If we don’t recycle it, then we must mine new lithium. We speak with an expert from EarthWorks on the troubling truth that lithium mining, from brine or ‘hard rock’ is damaging to local environments and communities. We discuss how to tell if your lithium is responsibly sourced.

The reading list:

• The Climate Minute's Lithium Series, Episode 1- The Lithium Lens
• The Climate MInute's Lithium Series, Episode 2, Lithium at the Critical Juncture
• Earthworks on "Just Materials"
• Earthworks says "Recharge Responsibly"
• Earthworks "Recycle don't mine"
• Earthworks on the 1872 mining law
• IRMA, organization working for responsible mining
• Thacker Pass
• High Country News on lithium and indigenous religions
• Environmental Justice Atlas

Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for a building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist the United States transform it’s energy sector, over the next decade, under a just and equitable plan, that uses regulations, investments and a price on carbon to safeguard our collective future.

Thanks for listening.

…Ted McIntyre