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.
New York City moves away from natural gas in new buildings
As cities scramble to meet their ambitious emissions reduction goals, local governments are increasingly looking to shift from fossil fuels to cleaner forms of energy. New York City, for example, has become the latest major city to ban the use of natural gas in new buildings, reports Reuters. As Read More...
These designers in Thailand are turning elephant dung into bricks
Here at The Optimist Daily, we’re always keen on celebrating the advent of circularity into different sectors of the economy. With that said, we would like to share with you a recent innovative circular solution that uses animal waste to help make the construction industry more Read More...
Here are 8 eco-friendly options for your New Year’s Resolutions
If you’re still struggling to figure out what to set as your resolution for the New Year, it may be worth considering a resolution that includes the wellbeing of the environment! In the past 50 years, humanity has more than doubled the consumption of natural resources, which will have (and Read More...
6 ways to maintain mental health during unpredictability
It’s now 2022, and the world is still reeling from the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The global crisis has taught us many lessons, one of them being the importance of resilience and maintaining our mental health, especially in exceptional circumstances. Here are six practices that will help you Read More...
The secret symmetry of pearls revealed
Pearls are created when an irritant, such as a grain of sand or debris, gets trapped inside a mollusk. As protection, a smooth layer of mineral and protein called nacre forms around it. Humans have been fascinated by these iridescent beauties since we first discovered them thousands of years ago. Read More...
These basic recycling rules apply no matter where you live
We all want to recycle as much as possible to reduce waste and encourage circularity, but it can be confusing to know what exactly is recyclable as the rules vary from country to country and even city to city. Fortunately, there are a few basic recycling rules that apply no matter where you Read More...
New Jersey is first eastern state to start phasing out diesel powered trucks
In the latter half of December 2021, New Jersey became the first east coast state to begin the process of phasing out diesel-powered trucks (meaning anything bigger than a delivery van). The plan, which is based on California’s Advanced Clean Trucks rule (ACT), is expected to roll out in 2025 and Read More...
Tips for designing an accessible garden
We’ve shared several articles touting the great and plentiful benefits of gardening; however, many gardens aren’t designed with accessibility in mind. This means that individuals with mobility issues or a form of disability will not be able to enjoy the space. Here are a few tips on how you Read More...
Turning waste into musical instruments for disadvantaged youths
In Spain, a creative social project aims to improve the lives of children from disadvantaged backgrounds through music, education, and recycling. The initiative, called Music for Recycling, involves an inventive orchestra that brings together youths from deprived homes, who play with instruments Read More...
Four New Year’s resolutions that benefit you and the planet
New Year’s resolutions tend to focus on how we can better ourselves for the year ahead, but what if we broadened the scope of our resolutions to include our communities and the planet? Although unconventional, expanding your resolutions will make them more impactful and could even help you to Read More...