Environment
Need some good news about the environment? The Optimist Daily is your go-to herald of positive environmental news, highlighting eco-friendly solutions and scientific progress around climate action, circularity, conservation, and more. Learn about everything eco in our Environment section.
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...
How to safeguard your health after wildfire smoke invades your home
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM When wildfires tear through neighborhoods, they don’t just burn vegetation; they engulf homes, cars, and everyday materials like electronics, paint, and plastics. These human-made materials release toxic chemicals into the air, which can infiltrate nearby Read More...
How to protect and soothe skin from smoke exposure
In light of the recent devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County, we felt it was timely to revisit this important piece. As wildfires become an increasingly frequent challenge in our warming world, adapting to their effects is crucial—not just on a global environmental scale, but also in Read More...
How unique leopard calls could impact conservation
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Leopards, renowned for their stealth and solitary nature, have always been challenging to study. However, groundbreaking research revealed that each leopard has a unique roar, paving the way for innovative conservation techniques. Using a combination of 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...
Belgium pioneers EU ban on disposable vapes as Milan acts on outdoor smoking
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Belgium officially stepped into the spotlight as the first EU nation to ban the sale of disposable vapes, a move it hopes will protect young people from nicotine addiction and reduce environmental waste. The ban, which came into effect on January 1, was Read More...
Scientists document the secret language of sperm whales
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Sperm whales, the majestic titans of the ocean, have long captivated researchers with their complex vocalizations. Recent research revealed a stunning discovery: these marine creatures have a sophisticated communication system, similar to a "phonetic Read More...