I race sloops with the Potomac River Sailing Association based just across the river from Reagan National Airport, and during every regatta I see bottles and cans floating in the current.
This is unacceptable, not only because my skipper is protective of his boat but because the Potomac is one of our most spectacular natural resources and it shouldn't be filled with such litter.
Luckily, the Maryland state legislature is considering a bottle bill that puts a 5-cent deposit on all bottles and cans. We know this works because 10 other states have passed similar bills, including New York, Washington and several New England states.
These states have all seen huge increases in recycling and reductions in litter. Maryland needs this law since our recycling rate is well below the national average.
Jonathan Karaptkin, Bethesda