Single Paragraph Essay
“On Dumpster Diving”
“On Dumpster Diving,” written by Lans Eighner discusses the process of proper dumpster diving in order for one who is homeless to thrive. Though Eighner describes this odd but very common process in great detail as an instructional piece, he is really showing the more fortunate they take too much for granted. A fortunate or wealthy individual will worry more about what is in or out in the world of trends and less about food, shelter, and other basic needs for survival. Therefore, useful things are soon seen as trash and are quickly discarded without a second thought or a simple “thanks for helping these last few days along.” People even throw away spare change, “…sometimes amounting to many dollars…” (358) all too frequently. This spare change can purchase many essentials, such as milk and eggs, meat, and even an order or two of burgers and fries from the McDonald’s dollar menu, which many homeless individuals would greatly appreciate to simply survive the night. It is because of what is wasted a homeless dumpster diver can survive very comfortably, so long as he or she knows what to look for and how to look for it. Though the fortunate would pity the dumpster diver for having to pick through trash to live, “the diver, after all, has the last laugh.” (363)
Word Count: 220
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