Education
Great minds lead to great solutions. Our education section features solutions and innovations directed at strengthening educational systems around the world.
Study shows: if we biked like the Dutch, global emissions would drop dramatically
A new study from researchers at the University of Southern Denmark has determined what we already knew— cycling is much better for the environment than driving conventional internal combustion vehicles. The study took a look at the bike-loving Dutch, and quantified just how much global carbon Read More...
Queens is soon to rule in the world of composting!
Starting in early October of this year, Queens, New York will proudly be running the nation’s grandest composting program. The 2.2 million New Yorkers living in Queens will have a weekly pickup service for organic waste. This means that yard debris and food scraps, and food-soiled paper Read More...
The square dancers of today—part II of True American, a mini-series
Last Friday we shared the fascinating history of the square dance in the United States of America. Together, we traced back how it became an emblem of American society that forced so many school kids to endure the often awkward square dancing lessons. Do-si-do anyone? We also discussed the Read More...
Why you should fill your cart with ugly watermelons
When it comes to picking produce at our local market or grocery store, many of us are… well… shallow. We tend to fill our carts with only the prettiest, most visually appealing fruits and veggies. This practice leads to unnecessary food waste, and leaves quite a lot to be desired. We're Read More...
The history of square dancing in America—part I of True American
The Optimist Daily is taking a journey into ideas and symbols that shape the world with our our mini-series True American. Our first episode explores what many consider a cornerstone of American culture: Square dancing. Square dancing, contrary to popular belief, is not just a “Southern Read More...
Being human together
The African equivalent to Rene Descartes’s famous dictum, “I think, therefore I am,” which is the foundation of much modern Western culture, is called ubuntu and goes something like this: “We are, therefore I am.” Or: “I exist to the extent that others acknowledge and respect Read More...
Clever sustainable living tips for renters
When it comes to making the world a greener, more sustainable place, homeowners have a lot of power. In the US, 40 percent of total energy consumption per year comes from buildings. This means when property owners decide to make changes to their buildings to reduce how their property affects the Read More...
Think Global, Eat Local
“A garden is a solution that leads to other solutions. It is part of the limitless pattern of good health and good sense." – Wendell Berry By Sadie Wilbur Dirty Hands, Happy Heart My love for all things green began when I was a young girl. I grew up alongside a variety of trees and plants, Read More...
Revealing the history of the earliest transoceanic seafarers
A study carried out by geneticists at Harvard University, in collaboration with Indigenous communities, has revealed five previously undocumented migrations around remote Pacific islands. These people were the world’s earliest transoceanic seafarers, being able to navigate long journeys across Read More...
Introducing "True American"— a mini-series
Last month on Independence Day, The New Yorker published an issue featuring cover art by graphic illustrator Christ Ware. The narrative piece, called “House Divided,” boldly captures the sense of polarization underlying this past year’s Fourth of July festivities, and the general atmosphere Read More...