BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM

Every day on the Optimist Daily, we report on solutions from around the world. Though we love solutions big and small, it is often the ones right in our communities that make the largest impact.

A few weeks ago, The Optimist Daily asked you, our readers, to nominate the problem solvers and/or organizations making a difference in your community so we can recognize them and share their stories with the rest of the world. Thank you to all who participated—we couldn’t reply to each submission but we want you to know that we appreciate every one of you!

Today marks the first edition of The Optimist Daily’s Local Changemakers series which will run until Thanksgiving. This is our way of expressing gratitude to our Optimist Daily community. We hope you enjoy learning about these solutions-oriented individuals and organizations as much as we did. 

Bringing nature indoors: how tree ceiling murals are transforming classrooms for the better

Imagine stepping into a classroom where you’re greeted by the sight of towering tree branches, sunlight filtering through leaves, and the feeling of being outside. This is what Nature in the Classroom, a nonprofit founded by Ernesto Rodriguez, is accomplishing by installing ceiling murals of trees in schools across the U.S. These murals offer students in windowless and portable classrooms a calming connection to nature, supported by over 40 years of scientific research.

Rodriguez, a retired school psychologist turned naturalist, emphasizes the proven benefits of nature on mental health. “Forty-plus years of empirical science teaches us that viewing trees or images of trees calms us and helps us focus,” he explains. Through Nature in the Classroom, tree ceiling murals are now installed in 14 school districts across California, Colorado, Kentucky, Utah, New York, and Pennsylvania, reaching over 7,000 students. The murals have been received with enthusiasm. As one sixth grader at Nellie N. Coffman Middle School in California expressed, “I like the branches. It’s like roads to a great journey”.

Creating calm and focus in the classroom

Classrooms can often be stressful environments, especially for young students. By incorporating nature imagery, teachers and students alike are noticing significant improvements. “Teachers express that students are more focused, happier, and the trees create a greater sense of community in the classroom,” Rodriguez shares.

In a world where approximately 10 million students attend classes in portable or windowless rooms, these murals provide a solution. The sense of being outdoors offers an immediate relaxing effect, helping students manage anxiety, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Rodriguez recalls a kindergartener who perfectly summarized the benefits of the murals: “She was sitting on her calves, straightened up, flicked her hair back and said, ‘It calms me up.’”

Addressing mental health through greenery

Recent studies have supported the mental health benefits of access to greenery. A study from Spain introduced the ‘3-30-300 rule,’ recommending that to enhance mental health, individuals should be able to see three trees from a window, have 30 percent greenery in their neighborhood, and live within 300 meters of a park. Unfortunately, many inner-city schools, particularly Title 1 schools, lack access to these benefits. Rodriguez highlights how his tree ceilings can provide an alternative: “The tree ceilings provide a bridge to greenery and the mental health benefits.”

Helping students post-pandemic

The calming impact of these tree ceilings has been particularly helpful in managing the anxiety left in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. One principal from Gage Middle School in Los Angeles shared that they couldn’t have gotten through the pandemic without the tree ceilings, which “instantly calm kids who are having anxiety.”

With each mural, Nature in the Classroom is giving students a peaceful, green escape that fosters creativity, reduces stress, and cultivates a sense of calm—all while helping them stay focused and engaged in their learning environments. As more schools adopt this unique approach, the positive effects of nature-inspired spaces are becoming increasingly clear, paving the way for healthier and more nurturing classrooms.

For more information, visit Nature in the Classroom.

The Man That Rescues Dogs: transforming the lives of stray dogs in Thailand

In the heart of Chonburi, Thailand, The Man That Rescues Dogs (TMTRD) has become a sanctuary for more than 1,000 stray, sick, and disabled dogs. Founded by Swedish entrepreneur Michael J. Baines, TMTRD is committed to giving these animals a second chance at life. Initially, Baines fed local dogs near his restaurant but eventually made the life-changing decision to open the sanctuary full-time in 2017. Since then, TMTRD has grown into a remarkable space that not only rescues dogs but also educates the local community on animal welfare.

Baines’ inspiring journey began with simply feeding stray dogs. “He started spending his free time helping as many of Thailand’s stray population as he could,” says Caroline, a supporter and the one who nominated TMTRD as a local changemaker for this series.

A sanctuary with heart and purpose

As Baines’ passion grew, he transitioned from running a restaurant to building a sanctuary that now spans 8,000 square meters. This space includes a full-service clinic, a care unit for dogs with special needs, a sterile quarantine section, a specialized distemper unit, and even swimming pools for water therapy.

Every day, twice a day, the dogs at TMTRD receive a nutritious meal of meat, rice, and dry food, and the onsite vets ensure the health and well-being of each dog. “Michael’s work is truly incredible and inspirational,” Caroline adds. With 32 staff members, including veterinarians, construction workers, and administrative personnel, TMTRD not only supports the dogs but also provides competitive salaries and accommodation for its staff.

The Wheelchair Mafia: a story of resilience

TMTRD is also well-known for its “Wheelchair Mafia,” a group of disabled dogs who use custom-made wheelchairs to move around. The organization’s work is a heartwarming example of compassion, resilience, and dedication. TMTRD doesn’t just focus on rescuing dogs; it also emphasizes community outreach and education to foster a harmonious relationship between people and animals.

Supporting the mission through storytelling

To support the sanctuary’s mission, Baines has written a memoir called Home. Made., with 70 percent of the book’s royalties going directly to fund the foundation, thanks to a unique partnership with the social impact publisher, Witchcraft. “In traditional models, an author only receives 5-10 percent of royalties,” Caroline explains, “but Witchcraft flips the model in favor of nonprofits, helping to fund their crucial missions.”

Through education, community involvement, and a tireless commitment to the welfare of stray dogs, TMTRD is making a life-changing difference for animals in Thailand. Baines’ dedication and vision are an inspiring example of how one person can make an enormous impact on the lives of countless animals—and create lasting change within a community.

For more information and to support this incredible mission, visit TMTRD.