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.
Bacteria in cow stomachs are one solution to plastic pollution
As our world’s plastic pollution crisis intensifies, researchers are increasingly searching for new and innovative ways to address the problem. Enzymes and circular design have shown real promise, and the latest plastic waste solution comes from an even more surprising source: cow Read More...
Night trains are gaining steam again in Europe
As most of us went over a year without travel, the month of July is extremely exciting for those who are planning to dust off their backpacks and suitcases to take advantage of the easing travel restrictions across Europe, which took place on the first of this month. However, travel may look Read More...
This UK city is making its urban space greener with bee-friendly bus stops
About two years ago, we wrote about an amazing bee-friendly initiative in the Dutch city of Utrecht. Looking to make its urban space as accommodating as possible to pollinators, the fourth largest city in the Netherlands decided to adorn hundreds of its bus stops with green rooftops — thus Read More...
You can now help environmental NGOs by watching calming nature videos
If you’ve turned to nature videos to relieve your pandemic anxiety, doing so now could also benefit the world’s oceans, and the environmental organizations fighting to preserve them. That is, as long as you watch those serene shots of nature through the new Preservation Play YouTube Read More...
MIT scientists recycle plastic bags to develop a new sustainable fabric
Plastic grocery bags are one of the most pernicious types of plastic waste. Now, scientists say they have developed a technique that could recycle plastic bags into the fabrics of the future. MIT researchers have come up with a method that can transform polyethylene into lightweight fabrics that Read More...
After 45 years of conservation, Odisha welcomes natural gharial hatchlings
Most of us are likely familiar with crocodiles and alligators, but these creatures also have a lesser-known relative: the gharial. Unfortunately, the gharial has been on the verge of extinction for generations. Not only are gharial populations under threat from habitat encroachment and fishing, but Read More...
Artificial intelligence and nanotechnology may help solve world hunger
According to the United Nations, about 840 million people will experience hunger by 2030. This growing global challenge to feed people will only be exacerbated by climate change, increasing populations, and degrading soil quality. Some researchers, however, claim that artificial intelligence and Read More...
Why you should leave those lawn clippings right where they are
Many eco-conscious homeowners are opting to replace their lawns with native plants and drought-resistant landscaping, but if you’re not ready to give up your lawn or you own a grassy space for sports or other utility purposes, mulching can help make this space as green as possible (literally and Read More...
These US cities are banning fireworks to prevent wildfire
As a historic drought grips the Western United States, many cities are taking extra precautions to prevent wildfires, including banning Fourth of July firework displays. Large personal fireworks are already banned in California, Oregon, and other states, but this year, cities are instituting even Read More...
Beeflow wants to save the bees and make them stronger
We cannot continue to feed our world without pollinators, namely bees, which is why Argentina-based startup Beeflow is working to not only save the bees, but even make them more productive. Like many other bee cultivators, Beeflow rents out their colonies to farmers to better pollinate the Read More...