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.
3 easy ways to shop for clothes more sustainably
As prices rise and we all feel that pinch in our pocketbooks, consumers are seeking ways to shop for the things they need and want without breaking the bank. On the other hand, we are constantly being shown ads that encourage us to shop always for the latest trends, so it’s no wonder fast Read More...
This non-profit aims to harness the power of weather events on land and sea
When it comes to hurricanes, wildfires, and other environmental hazards, early alerts are key to minimizing risk to people from these high-powered natural phenomena. What if there were a system that both warned individuals of weather events like these and then converted their power into usable Read More...
These buoys will be able to charge ships at sea with offshore wind energy
A lot of the world’s commerce is done at sea by huge cargo ships that burn enormous amounts of fuel idling near ports waiting to load up. This may change in the future with the development of Stillstrom charging buoy, a wind-powered solution. Offshore wind-powered charging Read More...
These yummy-looking gummy bears are made from locusts
According to the United Nations, there are over 1,900 edible insect species worldwide, and eating more of them could help mitigate climate change, as well as fight global food insecurity. Working towards that goal, an Israeli company has been keeping busy making an infamous insect a key ingredient Read More...
The most eco-friendly ways to dispose of cooking oil
Cooking oil is an ingredient that most of us use every day, but disposing of it in an environmentally friendly way is pretty tricky. This is because the consistency of oil can leave an oily residue on plants that makes it more difficult for them to absorb oxygen. Plus oil negatively impacts Read More...
Countering climate change while making wine
When tackling the issues of climate change, the art of growing and cultivating wine is overlooked. Connoisseurs and social sippers the world over, though, would certainly miss reds, whites, and roses if the world became inhospitable for vineyards that make them. As average temperatures Read More...
Ammonia-making bacteria could replace polluting fertilizers in the future
Ammonia fertilizers have been effective at helping farmers grow their commercial crops. However, they’re also one of the major sources of nitrogen pollution, contaminating waterways and threatening biodiversity. A recent study, published in the American Society for Microbiology, however, suggests Read More...
Tapping the creative force, art changes minds in a changing climate
“The arts matter because we matter, and our stories matter. We are moving miracles, walking creators engaging in a cosmic dance. The art we express is timeless.” –Mohammed Sheriff, Division Coordinator at the National Endowment for the Arts (USA) By Oliver Kammeyer At The Optimist Read More...
"Alien" flatworm named in honor of COVID-19 victims
How scientists decide to name new animal species they discover doesn't follow a prescribed set of rules. Some aim to go for a humorous approach like the flatworm Ramisyllis kingghidorahi which was named after Godzilla’s enemy, King Ghidorah. Some name the novel creature after a human, like the Read More...
This solar-powered desalination system is a gamechanger
Desalination offers a lot of promise to communities that may face water scarcity in the future. For some, the problem is compounded by the potential scarcity of reliable electricity. As such, it has been the aim of many researchers to develop solar-powered desalination devices, which is a difficult Read More...