During the 0 Euro Challenge in Europe, it was necessary to get some food, while somehow in Zagreb, escaping the snow, it was time for it again. How is dumpster diving in Croatia? Everything you are going to find out in this article!
Where is it located?
Croatia is a country in Europe, which is at the border of Central and South Europe. Recently joined the Schengenregion, after being in the European Union a while ago. Croatia shares borders with many countries, Slovenia, Hungary, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia.
During covid the border situation in Croatia wasn’t easy and in general as well, because they want to make it harder, to get into the EU, Croatia is a EU border.
Zagreb is the capital of the country, with being far away from the touristic towns, which are usually at the ocean. More than 750.000 people are living there, which is a lot, when thinking of the fact that in Croatia there are less than 4.000.000 people.
How was dumpster diving like in Croatia?
We tried it in many places in Croatia and most of the time it was not possible. Most places were locked, so not a chance to visit and try it out.
The only place where we had success was in the capital Zagreb. It was clear that it was also a big food waste issue there, but no chance to reach and document it.
When we arrived at the big supermarket, we wanted to try it out, because food was of course necessary and before reaching the new host, we wanted to bring some food as well. There were a few containers, which were just packed with food! It was sad to see the amount, but also good, that many people were also doing it, so not all the food was being wasted.
It was a weird feeling, because usually we were doing dumpster diving alone and it was not really a thing that someone joined. The person who was there with us was also having a really cool idea. Using a coat hanger for catching the food, which was too far away to reach. He also helped us reach some food as well, which was really nice!
We used dumpster diving, to prove the food waste, which is going on. Here at least we were able to see that locals are doing it too, to reduce the waste a little bit.
How did I almost get arrested?
While I was searching for the containers, security was seeing how I was walking around the corner with dark clothes. They followed and then eventually stopped me. They wanted to see the ID and were about to call the police as well. I was talking to them, like I would not understand English very well.
I wanted to explain that I was searching for food and just for things to eat. After a long while, they let me go and were luckily just looking away, while I was grabbing food. So basically they were tolerating the dumpster diving, by just looking away.
It helped that they thought I am a student, no idea actually why that helped me to let go, but yeah I was not complaining. Pleasuring to know that there need be no hurry while doing it, because in most countries dumpster diving is illegal.
What did we find?
We found many dry apricots, around 20 packs. I personally really enjoyed them, which was for everyone the case, for me better of course. Besides that we had many mangos, which we ate also with our host family for that night!
Some vegetables in general, which were used for a nice meal afterwards. It was crazy how much we could have got, but during traveling, it is in general not possible to collect massive amounts of food. Everything needs to be carried and eaten as well. It is not an option to use a fridge or a freezer.
Giving away food was at least a thing we did, for example nice tasting pizza, which was not vegetarian. Most of the time, it was like that, people were afraid of taking food from us, because we may look a bit homeless. This is at least what I would assume, covid probably was also a thing. Even the fact that most people think that nothing in life is for free, which was never the case. We didn’t want to receive anything for the food.
Summary
Dumpster diving in Croatia is not easy, because in most places it is not possible. When it is possible, then it is really worth it, but important to know is that you are able not to be alone while doing it.
So it is for sure possible, that is something we proved, but compared to Germany or Denmark, it was not even close to be as easy and worth it.
It was nice to see other people during the same thing and also officials looking away. What annoyed me was that inside the supermarket there was a box where you were able to donate your purchased food. I was wondering, why can’t they just donate some of the perfectly fine food out of the trash? Taking some extras, after nobody wanted it, inside and let it be in the donation box.
I would love to hear your experiences about this place, or questions. Share it with me in the comments.
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