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.
How flight tracking is protecting eagles near South Africa’s wind turbines
South Africa’s blustery ridges are great for wind energy generation, but these prime renewable regions are also home to the country’s Verreaux's eagles, and protecting these eagles while generating clean power is becoming an increasingly pressing issue. To help reduce bird fatalities, Dr. Megan Read More...
ActionAid helps women in coastal villages rewild mangrove forests
We’ve written previously about the efforts of ActionAid, a non-profit organization that focuses on training and educating women who live in areas that are deeply affected by climate change to take on climate-adaptive livelihoods that will protect them and their environment. The first piece we Read More...
Circular rugs: Scientists develop innovative process to recycle carpets
Though they may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of trash, carpets make up over 4 billion pounds of waste in American landfills — that’s 3.5 percent of all landfill waste in the entire country. Whether they end up in landfills or burned at the end of their life, carpets Read More...
This team of bird paramedics is saving migratory species in New York City
Large skyscrapers pose a dangerous threat to migratory birds who often cannot see directly in front of them while flying. In large urban areas, like New York City, thousands of birds collide with skyscrapers each year, but the bird paramedics of New York are here to help. About 30 volunteers Read More...
Scientists create eco-friendly pesticide using brewing waste
While conventional pesticides can be beneficial for ensuring crop yields, they are also ecologically damaging. In a bid to provide a greener alternative, a team of scientists has developed a natural pesticide — that’s also a fertilizer — made out of a combination of agricultural and beer Read More...
Major supermarket chain makes first zero-emissions food delivery in the US
Supermarkets across the US typically use gas-guzzling semi-trucks to stock their grocery supplies. Last week, however, when a heavy truck pulled into an Albertson’s supermarket in Irving, California, there was no diesel exhaust coming out of its tailpipe. The zero-emissions food delivery was Read More...
NY program buys up unsold oysters to restore coastal reefs
Back in February, we shared how The Galveston Bay Foundation partners with local restaurants to turn discarded oyster shells into marine habitats. Today, we’ve got another oyster solution, but this time the oysters are alive. When the pandemic hit, demand for seafood from restaurants Read More...
This initiative collects waste from hairdressers and puts it to good use
From improving the efficacy of perovskite solar cells to cleaning up oil spills, hair clippings from salons can definitely be put to better use than ending up in a landfill. The Green Salon Collective (GSC) in the UK is well aware of that, which is why it is collecting hair cuttings from salons Read More...
Rapid DNA tests return trafficked turtles to their original habitats
It’s illegal to trade South American Matamata turtles, but their distinctive knobby shell and ridged neck make them appealing to traffickers who can sell them for high prices in Europe, Asia, and the US. Fortunately, a new rapid DNA test is helping officials protect these little Read More...
Glasgow to plant 10 saplings for every resident in reforestation project
A global pandemic has opened our eyes to the value of engaging with nature and having local green spaces. On top of the environmental benefits of soaking up CO2 emissions, having ample tree cover in urban spaces is connected to lower rates of obesity, asthma, and diabetes as well as improved mental Read More...