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.
The EU seeks to ban microplastics in most products by 2020
The EU has proposed a plan to ban a range of microplastics in products by 2020. Cosmetics, detergents, paints, polish and coatings would all require design overhauls, as would products in the construction, agriculture and fossil fuels. If the law is adopted, it could prevent an estimated 400,000 Read More...
Is there hope? The case for “conditional optimism” on climate change
What’s the difference between blind optimism and conditional optimism? Blind optimism is a child expecting his parents to build him a treehouse; conditional optimism is a child confident he can build a treehouse if given the tools. This can be applied to the topic of climate change: we can Read More...
Finally, a sustainable alternative to polluting microfibers
Your fleece jacket is made up of thousands of synthetic microfibers. When you wash it, those fibers often make their way through drains and wastewater plants into waterways, where fish can eat them. That’s why a company known for making microfiber insulation that fills jackets make by brands like Read More...
Satellites orbiting the Earth are helping scientists predict times of drought
Researchers are using satellites to measure Earth’s underground stocks of water in order to predict the state of vegetation and risk of drought in the surveyed areas. Combined with computer modeling, these advanced scientific instruments orbiting our planet can stimulate the cycles of plant Read More...
Researchers are increasingly using nature to turn the tide on plastic
In an effort to decrease the environmental cost of single-use plastics, scientists, engineers, and designers are increasingly turning to nature to look for sustainable alternatives. Such ecologically friendly alternatives include liquid wood, algae insulation, and polymer substitutes made from Read More...
London cafes are selling tasty meals made from supermarket waste
The Real Junk Food Project (RJFP) is an initiative out of London that is persuading a number of supermarkets to hand over their waste food rather than dump it into the garbage, with the collected ingredients being used to create wholesome lunchtime meals at a pop-up restaurant. Thus far the Read More...
Scientists create a new type of bioplastic made out of olive seeds
A team of scientists from Istanbul has discovered a new way to produce bioplastic by using the cellulosic agent found in olive seeds. According to researchers, just one kilogram of this bioplastic, which is already being used in electronics and food packaging, reduces carbon dioxide emissions by Read More...
These “impossible” success stories prove humanity is making great strides
In the midst of government shutdowns, injustice at the border, and continuing environmental problems, quite a few victories for goodness and progress have occurred in the last year. For example, the country of Niger has reportedly seen the growth of 200 million trees in the past three decades, Read More...
A simple guide to understanding effective climate change policy
When it comes to climate change, the issue is certainly not black and white. There are so many issues to be dealt with at so many levels, which makes it extremely difficult to understand what is actually needed for effective climate change policy. If you’re feeling overwhelmed when it comes to Read More...
From Biodegradable and Sustainable to Renewable and Regenerative
Upon the European Union’s recent decision to ban plastic cultery, plates and straws by 2021, we encourage our readers to think vigilantly about seemingly sustainable alternatives. Recent articles like this: European citizens will stop using disposable plastic products by 2021 Read More...