Footloose and financial-responsibility free

Most of us are cutting back on everyday expenses: Netflix over seeing movies at theaters, home-brewed coffee instead of Starbucks and, of course, Dumpster-diving over Dominick’s. What, you don’t pick produce based on how close it’s sitting to days-old meat? If you did, maybe you wouldn’t be feeling the economic crunch at all. The following enterprising individuals started living simply (read: cheaper than you can imagine) even before the current crisis. And they’ve achieved things most of us are still seeking: financial stability, creative fulfillment and, ultimately, peace of mind.

Frederick

Frederick (he also goes by Aloe Wishes on MySpace), a 27-year-old Garfield Park resident, has spent the last four years living within some tough self-imposed restrictions. He avoids all vices—alcohol, cigarettes or otherwise—rents a cheap apartment ($750 for a two-bedroom), makes his own clothing and gets a large chunk of his vegan food for free. From the garbage. “I rescue about 60 to 70 pounds of food from produce Dumpsters a night,” he says, quickly adding that, yes, the stuff’s safe to eat, albeit not 100 percent fresh. (He refuses to share his secret scavenging spots, for fear they’ll be overrun.)

Frederick doesn’t feel as if he’s sacrificing anything. Sure, he doesn’t own a television or property—it’s likely he never will—but he’s completely streamlined his life. He Dumpster-dives for interesting bones, metal pieces and fruit rinds, then turns them into necklaces and earrings to sell on his etsy.com page (username: Perishables). The clothing he doesn’t wear winds up for sale online or as part of renegade fashion shows. Largely free of fiscal responsibility, Frederick can forgo a 9-to-5 job to pursue his passions, spending what little money he earns on art supplies and the occasional meal. “I’m creating rather than consuming,” he says.

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