Today’s Solutions: January 16, 2025

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.

Animation of Ocean Battery energy storage system

Ocean Battery could help solve the renewable energy storage problem

The lack of adequate energy storage systems is one of the biggest problems associated with the rise of renewables such as wind and solar in recent years. In an effort to provide a solution, a Dutch startup has invented the Ocean Battery — an energy storage system that operates by the same Read More...

woman in overalls gardening

Create a refuge for endangered native plant species in your own garden

Here at the Optimist Daily, we never tire of sharing stories that help garden-lovers and green thumbs continue cultivating their gardening habits. Gardening, or even just spending time in a garden, doesn’t just offer people several physical and mental health benefits, but gardens can potentially Read More...

Preeti Chandi

Preeti Chandi becomes the first woman of color to trek across Antarctica

Preeti Chandi, a 32-year-old army officer and physiotherapist hailing from Derby in the UK, has become the first woman of color to successfully complete a solo expedition across Antarctica. Chandi admits that she was not always encouraged to take on the 700-mile trek on her own. She says that Read More...

A pair of Rens sneakers next to a cup of coffee

Coffee on the go: These sneakers are made out of recycled coffee

While coffee is a popular drink all across the world, it holds a particularly special place in the hearts of Finnish people. According to the International Coffee Organization, Finns consume more coffee than any other nation in the world. But like everywhere else, coffee consumption in Finland Read More...

four diverse children play and learn in the forest

Forest Schools surge in popularity in the UK

Around 30 years ago, The Forest School movement was introduced to the UK via Scandinavia, a place where a passion for nature and the great outdoors is a deep-seated part of the culture. Now, Forest Schools are experiencing a revival in the UK. According to a 2021 survey by the Forest School Read More...

Plastic on conveyor belt at recycling facility

Scientists develop tech that can separate 12 different types of plastics

Plastic is a much more complex material than you may think. Because it comes in many different types with varied compositions and characteristics, plastic is difficult to separate and recycle at the end of its life. Although, new technology developed by scientists in Denmark may soon change Read More...

Hands cupping soil with worms

How this initiative is helping us worm our way into a greener future

A Nottingham-based initiative called the Urban Worm Community Interest Company (UWC) is helping spur on an urban worm farming movement in the UK that will help the nation deal with waste while simultaneously providing high-grade fertilizer. So far, the enterprise has been granted 50,000 GBP from Read More...

EAV hydrogen-powered eCargo bike

Engineers develop hydrogen-powered eCargo bikes

In recent years, green hydrogen has been identified as an increasingly attractive clean energy source that could help accelerate our transition away from fossil fuels. And while we’ve seen hydrogen-powered trains, planes, and even boats, it seems like bikes have been left behind — that is, Read More...

smiling mixed-race woman stands smiling against a yellow backdrop with a reusable bag full of plant-based groceries

The green living trends experts expect will dominate 2022

Green living and sustainability are at the forefront of many of our minds. This mentality is reflected in the droves of people who over the course of the many lockdowns have: pledged to be green-minded about their transportation options, choose more plant-based milk and food, and change their Read More...

Egg whites whipped into foam with stiff peaks

Scientists use fungus to develop a sustainable alternative to egg whites

Because it contains a lot of protein, egg white powder is among the most common ingredients used in the food industry. Rearing the chickens necessary for sourcing those egg whites, however, has a significant environmental footprint. As demand for egg white powder is only expected to grow in the Read More...