We’ve spent the last 4 days in Asheville visiting family and friends. It’s always nice to go home. I know we have only been gone for a few months, but I really love the place! I’ve never been anywhere else where just driving into the mountains makes you feel more safe and secure. The flora and fauna are amazing, and the people are so laid back and accepting (well, most are). When we moved to Chapel Hill, our plan was to go back to Asheville after school. But, we are really unsure now. We’ve always known that the air in Asheville is getting pretty bad. But, since we have left, it has become even more apparent that you can see the air pollution sitting over the mountains as you drive into the city! I have heard that a lot of the pollution comes from areas west of Asheville, like Chicago, and settles in Asheville because of the way the mountains are situated (Asheville is in a basin). But, I know that Ashevillians produce a lot of pollution on their own. And recently, the asthma rate among children has been skyrocketing…all over NC! Something like 25-30% of the children in NC have significant asthma symptoms! No wonder I started having lung problems when I moved here.

So, now what?? I’m torn between living in a place I have know and love and that has amazing memories, and having to fight for my childs right to clean air (while risking her little lungs)!! Or passing the burden on to others and moving somewhere that has better established environmental regulations and cleaner air to breath.