Business
Looking for positive and inspiring business stories? From green operations to employee rights, from innovative corporate structures to diversity and inclusion, the Business section at The Optimist Daily has got the latest innovative solutions from the corporate sector.
Airbnb is offering free housing to California wildfire evacuees
The Kincade, Tick, and Getty wildfires burning in the state of California right now have forced thousands of people to evacuate and have caused several power shutoffs. In fact, the Kincade Fire alone has displaced almost 200,000 people over an estimated 50,000 acres. To provide some relief for Read More...
Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s to be fur free by 2021
Macy’s and its subsidiary, Bloomingdale's, have announced that they will remove any authentic fur products from their stores by 2021. Considering that Macy’s private brands are already fur-free, expanding the practice to all commerce was the next natural step for the company. The ban only Read More...
What are quantum computers, and why do we need them?
After years of experimentation and setbacks, Google has announced they have reached the first steps into “quantum supremacy”. This could be a major breakthrough that would be able to completely change the landscape of computer and technology. A quantum computer would be able to generate Read More...
JPMorgan wants to give people with criminal backgrounds a second chance
As the unemployment rate in the US remains at historic lows, formerly incarcerated people are still struggling to find a job. Enter the largest bank in the country, which has recently announced plans to widen the access to economic opportunity for those with former convictions. After hiring Read More...
How “agritech” is helping Indian farmers
With a population of 1.3 billion and growing, India is home to hundreds of thousands of citizens dependent on farming for income and ever-increasing food demands. However, Indian farmers often struggle with losing crops to disease or achieving fair prices at the market. Companies are hoping to Read More...
Private trash haulers have stopped shipping waste to poor countries
In May, when nearly all the world’s nations signed an agreement to limit the amount of unrecyclable plastic waste shipped to developing countries, the U.S. refused to sign. But after months of global outcry over the United States’ role in the plastic pollution crisis, companies that collect Read More...
Transitioning to cooperatives could be key for baby boomer business owners
The “silver tsunami” of baby boomers getting ready for retirement will alter the face of workforce composition, but what will happen to the 50% of all businesses that are owned by this aging population? The non-profit, Project Equity, is hoping to help these businesses convert to cooperatives Read More...
Lyft is helping low-income people commute to job interviews and training
Lengthy and costly commutes have long been a scourge for low-income workers. A 2015 study even found a link between longer commutes and smaller chances of upward mobility for low-income families. Seeking to ease this struggle, ride-hailing service Lyft has recently partnered with non-profits to Read More...
These companies show why carbon tech is going to be the next big business boom
If removing tons of carbon from the atmosphere to mitigate climate change seems like a difficult task, doing so profitably sounds almost impossible. However, these carbon tech companies are demonstrating that removing carbon and turning it into revenue is feasible. The interface is an innovative Read More...
Do you have any old LEGO bricks? Here’s the best thing you can do with them
Despite being made from plastic, there's something to be said for LEGO bricks. They are exceedingly durable and their historically consistent connecting system makes their design the opposite of planned obsolescence. The Danish company has an impressive record of sustainability – from investments Read More...