I’m Freegan Because I’m Selfish

“What’s in it for me?” It’s the classic expression you ask when someone is trying to convince you to do something. Very rarely will anybody act on their own accord unless it’s clear there’s a benefit to that person.

Sure, freeganism is great for the world and every being in it, but there’s not a chance in hell I would be a freegan if I didn’t benefit immensely. How would you feel if you went through life without having to pay for groceries? You’d like love it.

Every time I get free food, I get a dopamine hit. It’s addictive and fun as hell. I, just like everyone else, love getting things for free. And I, perhaps more than anyone else, love saving money. That dopamine hit comes with the satisfaction of getting something for free and knowing my bank account is growing.

Additionally, there is a deep satisfaction knowing I’m doing my part to help fight climate change and live with a clean(er) conscious. Again, it’s a selfish benefit.

Always remember this key principle of economics: people respond to their incentives.

It’s the same reason I’m vegan. The way I felt after eating vegan for 2 weeks, particularly the sense of mental clarity, was enough for me to change my habits forever. Friends who have shifted to a plant-based diet have said similar things. They do it because of how good they feel.  They rarely change because of deforestation or animal cruelty, though they surely benefit by avoiding those things too.

It rings true with all behaviors. Any serious vision for societal change will have to account for our selfish nature. When we align incentives to drive behavior that is both good for ourselves and good for other people, we create the dream scenario.