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.
Cheetahs to be reintroduced into India after more than 70 years
The population of cheetahs in India once numbered in the tens of thousands. But following the animal’s extensive capture, the graceful feline eventually became extinct in 1952. Seventy years later, the world’s fastest land animal is now expected to make a comeback in the South Asian Read More...
Study: Scientists successfully distinguish zoo animals from airborne DNA
Earlier last year, a team of scientists demonstrated that animal DNA can be collected from the air — a breakthrough expected to significantly improve conservation efforts, and even potentially revolutionize forensics and epidemiology. Now, scientists decided to take it a step further by Read More...
European cities could see a lot less cars on the roads in the near future
As local governments are finally coming to the realization that prioritizing cycling and walking over driving can tremendously benefit their residents, many are considering implementing permanent policies to tackle car-centric city development. In a bid to accelerate the adoption of such policies, Read More...
Modular facade can be installed onto old buildings to cut their emissions
Heating and cooling our buildings comes with a hefty environmental footprint. In the US alone, heating and cooling systems account for 38 percent of greenhouse gas emissions of residential housing. Coming up with more sustainable ways to maintain a favorable temperature within our homes is thus key Read More...
Saving America’s citrus fruits
Citrus Greening Disease Citrus Greening Disease, or Huanglongbing (HLB), is a life threatening plant disease that has already destroyed many of Florida's crops and is on its way to ruining California’s also. Asain citrus psyllids are the tiny culprits causing the disease by transmitting deadly Read More...
All you need to know about winter bird feeders
As the planet warms, we are experiencing shifts in weather patterns that are downright bizarre. Even people who are fortunate enough to not have been directly hit by extreme natural events like catastrophic floods, droughts, or forest fires will still have to adjust in some way. For instance, Read More...
Reduce home food waste part I: The pantry
Most of us have probably caught on by now: food waste is not a good thing for our wallets or our world. As reported by the National Resources Defense Council, the average American family of four chucks out $1,500 worth of food annually—but according to the experts, you can help improve this dire Read More...
Mexico’s tequila fish brought back from the brink of extinction
Mexico’s tiny tequila splitfin fish was once a common inhabitant in the country’s Teuchitlán river in the western part of the country. But due to the combined effects of water pollution, invasive fish species, and over-extraction of water resources, the small fish became extinct in the wild. Read More...
Reduce home food waste part II: The fridge
Food waste continues to be a huge problem all over the world. Luckily, according to the experts, you can help improve the global food waste situation in your own home with just a little bit of re-organization. Below, you’ll find organizational tips from nutrition experts and foodies that will Read More...
French ban on plastic packaging for most fruit and veg comes into force
A few months ago, we wrote about France’s ambitious plan to phase out single-use plastic packaging. On January 1st, that ban went into effect, paving the way for more sustainable and ethical consumption habits among its citizens. As part of the ban, about 30 varieties of fruit and vegetables, Read More...