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 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...
Scientists create bacteria-killing biodegradable food packaging
A team of scientists from the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore, and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in the US have developed an astounding material: food packaging that is not only biodegradable but antimicrobial as well. This means that the packaging, which is Read More...
The most eco-friendly ways to reuse or recycle your Christmas tree
What should we do with the Christmas tree once the holiday season is over? No matter if your tree is live, recently cut, or artificial, it should be a top priority to consider the greenest way to reuse or recycle the tree for the sake of our environment. Live trees The most environmentally Read More...
This app rewards local shoppers and encourages community building
The city of Akron, Ohio, launched a program designed to help support the local businesses that have been hit hard by the pandemic and encourage a more circular economy. The program rewards shoppers for shopping locally through a city-sponsored app called Akronite, from which shoppers receive Read More...
Why hiking is good for your brain
Hiking has gained popularity during the pandemic as a safe way to get outside and stay active. Hiking lets you take in the beauty of nature in your community and it has many health benefits, especially for your brain. Today we share a few of them to encourage you to get outside and get Read More...