If you have driven down the mountain recently there is no way you’ve missed the buildup of litter along the roadsides.
It’s disgusting, it’s sad, and most of all it’s totally avoidable.
Highlands’ two major arteries for vehicle travel, US 64 and NC 106, are both covered in trash at the moment. While that is alarming in itself, what is potentially more worrisome is the nature of the garbage that is lining the roads – Beer cans and bottles are everywhere.
It’s safe to assume that some of the bottles and cans simply flew out of the back of a truck as it drove past, but it’s also safe to assume some were tossed from vehicles in which they were consumed (hopefully not by the driver). Drinking while driving is a serious offense and drinking while riding in a vehicle as a passenger is a violation of the North Carolina Open Container Law.
The other category of litter that is impossible to ignore in and around Highlands is the amount of wrappers, bags and other debris from fast food restaurants. Highlands doesn’t have a single fast food chain, so it’s clear that litter from such restaurants is coming from Franklin, Clayton, Georgia, or other nearby towns. It’s a shame that Highlands is the receptacle for outside garbage.
As Earth Day approaches on April 22, we should all be mindful of doing our part to lessen Highlands’ litter problem. The first opportunity to get involved will take place on Saturday when the Chamber of Commerce will host its annual “Plateau Pickup” litter sweep.
The pickup begins at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park at 8:30 a.m. where volunteers get their assigned cleanup routes, pickup supplies such as garbage bags, neon orange vests, and gloves. A light breakfast will be provided for the volunteers.
Crews will fan out across town and pick up their assigned areas and then return to the park between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to turn in their supplies and check off their route as completed.
To register for the Plateau Pickup, email events@highlandschamber.org.
It’s a shame our roadsides have gotten in their current condition, but the Plateau Pickup gives us as a community the opportunity to do something about it.