Artist Harrison Marshall, 28, has transformed a trash bin in London into a home and plans to live in it for a year to draw attention to the "crazy" rising cost of renting a room in the British capital amid the cost-of-living crisis. Harrison moved into the bin located on a patch of grass in Bermondsey, South London, a month ago, specially prepared for this purpose. He explained that this is the only way he can afford to live in the central area near his workplace.
After returning to the city following a period abroad, he faced great difficulty finding a place to live due to the housing crisis. Marshall stated, "Like thousands of people in the city and across the country, prices are insane." He added, "Even if I find a place within my means, there will be 100 other people or so looking for that room."
The consumer price index in the UK rose by 11.1% in October, reaching its highest level in 41 years, and remains in double digits, exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis as wages are not keeping pace with rising food and housing bills.
Marshall found a creative solution to the problem by spending £4,000 (about $4,800) to build a wooden roof attached to the bin. Inside, he created a small kitchen and placed a bed. He said, "The bin gave me the opportunity to build my own little home." A charity in the arts lent him the land. He has a path in the garden that leads to a ladder for entrance and a portable toilet in one corner of the site. However, he showers at work, which is a ten-minute bike ride away, or at the gym, and he can get water from a hose at the neighbor's.
He remarked, "All the neighbors are amazing, really. Everyone is incredibly supportive. I have neighbors who come over and bring me homemade meals."
