Are Dumpster Divers Modern Day Heroes?
Usually when we speak of dumpster divers it's with distaste.
I think of the people I've seen at our local dumpsters, with little children walking around barefoot on the littered ground - or being set into the dumpsters to dig through bags of trash in search of aluminum cans.
Then I think of the street people I saw in New Orleans, digging through the dumpsters behind restaurants in search of something edible.
Neither memory is appetizing.
But an article I read about dumpster divers in Fairbanks, Alaska, gave me a completely different perspective.
There - and no doubt in other communities - dumpster diving has a certain pride attached to it.
Why? Because dumpster divers are helping to save the planet.
They're going through other people's cast-offs to find items that are still usable, and they're putting them back into use.
Some are taking wooden items that are no longer usable and turning them into firewood, or taking scrap metal to use in projects.
They say it's pretty amazing what you might find if you take the time to look.
For instance, one woman found a brand new cashmere sweater, still in the plastic wrap from the store.
Another found a box of new back packs.
The most amazing find was a diamond necklace.
One gentleman who was interviewed for the story says he checks every couch or over-stuffed chair for money behind the cushions - and has found as much as $50.
Some of the "expert" divers say that when you approach the dumpsters and the transfer stations with a goal in mind you'll usually find what you're looking for.
Others say you should just keep your eyes open for treasures.
One woman said her best find came on a day when she was completely out of money - and out of shampoo.
When she dropped off her trash she spotted a bag, and it contained a dozen new bottles of shampoo and conditioner.
And while some take the items to use themselves or to clean up and sell, others make them available to the less fortunate.
Many residents view the dumpster divers as heroes - helping keep the planet green through their recycling efforts.
And of course there are those who disagree and would rather a law was passed prohibiting the practice.
A dispute over the subject in 2007 led to the formation of a Recycling Task Force and the mobilization of volunteers who sort the trash into a sort of "free store" where residents can find clothing, household items, toys, furniture, and appliances.
Now the sorting and saving has gone online.
A group called Fairbanks Freecycle is an online forum where residents can post free items or ask for items they need.
And the University of Alaska has also joined the cause with an annual "Really Free Market" - a huge yard sale type of event where every item is free.
While many of our communities practice recycling of plastic, paper, and aluminum, we could all give the planet a little help by recycling other items as well.
It's true that it takes a little extra effort to load up unused clothing, toys, linens, and other household goods for delivery to a local thrift shop.
But giving those items a second life will make you feel good, will help someone in need, and will help the planet.
Even clothing that is stained or torn can find one more life.
I know, because I visit our local thrift shop with regularity to buy bags of discarded clothing for use as paint or grease rags in my husband's shop.
One more thing - before you toss a blanket or a towel, remember that your local animal shelter wants and needs those items.
When you donate, you give aid and comfort to homeless pets.
I think of the people I've seen at our local dumpsters, with little children walking around barefoot on the littered ground - or being set into the dumpsters to dig through bags of trash in search of aluminum cans.
Then I think of the street people I saw in New Orleans, digging through the dumpsters behind restaurants in search of something edible.
Neither memory is appetizing.
But an article I read about dumpster divers in Fairbanks, Alaska, gave me a completely different perspective.
There - and no doubt in other communities - dumpster diving has a certain pride attached to it.
Why? Because dumpster divers are helping to save the planet.
They're going through other people's cast-offs to find items that are still usable, and they're putting them back into use.
Some are taking wooden items that are no longer usable and turning them into firewood, or taking scrap metal to use in projects.
They say it's pretty amazing what you might find if you take the time to look.
For instance, one woman found a brand new cashmere sweater, still in the plastic wrap from the store.
Another found a box of new back packs.
The most amazing find was a diamond necklace.
One gentleman who was interviewed for the story says he checks every couch or over-stuffed chair for money behind the cushions - and has found as much as $50.
Some of the "expert" divers say that when you approach the dumpsters and the transfer stations with a goal in mind you'll usually find what you're looking for.
Others say you should just keep your eyes open for treasures.
One woman said her best find came on a day when she was completely out of money - and out of shampoo.
When she dropped off her trash she spotted a bag, and it contained a dozen new bottles of shampoo and conditioner.
And while some take the items to use themselves or to clean up and sell, others make them available to the less fortunate.
Many residents view the dumpster divers as heroes - helping keep the planet green through their recycling efforts.
And of course there are those who disagree and would rather a law was passed prohibiting the practice.
A dispute over the subject in 2007 led to the formation of a Recycling Task Force and the mobilization of volunteers who sort the trash into a sort of "free store" where residents can find clothing, household items, toys, furniture, and appliances.
Now the sorting and saving has gone online.
A group called Fairbanks Freecycle is an online forum where residents can post free items or ask for items they need.
And the University of Alaska has also joined the cause with an annual "Really Free Market" - a huge yard sale type of event where every item is free.
While many of our communities practice recycling of plastic, paper, and aluminum, we could all give the planet a little help by recycling other items as well.
It's true that it takes a little extra effort to load up unused clothing, toys, linens, and other household goods for delivery to a local thrift shop.
But giving those items a second life will make you feel good, will help someone in need, and will help the planet.
Even clothing that is stained or torn can find one more life.
I know, because I visit our local thrift shop with regularity to buy bags of discarded clothing for use as paint or grease rags in my husband's shop.
One more thing - before you toss a blanket or a towel, remember that your local animal shelter wants and needs those items.
When you donate, you give aid and comfort to homeless pets.
