In this episode of Green Tea Party Radio, host Katie Zakrzewski discusses the intensification of hurricanes in the face of climate change and how conservative approaches can offer innovative, market-driven solutions. Katie explores the impact of two recent hurricanes, Helene and Milton, on coastal communities and advocates for practical, resilient infrastructure to combat future natural disasters. As always, she emphasizes the importance of balancing environmental stewardship with conservative values, including economic growth and private-sector innovation. Katie also provides actionable steps for listeners to get involved in their local communities.

Key Takeaways:

1. Hurricane Intensification & Climate Change: Rising global temperatures contribute to stronger, more frequent hurricanes, with hotter oceans fueling storm intensification.
2. Conservative Solutions: Katie advocates for disaster recovery, flood control systems, and market-driven solutions such as storm-resistant technologies and green infrastructure.
3. Innovation Over Regulation: Instead of strict mandates, Katie encourages resilience and technological advancements to mitigate the effects of climate change on natural disasters.
4. Pro-Life Connection: Katie argues that climate change is a pro-life issue and that conservatives must lead the charge in addressing it to protect future generations.
5. Calls to Action: Register to vote, become a certified storm spotter, and engage your local politicians to advocate for infrastructure improvements.

Quotable Moments:

• "Conservatives need to step up and acknowledge that climate change is a pro-life issue."
• "Warmer oceans are fueling stronger hurricanes, and it's time we invest in resilient infrastructure to protect our communities."

Resources & Links:

• National Weather Service Storm Spotter Program
• Citizens Climate Lobby - Conservative Caucus: Citizens Climate Lobby
• RepublicEn.org - Eco-Right Climate Action: RepublicEn
• National Hurricane Center - Hurricane Forecasts: National Hurricane Center
• Voter Registration: USA.gov Register to Vote

"If you're not a pro-life Catholic, I might argue that you're not Catholic at all."

Description: In this episode, host Katie Zakrzewski explores environmental stewardship from a conservative Roman Catholic perspective. With a solid commitment to faith-based values, Katie discusses practical solutions for addressing environmental challenges without compromising core conservative and Christian beliefs. The conversation covers vital issues such as sustainable resource management, responsible consumption, and the role of individuals and communities in protecting God's creation.

Throughout the episode, Katie emphasizes the importance of faithful stewardship, drawing inspiration from scripture and Church teachings.

Katie Zakrzewski emphasizes a strong commitment to the pro-life stance, which she views as central to her identity as a Catholic. For her, being pro-life primarily means opposing abortion and protecting the unborn, and she suggests that this is a defining belief for Catholics. However, she also acknowledges Pope Francis's call for a broader, more holistic pro-life perspective, which includes caring for vulnerable populations like children affected by hunger and war. Katie critiques conservatives who focus solely on abortion while neglecting other life issues, such as health care, and believes that true pro-life values should encompass a wider range of concerns beyond just anti-abortion advocacy.

Overall, her beliefs reflect a mix of traditional Catholic pro-life views with an openness to the expanded definition of "pro-life" as promoted by Pope Francis, which calls for care for all forms of life and social justice.

Key Takeaways:

1. Conservative Values & Environmentalism: How environmental care aligns with the Christian responsibility to be stewards of creation.
2. Practical Strategies: Simple, everyday actions that reflect both conservative values and environmental responsibility.
3. Faith-Based Perspectives: How scripture supports environmental stewardship, focusing on Genesis and the teachings of Pope Francis on care for creation.

4. Laudato Si’ is Pope Francis’s encyclical that calls for global action to combat environmental degradation and climate change, emphasizing the moral responsibility to care for our common home.

   Link to Laudato Si’: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html

5. Individual Responsibility: The power of local, community-led solutions to environmental problems.
6. Katie's Faith Journey: Personal stories of how her faith drives her passion for environmentalism.
7. Upcoming Topics: Sneak peek at future episodes, including guest interviews with faith leaders discussing moral responsibility toward the planet.

Quotable Moments:

• "We are called to care for the earth, not just because it's good for us, but because it's God's creation."
• "Faithful stewardship is about taking personal responsibility for how we live, consume, and care for the world God entrusted to us."

Contact Information:

• Email: info@greenteapartyradio.com
• Website: Green Tea Party Radio
• Social Media: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

Support Us: If you enjoy our content and want to support our work, consider becoming a patron for early access to episodes and exclusive merchandise. Visit our website for more details.

Disclaimer: Green Tea Party Radio is an independent project and does not represent the views of the Diocese of Little Rock, Catholic Climate Covenant, or any of our employers.

In this special episode, Zach and Katie welcome longtime friend and podcasting expert Peterson Toscano, producer of Citizens Climate Radio. Peterson discusses his latest project, Hot Mess: How Climate Consensus Turned Into Political Chaos, a limited series exploring the roots of the climate crisis through the lens of true crime. Peterson dives into the complexities of how bipartisanship around climate change unraveled, sharing insights from history, politics, and personal experiences. Through Hot Mess, he aims to highlight the causes of the chaos and why a bipartisan solution is more vital than ever.

Key Quotes:

• “What if we looked at climate change through the lens of a true crime podcast?” — Peterson Toscano on the inspiration behind Hot Mess.
• “We’re going to look at things that aren’t typically looked at, including the roles Democrats and society played, so that it’s not just about blaming Republicans.” — Peterson Toscano on the need for nuance in discussing the climate crisis.
• “Climate communication needs to be interesting and fun. That’s one of the things I love about your show. You two are hilarious.” — Peterson Toscano on why climate communication must engage listeners.

Key Topics:

• The Story of Hot Mess: Peterson explains how Hot Mess breaks down the transition from bipartisan climate consensus to the divided political chaos we see today.
• Forgotten History: Peterson explores key moments in U.S. history when leaders across the aisle were united in addressing climate change, highlighting how this has shifted since the 1980s.
• Conservative Voices on Climate: Peterson stresses the importance of involving conservative perspectives in the climate conversation and outlines how Hot Mess features both conservative and liberal voices.
• The Role of Fossil Fuels: Discussion on the dual reality of fossil fuels—both as a major driver of the industrial revolution and as a contributor to the climate crisis.
• Cultural Barriers to Climate Solutions: Peterson delves into the uniquely American resistance to addressing climate change and how that differs from other countries.

Why Hot Mess Is Unique: Hot Mess isn’t just another climate podcast. By framing climate change as a “true crime” story, it offers listeners a fresh, engaging way to understand how America went from climate cooperation to climate division. With a mix of archival footage, expert interviews, and dynamic storytelling, Peterson provides a deeply researched yet accessible approach to understanding climate misinformation and the need for bipartisan solutions.

Action Steps:

• Tune in to Hot Mess: How Climate Consensus Turned Into Political Chaos, launching October 2024, on the Citizens Climate Radio feed.
• Follow Citizens Climate Radio on Twitter at @CitizenscRadio for updates on new episodes.
• Visit Citizens Climate Lobby to learn more about their work and how you can get involved in bipartisan climate solutions.

Resources Mentioned:

• RepublicEN https://republicen.org/
• Glacial: The Inside Story of Climate Politics by Chelsea Henderson https://turnerpublishing.com/products/glacial-the-inside-story-of-climate-politics?srsltid=AfmBOorxPf93ogFUAc3tAeaVDEPGipWLwlgomJa2dJl6m57-dCMcJhV_

Contact Information:

• Email: info@greenteapartyradio.com
• Website: Green Tea Party Radio
• Social Media: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

Support Us: If you enjoy our content and want to support our work, consider becoming a patron for early access to episodes and exclusive merchandise. Visit our website for more details.

Disclaimer: Green Tea Party Radio is an independent project and does not represent the views of the Diocese of Little Rock, Catholic Climate Covenant, or any of our employers.

• The Green Tea Party aims to discuss conservative solutions to environmental issues.
• Jill Stein has been a consistent candidate for the Green Party since 2012.
• The hosts express disappointment in the Green Party's lack of growth and appeal.
• Stein's political journey includes multiple unsuccessful runs for office.
• The 2016 election highlighted Stein's critiques of both major party candidates.
• The Green Party's environmental policies are ambitious but lack economic feasibility.
• The hosts critique the elitist nature of the Green Party's leadership.
• There is a disconnect between the Green Party's policies and the needs of average Americans.
• The hosts suggest that the Green Party has failed to engage younger voters effectively.
• Action steps include getting involved with local political parties to influence change.

Contact Information:

• Email: info@greenteapartyradio.com
• Website: Green Tea Party Radio
• Social Media: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

Support Us: If you enjoy our content and want to support our work, consider becoming a patron for early access to episodes and exclusive merchandise. Visit our website for more details.

Disclaimer: Green Tea Party Radio is an independent project and does not represent the views of the Diocese of Little Rock, Catholic Climate Covenant, or any of our employers.

Title: The EV Revolution: Batteries, Ethics, and the Future of Green Driving

In this episode of Green Tea Party Radio, hosts Zach and Katie dive deep into electric vehicles (EVs), continuing their conversation from last episode. Zach shares more insights on EV batteries, the ethical dilemmas behind their production, and the future of green driving. They break down how EV batteries work, focusing on materials like lithium and cobalt, and explore the geopolitical and ethical concerns tied to mining these materials, particularly in regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo.

They also discuss:

• The role of cobalt in battery production and efforts to find more ethical sourcing solutions.
• The challenges and possibilities of recycling EV batteries.
• The significant role China plays in the global EV market and how the U.S. is working to reclaim battery manufacturing.
• How the Inflation Reduction Act impacts EV production in the U.S. and encourages homegrown manufacturing.
• Whether EVs can really solve climate change and how public transportation and infrastructure will need to evolve.

The episode wraps up with actionable steps for listeners: talk to your local representatives about supporting green energy initiatives, especially in conservative states where these industries are growing.

Contact Information:

• Email: info@greenteapartyradio.com
• Website: Green Tea Party Radio
• Social Media: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

Support Us: If you enjoy our content and want to support our work, consider becoming a patron for early access to episodes and exclusive merchandise. Visit our website for more details.

Disclaimer: Green Tea Party Radio is an independent project and does not represent the views of the Diocese of Little Rock, Catholic Climate Covenant, or any of our employers.

Episode Overview: In this episode, Zach and Katie dive into the hot topic of electric vehicles (EVs). Zach shares his personal experience of purchasing a Tesla Model Y and reflects on the ups and downs of transitioning to an electric vehicle. The hosts explore everything from government incentives to the challenges of owning an EV in rural areas. They also discuss how EVs fit into the broader conversation about climate change and the shift away from fossil fuels, along with the financial and environmental benefits of going electric.

Key Topics:

• Electric Vehicles 101: Zach's experience with his Tesla Model Y, including cost, incentives, and the driving experience.
• The EV Advantage: How EVs stack up environmentally over time, even with the higher emissions during manufacturing.
• Incentives and Tax Credits: How federal and state incentives make EVs more affordable and accessible.
• Maintenance and Lifespan: The differences between maintaining an electric vehicle and a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle.
• The Energy Grid: How the greenness of an EV depends on the energy grid it runs on, with cleaner energy sources making EVs more efficient.
• Battery Life and Recycling: Improvements in battery chemistry and the challenges of sourcing materials ethically.
• EV Myths: Dispelling misconceptions about EVs, including the concerns over range anxiety, the energy grid, and the cost-effectiveness of electric vehicles.
• Policy and Infrastructure: How rural areas can push for better EV infrastructure and the need for fast chargers in underserved regions.

Action Steps:

• Research your state's incentives and tax credits for electric vehicles.
• Contact local politicians to advocate for better EV infrastructure, especially in rural areas.
• Consider the environmental and financial benefits of switching to an EV, particularly with incentives like federal tax credits.

Resources:

• Tesla Model Y: Tesla Model Y Overview
• Inflation Reduction Act (related to EV incentives): Inflation Reduction Act - U.S. Department of Energy
• MIT Study on EV Emissions: MIT Study on Electric Vehicles and Carbon Emissions

Contact Information:

• Email: info@greenteapartyradio.com
• Website: Green Tea Party Radio
• Social Media: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

Support Us: If you enjoy our content and want to support our work, consider becoming a patron for early access to episodes and exclusive merchandise. Visit our website for more details.

Disclaimer: Green Tea Party Radio is an independent project and does not represent the views of the Diocese of Little Rock, Catholic Climate Covenant, or any of our employers.

In this episode, Katie and Zach delve into the unique world of baby products that align with both pro-life and environmental values. Together, they explore the challenges and rewards of choosing brands that are both sustainable and committed to pro-life principles. Katie shares a well-vetted list of companies that offer eco-friendly products, from diapers to maternal care items, while also upholding a pro-life ethos. They highlight how younger conservatives are pushing for a fuller, more holistic understanding of pro-life, extending care beyond birth to also support family and environmental well-being.

Previous episode: The Dirty Truth about Environmentally Friendly Baby Products.

Products Mentioned:

• Earth & Eden Baby Diapers – Sustainable materials, avoids harmful chemicals, and supports pro-life organizations.
• Every Life Diapers – Explicitly pro-life, supporting anti-abortion causes.
• Thirsties Cloth Diapers – Reusable cloth diapers made from organic materials.
• Bella Bee Natural Body Care – Natural and organic pregnancy and baby care products supported by pro-life communities.
• My Bella Mama – Organic and eco-friendly maternity products supporting pro-life values.
• AEssembly Baby Cloth Diapers – A sustainable cloth diapering system.
• Motherlove – Natural herbal products supporting pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding with ethical sourcing.
• Earth Mama Organics – Eco-friendly products for pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and baby care, with a focus on the sanctity of life.

Action Steps for Listeners:

1. Do Your Research – Look up products that align with your values and are environmentally friendly.
2. Join the Conversation – Engage in pro-life and environmental groups to discover more brands.
3. Get Registered to Vote – Your voice matters in the upcoming elections, particularly on local issues that impact the environment and family life.

Connect With Us:

• Email us your thoughts: info@greenteapartyradio.com
• Follow us on Instagram, X, and TikTok.
• If you want to hear our show on your college radio station, email us with details about your campus and radio station.

Listener Feedback: We want to hear from you! Send us your thoughts and feedback at info@greenteapartyradio.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content.

Support Our Show: Green Tea Party Radio is a passion project with no organizational sponsorship. If you love what we do, consider supporting us via our Patreon for early access to episodes and exclusive merch.

Introduction/Overview: In this episode of Green Tea Party Radio, Katie and Zach dive into the environmental impacts of common baby products—from diapers to baby wipes to even pregnancy tests. They explore how these everyday items contribute to pollution and landfill waste and discuss alternative, eco-friendly options that are starting to emerge. This episode is packed with insights for parents, soon-to-be parents, or anyone interested in how the choices we make for our children can have long-lasting effects on our planet.

Segment Breakdown:

• [0:00] Introduction & Banter: Katie kicks off the episode solo while Zach deals with some technical issues. She shares a humorous recap of the week's events, including an unexpected scandal involving RFK and a bear cub.
• [12:01] The Environmental Impact of Diapers: Katie and Zach discuss the staggering amount of waste generated by disposable diapers and the environmental consequences of these products that take hundreds of years to decompose.
• [18:05] Baby Wipes: Not So Flushable: The hosts dive into the issues surrounding baby wipes, particularly the false advertising of "flushable" wipes and their contribution to sewer blockages and environmental pollution.
• [21:05] The Hidden Cost of Pregnancy Tests: Learn about the surprising environmental toll of single-use pregnancy tests and the electronic waste they produce.
• [23:16] Other Maternal and Infant Products: A deeper look into the environmental impact of baby bottles, feeding accessories, and the fast fashion industry in baby clothing.
• [27:40] Mitigation Strategies: Zach and Katie discuss practical ways to reduce the environmental impact of raising a baby, including reusable products, biodegradable options, and sustainable purchasing habits.
• [31:17] Action Steps: The episode wraps up with actionable advice on how listeners can make their voices heard on environmental issues, from contacting local politicians to making more informed purchasing decisions.

Key Quotes:

• "It's horrific to think that just changing your baby's diaper can have such a long-lasting impact on the environment."
• "We've made it so hard and expensive to be a parent these days, and that's where the environmental movement needs to step in with viable, affordable alternatives."
• "The free market will only work in our favor if we make it clear that we care about the environmental impact of the products we use."

Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to reach out to their local politicians about environmental issues, make more sustainable purchasing choices, and engage with the show by emailing their thoughts or suggestions to info@greenteapartyradio.com.

Resources/Links:

• [Conscious (Hannah's Startup)](link to Hannah's page)
• Sustainable brands and products mentioned in the episode

Listener Feedback: We want to hear from you! Send us your thoughts and feedback at info@greenteapartyradio.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content.