If you find yourself nervous over the news that the cost of food is going up or are worried about tightening your belt as the U.S. economy struggles, you can always check your rummage through your locals Dumpsters for a real bargain. You'll also be doing the environment a huge favor.

So says the founders of New York-based company Freegan.info anyway. "Freeganism" operates on the concept of avoiding traditional commerce and choosing to live life with as few resources as possible. Freegans try their darndest to get away from even paying for food, instead scouring garbage bins for old fruit and bread that supermarkets often dispose of when it cannot longer be sold to paying customers. They find uses for items left on the side of the road and hunt for freebies online.

"I have picked up several free things over the years from the side of the road," says Kara May, 38, a Seattle stay-at-home mom. "I'm saving money, but I'm also reducing the amount of stuff that needs to be produced and that eventually may end up in a landfill," says May, a founding member of Going Green Family, a Seattle grassroots organization that helps families run environmentally friendly households.

Some of May's proudest treasures found while foraging include an easel for her daughter, a toy dump truck and a set of almost-new casserole dishes.

The Freegan website even offers a list of the best Dumpsters in various cities, whether you might be looking for books or baked goods. One Freegan offers the following tips to keep you safe while searching:

- Check large stores in affluent neighborhoods; they are often likely to throw away edible food.

- Employ the buddy system and take somene with you in the event a Dumpster lid closes on you. That might not be the most comfortable place to spend a night.

- Protect your hands from broken glass and other sharp objects (uh, like needles?) by wearing gloves.

- Check with local law enforcement to ensure that rummaging isn't illegal in your area.

- Avoid food the requires refrigeration, that is already moldy or smells questionable.

It also probably goes without saying that you may want to hit the showers before heading to work the next day. Your co-workers will most definitely appreciate your consideration.

» CNN Living