To the Editor:

I am writing today with a heavy heart. I am saddened, frustrated and embarrassed. We live in one of the most beautiful parts of the world, and the fact that I have to pick up garbage everywhere I go has become nauseating.

I am a firm believer in the motto “bring back more that you take” when going into our forests — or anywhere for that matter. However, it has gotten to the point that I have to bring gloves and take hefty bags with me every time I visit the Sunburst area.

I am from the mountains and Sunburst has always been one of my favorite places to visit. This past weekend, my fiancée and I decided to take some out-of-town guests for an adventure. Our adventure quickly turned into a litter-collecting extravaganza. Dirty diapers, broken glass, plastic, bottles full of tobacco spit, old clothes, cigarette butts and fastfood bags were all over. We were humiliated to tell our friends not to let their children go barefoot for fear of getting cut. 

I won’t be going back to Sunburst for a while. And, if I go back again and see that much trash, I’ll break down in tears.

We need to respect Mother Nature. Let’s try and keep North Carolina beautiful.

Michelle and Robby Railey

Haywood County