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.
Volcanic ash may be a game changer in sustainable solar energy storage solutions
When calamity hits and volcanic ash blankets the land, it is commonly perceived negatively, for many obvious reasons. However, novel research from the University of Barcelona demonstrates that this seemingly gloomy substance has enormous promise as an energy storage medium, providing a Read More...
Wind and solar energy production in US surpasses coal for the first time in history
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM According to the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA), wind and solar energy generated more electricity than coal for the first time in history during the first seven months of the year. This astounding feat, as reported in the EIA's Monthly Read More...
Are mushrooms Mother Nature's built-in solution to plastic pollution?
In a world overrun with plastic waste, the potential hero may arise from the humble realm of fungi. With between two and four million species worldwide, these often overlooked creatures hold possibilities ranging from alternative building materials to cleansing environmental toxins. Scientists Read More...
UK government unveils bold plan to achieve 95% green energy by 2030
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a historic step to reshape the UK's energy future, Ed Miliband, Secretary of Energy and Climate Change, revealed the government's "Clean Power 2030" strategy. The initiative, described as the most ambitious energy reform in decades, seeks to generate 95 Read More...
Pakistan's surge in solar may be a promising solution to blackouts
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Pakistan has quietly emerged as an unexpected global leader in solar energy adoption. By 2024, the country is forecast to add an amazing 17 gigawatts (GW) of solar power, accounting for more than a third of its production capacity. This quick rise has Read More...
How Minnesota’s Sherco Solar is leading a clean energy revolution
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The biggest coal plant in Minnesota is going through a major makeover. The Sherburne County Generating Station, known as Sherco, is transitioning from a coal-fired legacy to a renewable energy hub. Sherco Solar, owned by Xcel Energy and currently in the Read More...
Stronger concrete, cleaner landfills—how scrap carpet fibers are reinventing construction
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Concrete is the foundation of modern civilization, but its notorious tendency to crack isn’t just a construction headache—it’s a multi-billion-dollar problem. In Australia alone, repairing cracks in reinforced concrete structures costs a staggering $8 Read More...
How the Environment Leaders Programme cultivates climate action in schools
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The climate crisis can feel like an overwhelming storm—literally and figuratively, but young people across the UK are eager to be part of the solution. A recent survey of 1,500 students aged 7-17 revealed something inspiring: the next generation doesn’t Read More...
The giant beneath the waves: world’s largest coral found in the Pacific
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a world where bad news about the environment routinely outweighs good news, scientists have discovered an incredible exception: the world's largest coral. Nestled in the pristine seas of the Solomon Islands, this huge marine monster is 34 meters broad and Read More...
Changemakers of the week: Third Act and HeartMath
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Every day on the Optimist Daily, we report on solutions from around the world. Though we love solutions big and small, the ones that emerge from our local communities often have the greatest impact. Welcome to the fifth round of The Optimist Daily’s Read More...