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.
How the TREES initiative will help reverse deforestation in Africa
Among the global push for forestry, one African project stands out for its novel approach. Could the Trees for the Future (TREES) effort help to reverse deforestation and desertification? This innovative project, which promotes the conversion of monoculture landscapes into biodiverse forest Read More...
The European Parliament passes incredible bill that criminalizes ecosystem destruction
In a historic act, the European Union has criminalized serious incidents of environmental degradation, setting a global precedent. This innovative law, dubbed "comparable to ecocide," seeks to address ecosystem degradation, illicit logging, and habitat loss through enhanced penalties and prison Read More...
Kenyan artists transform discarded flip-flops into vibrant sculptures
On the shores of Kenya, where waves weave tales of the sea, a remarkable story unfolds—a story of resilience and creativity. This is the journey of Ocean Sole, a company that doesn't just clean beaches; it turns beach trash into vibrant, soulful sculptures that bring life and joy to local Read More...
England's biodiversity revolution—a radical approach to sustainable development
England is introducing a biodiversity credit scheme in a historic move that will transform the construction scene. This week marks the debut of the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) program, a bold endeavor to push new development projects to benefit, not hurt, the natural environment. The Biodiversity Read More...
Plastic-eating power of “Superworms’” inspires super waste management solution
In a pioneering study, scientists from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), investigated the potential of the Zophobas atratus worm, also known as the superworm, to combat the global plastic pollution epidemic. Aside from serving as nutritious bug appetizers, these darkling Read More...
France's composting mandate, ‘compost obligatoire’—a transformative environmental policy
France implemented a bold waste management policy known as the 'compost obligatoire', which went into effect on January 1, 2024. This innovative legislation requires the recycling of organic waste, indicating a big step towards sustainability. Government support and civic duty With financing from 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...
The leading startups transforming CO2 into everyday wonders
For Stafford Sheehan, a cofounder and chemist at Air Company, perfume-making is more than simply creating an enticing scent. Air Company, established in New York, uses technology that transforms carbon dioxide into ethanol, which is then blended with essential oils and water to create the pale Read More...
10 simple and eco-friendly resolutions for the New Year
As we step into the new year, it's normal to plan major changes. But let's face it-- implementing them can be difficult. These ten green resolutions are so straightforward that you won't have an excuse not to keep them. Taking on these environmentally-centered goals is an easy and rewarding Read More...
Sewage heat: Vancouver's steamy and sustainable energy source
Since 2010, an innovative energy program in Vancouver's False Creek has quietly transformed the city's energy landscape. This novel technology harnesses the latent heat in sewage effluent, converting it into a renewable heat source for nearly 6,000 apartments. Derek Pope, Vancouver's manager of Read More...