Originally published by Susan Callery at eco-nana.com. Reposted with permission.

One of the biggest criticisms of electric vehicles (EVs) is that they use lithium. You’ve probably seen comments online asking, “Have you looked into lithium mining?”

The answer is yes.

Lithium mining has environmental impacts. Every type of mining does. But many of the claims shared online leave out some important facts. They also ignore a simple reality:

Most of us use lithium every single day.

You’re Probably Using Lithium Right Now

If you’re reading this on a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, you’re using lithium.

It’s also found in:

• Cordless power tools
• Smartwatches
• Wireless earbuds and headphones
• Portable power banks
• Some medicines
• Glass and ceramics
• Aluminum production
• Commercial and military aircraft
• Manufacturing processes used to build homes and countless everyday products

Yet somehow, lithium only becomes a problem when it’s inside an electric vehicle.

Where Does Lithium Actually Come From?

One common myth is that most lithium comes from child labor. That’s simply not true.

About 60–70% of the world’s lithium comes from hard-rock mines, with Australia producing more lithium than any other country. Another 30–40% comes from underground saltwater deposits, called brines, mainly in Chile and Argentina.

Australian lithium mines operate under strict environmental, worker safety, and labor laws. Like other mining industries, they provide thousands of jobs and contribute billions of dollars to the economy.

That doesn’t mean lithium mining has no environmental impact—it does. But it’s important to understand where lithium comes from and how it’s produced.

Don’t Confuse Lithium with Cobalt

People often mix up lithium and cobalt, but they are different minerals.

Cobalt mining in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has well-documented problems with unsafe working conditions and child labor. Those are serious issues that deserve attention.

But most lithium is not mined there. Confusing cobalt with lithium spreads misinformation and distracts from the real problems that need to be solved.

Battery Technology Is Changing Quickly

Many of today’s electric vehicles use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries instead of older battery types. LFP batteries contain no cobalt and no nickel, which reduces the need for minerals that have raised ethical concerns.

LFP batteries supplied about 40% of the global EV battery market in 2023, and their popularity continues to grow.

At the same time, manufacturers are beginning to introduce sodium-ion batteries for some uses. These batteries cost less to make and use abundant materials, making them a good choice when maximum driving range isn’t the top priority.

EV Batteries Don’t Go Straight to the Landfill

Another myth claims that people throw EV batteries away after they stop using them.

In reality, manufacturers build most EV batteries to last hundreds of thousands of miles.

After the batteries lose enough capacity that they no longer provide the best driving range, companies can reuse many of them to store electricity from solar and wind power.

When the batteries finally reach the end of their useful lives, modern recycling facilities can recover more than 90% of valuable metals, including lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper. Recycling these materials also produces far fewer greenhouse gas emissions than mining and processing new metals.

Mine Once vs. Burn Forever

Here’s the biggest difference between electric vehicles and gasoline-powered cars.

An EV battery is made from minerals that are mined once. Those materials stay inside the battery for many years. Later, people can often reuse them for energy storage and eventually recycle them into new batteries.

Gasoline and diesel vehicles are different. They need a constant supply of new fuel.

Every year, the world extracts about 15 billion metric tons of coal, oil, and natural gas. Workers transport those fossil fuels, refine them, transport them again, and then burn them. Once burned, they’re gone forever—and the whole process starts over the next day.

By comparison, miners produce global lithium in amounts measured in hundreds of thousands of tons, not billions.

In other words, fossil fuels require us to keep digging up and burning enormous amounts of new material every year, while EV batteries offer a long-lasting product that we can reuse and recycle.

How Do EVs Compare to Gas-Powered Cars?

No one should claim lithium mining has zero environmental impact.

It doesn’t.

Every mine changes the landscape and affects local ecosystems.

But there’s one important difference.

A lithium battery is mined once, used for many years, often reused, and then recycled.

Fossil fuels must be extracted, transported, refined, and burned over and over again. That continuous cycle creates greenhouse gas emissions, methane leaks, refinery pollution, oil spills, and air pollution every single day.

The fuel disappears after one use.

Looking at the Full Picture

According to the International Energy Agency, even after including battery manufacturing and mineral mining, the average battery electric vehicle produces about 70% fewer greenhouse gas emissions over its lifetime than a similar gasoline or diesel vehicle using today’s average electricity mix.

As more electricity comes from clean energy like wind and solar, that advantage will continue to grow.

The Bottom Line

Lithium mining has environmental impacts, and we should continue making it cleaner and more responsible.

But if we’re going to talk about lithium, we also need to compare it fairly with the alternative.

One system requires mining materials once, using them for years, reusing them, and eventually recycling them.

The other requires extracting, transporting, refining, and burning billions of tons of fossil fuels every year—and then doing it all over again the next year.

The next time someone asks, “Have you looked into lithium mining?” the better question might be:

Have you also looked into the environmental costs of extracting and burning fossil fuels every single day for more than 150 years?

Thinking of buying an electric vehicle? Check out Fueling the Future: Why EVs Are Better for the Environment.

Read more from Susan at eco-nana.com.

The post The Truth About Lithium Mining: How EV Batteries Compare to Fossil Fuels appeared first on SLO Climate Coalition.

Originally published by Susan Callery at eco-nana.com. Reposted with permission.

More and more cities face water scarcity. In coastal regions, people often suggest: “There’s a whole ocean right there — why not just remove the salt and drink it?” This appears straightforward, but desalination facilities actually create significant environmental challenges and produce far less fresh water than commonly assumed.

The Leftover Salt Has to Go Somewhere

Desalination operates by drawing in seawater and forcing it through filters to extract salt. However, the efficiency is limited — approximately 1 cup of drinking water results from every 2 cups of ocean water processed. The remaining cup transforms into “brine,” an intensely saline byproduct.

This brine contains roughly double the salinity of standard seawater, with additional chemicals from the filtration process. Most plants discharge it directly into oceans. Concentrated brine accumulation depletes oxygen levels in water bodies, potentially harming marine ecosystems including fish and coral.

Desalination Uses a Huge Amount of Electricity

Salt removal demands substantial power — considerably more than treating conventional freshwater. Energy represents the primary operational cost for these facilities. When electricity derives from fossil fuels, the technology substitutes one problem (water shortage) for another (increased emissions and climate pollution).

Fish Get Caught in the Pipes Too

Before filtration, seawater enters through massive intake pipes. Small fish, eggs, and microscopic organisms frequently become trapped or perish during this intake process. Though less visible than dramatic pollution events, this cumulative impact gradually reduces local fish populations.

So How Much Water Do You Actually Get?

Approximately half of incoming seawater becomes potable water, while the other half transforms into concentrated brine waste — nearly equal proportions of product and pollutant. This reality rarely receives media attention.

These challenges limit desalination’s global contribution to freshwater supplies. Cost and energy requirements exceed alternative sources like rivers, aquifers, and recycled wastewater. Consequently, many communities treat desalination as a final option, even during severe water crises.

Desalination Isn’t All Bad — Let’s Be Fair

Some places genuinely require it. Nations like Israel and Saudi Arabia lack abundant freshwater alternatives, making desalination integral to their water security rather than supplementary.

Technology continues advancing. Contemporary methods consume less energy than predecessors, with engineers continuously improving filter efficiency.

Brine might become useful rather than waste. Research explores extracting valuable salts and minerals from brine instead of ocean discharge, though widespread implementation remains experimental.

Renewable energy integration is expanding. Facilities increasingly operate on solar and wind power, substantially reducing pollution impacts.

So, What’s the Point?

Desalination serves communities without viable alternatives, but represents no cost-free solution. It damages marine life through brine discharge and organism capture, requires substantial energy investment, and generates less usable water than popularly believed. Before constructing desalination infrastructure, prioritizing conservation, pipe repair, and wastewater recycling typically proves more economical and environmentally sound.

Read more from Susan at eco-nana.com.

The post Desalination: Why Turning Ocean Water Into Drinking Water Isn’t as Easy as It Sounds appeared first on SLO Climate Coalition.

Originally published by Susan Callery at eco-nana.com. Reposted with permission.

My good friend, George is a surfer. Recently, he walked up the beach carrying his surfboard and counted seven dead birds in a distance of just 100 feet or so. So, what’s going on?

A major ocean heat wave is hitting the California coast and harming wildlife — especially seabirds like pelicans, cormorants, murres, and gulls.

In some places, ocean temperatures have jumped as much as 7 degrees above normal, breaking records along the coast. Scientists at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography recorded 38 days since January 1st where the water temperature off their La Jolla pier broke records dating back to 1916.

Why Are Birds Starving?

Warm water disrupts the ocean food chain. Normally, colder water from deep in the ocean rises to the surface in a process called upwelling. This cold water brings nutrients that feed tiny plants called plankton. Small fish eat the plankton, and seabirds eat the fish. Those fish are what seabirds depend on.

During a marine heat wave, the warmer surface water acts like a lid, blocking the cold, nutrient-rich water from rising. The result is less plankton, fewer fish near the surface, and hungrier birds.

Brown pelicans can only dive about 6 feet underwater. If fish move deeper, the birds just can’t reach them. Philip Unitt of the San Diego Natural History Museum confirmed that “the unusually warm water has pushed fish well beyond the depth these birds can reach.”

What Are Rescuers Seeing?

Wildlife rehabilitation centers in San Diego are seeing large numbers of starving birds. Many arrive severely underweight, dehydrated, and too weak to fly. Jeni Smith, a rescue supervisor at SeaWorld, said the number of cases is far higher than in past years, turning the rescue effort into an “all hands on deck” situation.

Scientists tested the birds and ruled out bird flu — starvation is the main cause of death. Species being hit hardest include Brown Pelicans, Brandt’s Cormorants, and Common Murres. A similar problem is happening to seabirds in Alaska as well.

At the International Bird Rescue Center in Fairfield, staff are caring for about 20 pelicans suffering from starvation, and nearly 50 more are being treated at their Southern California location. One wildlife manager said that for some of these birds, it was the first real meal they’d had in weeks.

Could Things Get Worse?

Scientists expect an El Niño weather pattern to develop in the coming months, which could further weaken upwelling and make it even harder for cold, nutrient-rich water to reach the surface.

According to climate scientist Dr. Daniel Swain, “marine heat waves rarely disappear in just days or weeks — they usually take months to weaken.” Because of this, wildlife rescue teams are preparing for even more birds to need help.

What Can You Do?

Researchers across California are sharing data and conducting regular beach surveys to track how widespread the die-off is. If you see a struggling seabird on the beach, report it to local rescue professionals rather than trying to handle it yourself. Supporting wildlife rehabilitation centers and ocean research programs also makes a real difference as these events become more common.

We’re tracking the latest climate developments so you don’t have to — stay with us!

Read more from Susan at eco-nana.com.

The post How California’s Ocean Heat Wave Is Wiping Out Seabirds appeared first on SLO Climate Coalition.

SLO Climate Coalition has joined twelve other organizations in an Amicus Curiae Brief in support of the Center for Biological Diversity, Inc et al case challenging the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) rooftop tariff decision, often called NEM 3.0. These organizations include: Local Clean Energy Alliance, California Alliance for Community Energy, 350 Bay Area, Climate Reality Project, Climate Reality (SF Chapter), Climate Reality (San Diego Chapter), Reclaim our Power: Utility Justice Campaign, Project Green Home, Third Act, Sustainable Rossmoor, and the Electric Vehicle Association (Central Coast Chapter).

What is the NEM 3.0 Decision?  Several California laws encouraged people to install rooftop solar systems to assist the state in reducing peak energy demand and achieve its energy goals. The CPUC introduced Net Energy Metering (NEM) to promote installation of rooftop solar. “Net metering” is a billing system where those with solar installations receive retail credit for any excess power that is generated, thereby offsetting their electricity usage during times when their solar panels aren’t producing enough power for their households. The utilities oppose rooftop solar, arbitrarily arguing that it is unfair to non-solar customers, causing them to have higher bills. 

The result of the CPUC NEM 3.0 Proceeding was to eliminate netting (crediting) of surplus energy by creating a Net Billing Tariff (NBT) which reduced the value of a rooftop solar installation by 75%.  

The Amicus Brief argues that the CPUC decision incorrectly interpreted the law because it incorrectly valued rooftop solar and failed to support California’s climate goals – as rooftop solar installations are needed to achieve California’s goal to become carbon neutral by 2045. The CPUC decision on the Net Billing Tariff has benefited Investor-Owned Utilities and hindered climate goals by creating a dramatic decline in rooftop solar installations.

The Amicus Brief further argues that the Court of Appeals has wrongfully granted the CPUC “unique deference” to interpret legislation. This violates the will of the California Legislature which determined in 1998 that the CPUC is subject to the same deference as any other agency.   

Oral arguments are expected this spring or summer.

To learn more, listen to the podcast with Roger Lin, Senior Attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity  Read the Brief

The post SLO Climate Coalition Joins Amicus Brief Challenging the CPUC NEM 3.0 Decision on rooftop solar appeared first on SLO Climate Coalition.

Why Local Action Matters

When national climate policies stall or regress, local efforts become a vital source of momentum. Cities, counties, and communities like ours are where real, meaningful progress begins. Whether it’s advocating for better governmental policy, electrifying our lives, or building community resilience, the solutions are right at our fingertips… not, for now, in Washington.

Take the City of San Luis Obispo as an example—we have a bold carbon reduction goal, an ambitious climate action plan, and continue to lead by example to address carbon emissions. We’ve seen firsthand the impact of local leadership, volunteer action, and community support. Now, it’s up to all of us to build on that momentum, advocate for change, and inspire others in nearby communities to take their own bold action!

When the SLO Climate Coalition was created in 2012, we had a vision of community directed clean energy for our power grid. The answer was Community Choice Energy, a state sanctioned framework for putting the power (literally and figuratively) back in the hands of the people buying it. We pushed hard to join a nonprofit then known as Monterey Bay Community Power (later renamed Central Coast Community Energy, 3CE) so that our residents would have a choice to get more renewable power and local control than ever before… and we succeeded! It took 6 more years but in 2018 the City of SLO, Morro Bay and soon many others, joined the program… and the carbon footprint of our region has forever been improved because of it!

The County of SLO was the slowest to get on board, but as of Jan 1, 2025, all county residents can now also choose the cleaner, more accountable energy policies of 3CE, as well as take advantage of their many excellent rebates for getting off fossil fuels. The cleaner grid, the rebates for doing the right thing and the added influence we have over the policies of the entity who buys our power, are HUGE benefits of our advocacy and proof that local action makes a difference! 

We think this year can be a tipping point towards a more climate conscious county government and we will be advocating for the new majority to make Climate a top priority across the many departments in the organization, like the City has done so successfully. We need your help to make that vision a reality, so join us to make your new year’s resolution the most meaningful one yet!

Volunteerism: Giving Back and Building Community

One of the most impactful resolutions you can set this year is to volunteer your time to support our ambitious plan for local climate action. Volunteering creates a ripple effect—it benefits the planet, builds our community, and gives you a sense of purpose and connection.

Here are a few ways to volunteer locally:

• Join cleanup events to protect our parks, beaches, and open spaces.
• Get involved with organizations like the SLO Climate Coalition, where volunteers play an essential role in driving our projects forward, like Earth Day.
• Support community gardens like City Farm SLO or food recovery programs like SLO Food Bank that reduce waste and improve food access for those in need.
• Give some time to local energy efficiency initiatives, like our new concierge program: eHome Assist, to help neighbors electrify their homes.

Volunteering doesn’t just help the cause; it builds relationships with like-minded individuals, strengthens community ties, and inspires others to get involved.

Start Conversations That Matter

Sustainability thrives on shared action and ideas. This year, resolve to talk about climate solutions with those around you—your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors. These conversations don’t have to be formal or intimidating; they can start with simple, practical tips:

• Share ways to reduce waste, like composting or shopping locally.
• Discuss the benefits of electrification, energy efficiency, and renewable energy like solar and batteries in the home.
• Inspire others to reduce their carbon footprint by e-biking or switching to an electric car.
• Encourage participation in community events and support for local sustainability policies.

Small, everyday conversations are powerful. They normalize sustainable choices, motivate action, and spread hope.

Practical Local Actions for 2024

Here are simple, actionable steps you can take locally to make a difference this year:

1. Shop and Eat Locally
   Support local farmers, artisans, and businesses to strengthen our economy and reduce the carbon emissions of transporting goods. Visit farmers’ markets, choose seasonal produce, and opt for sustainable products.
2. Electrify Your Home
   Consider upgrading your gas appliances to energy-efficient electric alternatives like heat pumps or induction stoves. Programs in California, like TECH Clean California and 3CE’s generous rebates, offer rebates to make these changes affordable.
3. Volunteer with Local Organizations like us
   Dedicate time to groups working on sustainability, climate resilience, and community support.
4. Advocate for Local Climate Policies
   Attend SLO county meetings and speak up for making climate action and resiliency a priority in all departments of government.
5. Host Sustainability Gatherings
   Share sustainable practices by hosting a clothing swap, a plant-based dinner, or a workshop on composting. Make it fun while encouraging others to act.
6. Support Renewable Energy
   Look into programs like Central Coast Community Energy. They probably already power your home with clean, renewable energy. Learn what they have to offer!
7. Reduce Waste
   Commit to composting, reducing single-use plastics, and finding creative ways to reuse or recycle items.

2025: A Year to Act Locally and Inspire Change

We can’t always rely on national leadership to prioritize climate solutions, but we can rely on the power of local action. By volunteering, advocating for change, and sharing sustainability with others, we take ownership of the future we want to see.

This year, let’s commit to resolutions that have a lasting impact: supporting our neighbors, protecting our environment, and building a thriving, resilient community right here in San Luis Obispo County.

Change starts with us, and together, our collective efforts can inspire a greener, more sustainable year ahead.

Are you ready to make local climate action your resolution for 2025? Let’s get started, together!

The post Creating a Resolution? Take Local Action for our future climate appeared first on SLO Climate Coalition.

10 tips for Celebrate Without Wasting the Planet

The extra waste generated during the holidays doesn’t just fill up landfills—it also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. For example:

• Shipping emissions soar. Online shopping skyrockets during the holidays, increasing transportation-related carbon emissions.
• Food waste spikes. According to the World Economic Forum, nearly 30% of food prepared during the holidays ends up in the trash. Food waste in landfills releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
• Energy use skyrockets. All those extra lights and electronics contribute to increased electricity demand, much of which is still sourced from fossil fuels.

But don’t let these stats dim your festive spirit! There are plenty of ways to reduce your holiday carbon footprint while still celebrating in style.

10 Tips for a More Sustainable Holiday

1. Shop slocal and be thoughtful
   Instead of relying on online shopping and long shipping routes, consider supporting local artisans, farmers, and businesses like the rad holiday pop up store Slocally Made downtown!
2. Wrap smart
   Ditch the glossy, plastic-coated wrapping paper. Use recyclable or reusable alternatives like kraft paper, fabric wraps (furoshiki-style!), or even old maps and newspapers.
3. Opt for experiences over stuff
   Give the gift of memories! Tickets to a local concert, a cooking class, or a CA State Park pass are low-waste, high-impact presents… and you get to spend time together!
4. Choose a sustainable tree
   If you’re a real tree person, look for farms that grow sustainably like Brookshire Farms… but the best choice is ironically artificial trees because you can reuse the same one year after year. Bonus: Decorate with LED lights for energy efficiency.
5. Reduce Food Waste
   Plan your meals carefully to avoid over-preparing. Share leftovers with friends or freeze them for later. And don’t forget to compost food scraps!
6. DIY Your Decorations
   Make decorations from natural or recycled materials. Pinecones, dried oranges, or upcycled ornaments from local thrift stores are eco-friendly and charming.
7. Skip Single-Use Dinnerware
   Hosting a holiday party? Go for real dishes and cloth napkins instead of disposable ones. If you’re short on time, hire Tableware Share to provide and then take away dishes for your gathering.
8. Give Green Gifts
   Choose gifts that are eco-friendly, like reusable water bottles or solar-powered gadgets. For bonus points, support local and national companies with excellent environmental practices.
9. Rethink Travel Plans
   If you’re traveling, you can reduce your carbon footprint by carpooling, taking the train, or choosing direct flights. If staying local, have a virtual celebration with distant loved ones.
10. Light It Right
    Opt for LEDs inside and outside your house… they use about 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, and solar-powered outdoor lights use basically none!

A Greener New Year

The holidays are a wonderful time to reflect on the year gone by and to look ahead to a brighter future. By making a few sustainable swaps, we can all reduce our impact on the environment while still enjoying everything that makes this season special.

So this year, let’s toast not just to peace on Earth, but to a healthier planet. Your small actions can inspire others to do the same—and together, we can make this holiday season the greenest one yet. Happy sustainable holidays!

The post how can you enjoy a sustainable Holiday season?  appeared first on SLO Climate Coalition.

The SLO Climate Coalition 2023 Annual Report is now available.

The post SLO Climate Coalition – Annual Report appeared first on SLO Climate Coalition.

The California grid often has an imbalance between supply and demand, so it is important to balance renewable energy production with energy storage. Electric school buses can help provide this storage capacity.

Hear from:

• Rachel Zook, Senior Program Manager of Utility Partnerships for NUVVE, a leader in V2G technology. Learn about the possibilities;
• Albert Burleigh, Executive Director of EV Business Development for Blue Bird Corporation, a bus manufacturer. Discover the many benefits of electric school buses;
• Christina Celeste-Russo, Director of Transportation at Orange County School District. This District is electrifying its fleet of school buses and employing V2G technology. Gain insight from their experiences.

We appreciate our co-sponsors:

The post RECORDING available – December 4 Webinar: THE FUTURE IS HERE! Electrifying School Bus Fleets with V2G appeared first on SLO Climate Coalition.

Uniting the Central Coast for Action hosted the first in a series of the CCA Scorecard Project. The focus of Part 1 is on rooftop solar.

Rooftop solar plays a vital role in California’s energy production. Listen to this webinar to learn about the impact of rooftop solar, and hear the results of research on the policies of 11 California CCAs on true-up, compensation, and incentives. 

Presenters

David Rosenfeld, Executive Director of the Solar Rights Alliance: 
The Importance of Rooftop Solar in California – and why it must continue to grow

Nevia Stickney and Taylor van Rossum, SEI Energize Colleges Interns at the Initiative for Climate Leadership and Resilience at Cal Poly: 
11 California CCAs and what they are doing about Rooftop Solar

Research results include the following CCAs:

CCCE Central Coast Community Energy
CPA Clean Power Alliance
Clean Power SF
East Bay Community Energy
MCE Marin Clean Energy
Peninsula Clean Energy
Redwood Coast Energy Authority
San Diego Community Power
Santa Barbara Clean Energy
Silicon Valley Clean Energy
Sonoma Clean Power

Find out how YOUR CCA compares to the others!

The post Recording Available: How are Community Choice Agencies Addressing Rooftop Solar? appeared first on SLO Climate Coalition.

SLO Climate Coalition and R.A.C.E. Matters SLO are sharing a booth at this year’s Juneteenth celebration at Mission Plaza. The future is coming soon, and it’s important that all our communities be empowered to take action! The climate change adaptation conversation is more important now than ever, and no one deserves to be left out of the decisions and opportunities that will shape our lives and communities.

Vickie Prothro, Equity Advisor for the SLO Climate Coalition, says, “The world is moving forward with various community-focused climate actions and solutions and there are a lot of underrepresented communities and individuals who see what is happening but don’t see how they can get involved, don’t see how they can step in.” This Juneteenth, YOU are invited in! Come to the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Plaza on the 17th between 11am and 5pm to talk to R.A.C.E Matters SLO and the SLO Climate Coalition. 

Read more information on Juneteenth here.

The post SLO Climate Coalition + R.A.C.E. Matters Collaborate at the June 17 Juneteenth Celebration appeared first on SLO Climate Coalition.