Design
This series will take you to the world's most ingenious homes
We at the Optimist Daily are always curious about the latest developments in architecture and design. It came to our attention that Apple TV+ has a pretty incredible documentary series out that will take you to some of the world’s most intriguing dwellings. All the episodes in the series Read More...
This design makes social distancing at the park a beautiful thing
As city dwellers have flocked outside during the pandemic, some cities have shut down urban parks because of fears of overcrowding—at a time when people could most use the mental and physical health benefits of green space. A new design, proposed for a vacant lot in the city of Vienna, shows how Read More...
This clothing brand is turning old hotel bed sheets into tailored shirts
Sometimes, being disruptive is fashionable. As for Archivist, a sustainable clothing company, its business plan counts on being disruptive in the name of fashion and corporate responsibility. With this mission, Archivist has found unique yet luxurious inspiration for a new line of tailored shirts Read More...
Making a homemade mask? Here are some tips
The CDC recommends people wear cloth face masks when venturing out for essential shopping and increasing numbers of counties are mandating that residents follow this safety precaution. If you’re making your own mask at home, here are some essential factors to consider. Virus particles are Read More...
This portable charger is made from repurposed batteries and recycled plastic
Flexible plastics such as plastic bags, bubble wrap and pallet wrap are typically turned away from recycling facilities because of their supposedly low commercial value. Each year, the world produces 150 billion kilos of such non-recyclable plastic, all of which are most likely to end up in Read More...
This DIY kit decontaminates face masks and make them safe to reuse
Many types of face masks used in hospitals by nurses and doctors, like the N95, aren’t designed to be reusable. But due to a shortage of such protective gear, frontline workers have no other choice than to use the masks over and over again, putting them at higher risk of contracting the virus. Read More...
Why jute is one of the most promising alternatives we have to plastic
Even though we’re aware of the awful effects of plastic pollution, the detrimental environmental phenomenon continues today. Part of the problem is that plastic is such a durable, accessible material that can be used for a wide range of things such as shipping and packaging. Despite this, we know Read More...
Engineers create a new ventilator prototype from breast pumps
The global shortage of ventilators needed to treat severe cases of COVID-19 has led companies like Dyson, Apple, and Ford to create innovative new products to meet hospital demands. An innovative team in Maryland is joining the effort and creating ventilator prototypes out of breast pumps. The Read More...
These recycled plastic tracksuits are colored with botanical dyes
Here at The Optimist Daily, we love spreading the word about sustainability-driven clothing brands that are on a mission to drag the fashion industry away from its trajectory to harm the environment. That’s why we’re happy to present to you PANGAIA, an eco-friendly clothing company creating Read More...
College students are recreating their campuses on Minecraft
Many college students are finding themselves back at home after universities across the country canceled in-person classes and postponed or moved graduation ceremonies online. That's why some students are turning to an unusual platform to reconnect with the campuses they called home: Read More...