Traveling east on Interstate 20 at mile marker 9 — two miles west of Bovina exit ramp — 25 large, clear plastic bags sat on the shoulder of the road waiting to be picked up. Earlier, a small army of men and women walked the side of the road placing refuse into the bags — a task that should be unnecessary.

Twenty-five bags on a two-mile stretch of road. And that was on one side of half a highway. Bags were collecting on the north side shoulder as well. Twenty-five bags per shoulder times four shoulders equals 100 bags of garbage — approximately — on a 2-mile stretch of road.

Interstate 20 spans 1,539 miles from Florence, S.C., to near Kent, Texas. If there were 25 bags of garbage per two miles of I-20 …

People, be ashamed of yourselves. Having to pick up 25 bags of refuse — cans, bottles, papers and small appliances — on a public street should never have to be done. Some things we just don’t do. Or at least we shouldn’t do.

Signs dot the highway asking motorists nicely not to litter. Some signs list possible penalties and fines if caught — but how many actually get caught? Signs, much like the state workers, should not be needed. We are or should be smart enough, adult enough to know that litter along the roadways is an eyesore. Frankly, it makes our state look, pardon, trashy.

Of course, the litter problem is not strictly kept on highways. Drive many country roads, or city streets for that matter, and litter is everywhere. An empty can of Coca-Cola on the side of the road is just as bothersome as ratty couches. Neither should be there.

Have pride in where you live. Don’t litter. If you see someone littering, call him or her on it. One bag of refuse on our roads is too much.

Come on. We are better than that.