement of curiosity, (unbridled curiosity = mental thirst) and tolerance. This book is best approached with an open mind.

[C · Rating 1 out of 5]

Reads like a manifesto, complete with "you are a radical" message that's as junk as a $2 bill. I kept waiting for more substance, but instead got platitudes about how almost anyone could be a scavenger (clip coupons? shop sales? buy second hand? You're in!).