Circularity
Understanding the value of a circular economy and identifying circular solutions are essential to changing our world for good. Circularity, or the zero-waste principle of keeping materials in a closed loop and away from landfills and incinerators, is the future. Find out about the latest innovations and solutions accelerating the transition towards a circular economy in the articles here from The Optimist Daily.
Oslo’s quiet revolution: how electric construction sites are changing the game
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Imagine walking past a bustling construction site and hearing… almost nothing. In Oslo, that’s becoming the new normal. The city’s ambitious mandate to eliminate fossil fuels from municipal building projects has ushered in a quieter, cleaner era for Read More...
DIY toothpaste: a simple, eco-friendly guide to sparkling teeth
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Are you tired of reaching for the same old toothpaste tube every morning? Making your own toothpaste not only allows you to ditch the artificial ingredients but also lets you customize your dental care while saving money and reducing waste. It’s a small Read More...
Belfast venues unite to eliminate single-use plastic cups
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Belfast is making history as the first city in Ireland and the UK to commit to eliminating single-use plastic cups in entertainment venues. This city-wide initiative, led by the Venue Sustainability Forum and supported by Visit Belfast, will see major and Read More...
European zoos are giving Christmas trees a second life
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Once the holidays wrap up, many of us find ourselves dismantling the decorations, dragging our Christmas trees to the curb, and bidding adieu to the season. But in zoos across Europe, these festive trees are embarking on a second life—not in landfills, but Read More...
Thailand bans plastic waste imports to combat toxic pollution
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Thailand officially banned the import of plastic waste, a move hailed as a victory by environmental campaigners. The ban, which came into effect this month, aims to curb toxic pollution and protect human and environmental health in a country that has long Read More...
All city buildings in Chicago are now powered by renewable energy
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Chicago entered 2024 with a landmark achievement: every one of its 411 municipal buildings, from City Hall to local libraries, now runs entirely on renewable energy. This monumental shift comes as part of the city’s broader climate strategy and has been Read More...
California leads the charge: why banning polystyrene foam is a game-changer
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM As of January 1st, California, the fifth-largest economy in the world, officially banned the use of most polystyrene foam food containers. This move, part of the state’s broader fight against plastic pollution, targets items like clamshell containers and Read More...
China's monumental climate shift: embracing a “post-peak" era in the coming years
China, the world's economic giant, is on the verge of a watershed moment in its environmental history. After decades of rapid development and skyrocketing emissions, signs point to a near-term peak in carbon output, providing hope for global climate efforts. According to the Center for Research Read More...
Steam-powered seed treatment gains popularity as a chemical-free alternative in agriculture
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Farmers around the world have long used chemical treatments to safeguard their seeds from pests and disease. However, a new chemical-free alternative is gaining popularity in Sweden, Norway, and elsewhere. ThermoSeed, developed by former researcher Kenneth Read More...
The world’s largest wind-powered cargo ship makes her maiden transatlantic voyage
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a world where the shipping industry is wrestling with its environmental impact, a French startup called TOWT (TransOceanic Wind Transport) is presenting a solution that is both novel and rooted in centuries-old technology: wind. TOWT's wind-powered Read More...