On Dumpster Diving: Week 2 Summary

In the article, On Dumpster Diving, by Lars Eigher, Eigher proves his thesis about the knowledge he gained while dumpster diving with great knack. He begins by describing how it is imperative to know what is harmful to consume and what is not. While he is discussing this point he informs the reader about the importance of scoping out the good dumpsters and stopping by them frequently. After he gives some insight into food safety and his favorite dumpster locations, he travels into the issue of people’s wastefulness. Eigher uses college student’s ignorance to prove his point, because he mentions college dumpsters as being good choices to rummage through. Once he gets past his college student example, he gives some insight into how to test how safe a piece of food or beverage actually is.

Once Eigher has finished describing food safety and good dumpster locations he presents the point of how other things can be found in dumpsters as well. He stresses that articles of clothing and people’s personal belongings such as diaries are found frequently. Although Eigher does an excellent job of keeping a positive tone, he points out that there are dangers in dumpster diving as well. He mentions that it is not the best way to live, but if a person must dumpster dive they should not be ashamed. Finally, he expresses that he is sorry for people who do not understand what true value really means and the importance of making the best of what you have.