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.
Bioplastic made from wood waste breaks down in three months
Finding alternative materials to plastic is a key step towards achieving a circular economy, where no harmful waste ever makes its way into the environment. In this pursuit, scientists have been using all sorts of biomass types to produce more eco-friendly bioplastics, and one of the latest Read More...
New study shows that California’s diesel regulations are paying off
California has some of the most comprehensive air pollution prevention measures in the US and although cities like Los Angeles are still infamous for their smog, a new report shows that the state’s policies have been highly effective at improving air quality. Researchers from the University Read More...
Celebrate Easter more sustainably with these 5 tips
Easter is right around the corner and in addition to our guide to celebrating safely this year, we also have a guide on how to make your holiday celebrations more sustainable! Now is a great time to plan out a greener holiday, so read on to learn more about environmentally-friendly Easter Read More...
This new partnership is mapping out gas leaks in American cities
As major methane emitters, gas leaks are dangerous for human health and the environment, but detecting them is not always easy. This is why the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and Google Earth have teamed up to seek out leaks more efficiently. EDF and the Google Earth Outreach Team joined Read More...
American bald eagle population has quadrupled over the last decade
In a major win for conservation efforts, the population of American bald eagles — once on the brink of extinction — has more than quadrupled in size since 2009. The good news was published in a recent report conducted by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, which said that there were over 316,700 Read More...
Ikea's zero-waste cookbook will change how you look at scraps
From eco-friendly tiny homes to purchasing forests for protection, Ikea is serious about its commitment to the environment and has pledged to be a zero-waste business by 2030. Now, the company is hoping to help its customers get creative with their waste reduction as well, with a new zero-waste Read More...
Mussel-mounted motion sensors can help detect toxins in our water
Mussels are fascinating creatures that who's powerful role in our ecosystems is often overlooked. We’ve written previously about how mussels inspired highly effective surgical glue as well as how they can accurately gauge levels of pollution and identify contaminants in underwater Read More...
New partnership helps wildlife and farmers coexist peacefully in California
Wildlife and the agricultural industry have long been at odds in California’s Central Valley. The rich farming region known as “the breadbasket of the world” is responsible for 20 percent of the US’ rice production, but it’s also a critical habitat space for migratory birds which have Read More...
Scientists replace bitumen with thread to make more sustainable roads
From building rubble to plastic waste to discarded face masks, scientists are constantly investigating new alternative materials to help reduce the environmental impact of road construction. One of the most recently explored possibilities comes from researchers in Switzerland who are investigating Read More...
Eco-friendly architecture helps lift Chinese village out of poverty
Over the recent decades, the Miao community in the traditional Chinese village of Longtang in southwest China has experienced an economic decline due to its shrinking population. A recently completed architecture project aims to revitalize the area by blending sustainability with local Read More...