As a faith leader in our city, I am deeply committed to the well-being of both my congregation at Holy Trinity United Baptist Church and the wider community. Every day, I hear from my congregants who are struggling under the weight of rising costs, and who are worried about the future of their city. From grocery prices to housing, the steep cost of living and economic uncertainty for the future of the District is making residents worried about how they’re going to afford their daily expenses and put food on the table.
That is why I am concerned about the proposed D.C. Bottle Bill, which would add yet another cost to the daily lives of our residents and is the last thing we should be focusing on right now. This policy, while well-intentioned, would increase the price of almost all everyday beverages at a time when families simply cannot afford higher prices, especially at the grocery store.
This proposal also comes with logistical challenges that disproportionately affect low-income families and seniors. To recover the deposit, these folks would need to return their bottles and cans to designated sites. That’s a burden for those who may not have access to reliable transportation. For our seniors, many of whom live on fixed incomes and face mobility challenges, this system could mean losing money on every purchase.
The bill would also create significant financial burdens for small businesses that provide reliable jobs and meaningful connections for so many. These businesses are already struggling, from decreased patronage, difficulty retaining workers, to the lasting impacts of inflation, the pandemic and shifting customer habits in recent years, all on top of thin operating margins. They now face the prospect of new costs and administrative hurdles associated with this recycling program. This is really too much to ask. This bill would force them to make room for returned bottles and cans, devote staff resources to handle these new tasks and potentially increase prices on their customers.
As people of faith, we are called to care about our environment and be good stewards of our natural resources to make sure that our parks, rivers and public spaces can be enjoyed by future generations. We are also called to stand up for the city and families who we love. There must be a path forward of balance and fairness that does not make it harder for families and residents in the District who are struggling — and the city as a whole.
The D.C. Council has an obligation to hear these voices and reconsider this costly and burdensome proposal. We can come together to work toward a better solution — one that protects the environment and the well-being of the people and businesses in our community — but now is simply not the time.
Gilbert is assistant pastor at Holy Trinity United Baptist Church, executive director of the Center for Racial Equity and Justice, and chair of the social action commission for the Baptist Convention of Washington, D.C., and Vicinity.