Jaclynn Reed Mr.

Neuburger English 102-117 12 February 2013 Response Essay On Dumpster Diving In Lars Eighners essay On Dumpster Diving, the author describes his life on the streets of Austin, Texas as a homeless person. After reading the essay one can conclude that safely surviving out of dumpsters is an art form. Eighner proves dumpster diving is becoming something of an urban art (254). Eating from dumpsters separates the dilettanti from the scavengers in the world of dumpster diving. There are three basic principles, such as evaluating the condition of new found material and given area and asking oneself why the item was discarded. Eighner methodically demonstrates there is a method to what he does, and what he is not. Eighner explains, To only take what you need, and the transience of a material being (264). The two lessons he learns mental things are longer lived than material things. Furthermore, Eighner states, I am not here by chance; the dumpsters in this area are very rich (256). Eighners methodology takes a means of survival most would consider appalling and makes it seem almost pleasant. To be able to do that is truly art. Word Count; 180 Eighner, Lars. "On Dumpster Diving." Power of Language; Language of Power; A Collection of Readings. 2nd ed. Boston: Learning Solutions, 2011. 253-66. Print. Custom Edititon for Ozarks Technical Community College.