Today’s Solutions: December 16, 2025

Evergreen

Bus under live oaks in Florida street

These 17 “super trees” make cities vastly more livable

Creating more green space in urban areas is a highly effective way to lower temperatures and improve health outcomes during heat waves, but when it comes to tree planting in cities, not all trees are created equal. Research from Rice University finds that 17 “super trees” are most powerful in Read More...

Ethnic woman nervously looks at her phone

How to cancel plans last minute in the least offensive way possible

We all have those weeks where we jam pack our schedule with plans and responsibilities, only to come to the day realizing you don't have enough energy, time, or money to realistically follow through. If you can relate to this awkward situation and have struggled with how you should cancel plans Read More...

Father and daughter plant a tree together

Every Welsh household gets a free tree to help tackle climate emergency

The Welsh government has come up with a £2 million scheme to help tackle the climate emergency that will give a tree to every household in the country. This adds up to approximately 1.3 million newly planted trees. People can choose tree species that are native to their region, but if they Read More...

Everything you need to know ab

Everything you need to know about tea tree oil

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Essential oil aficionados have long touted the many benefits of tea tree oil. On top of giving off a clean and calming scent for your home, tea tree oil can be a wonderful treatment for your skin and hair. Here are some things you should know about tea tree Read More...

European wild bison grazing in Romania

Bison return to Romania after more than two centuries

After 200 years of absence, the bison is once again a proud resident of Romania’s Carpathian Mountains. Though a less common sight than it was a few hundred years ago, the majestic animal is now making a determined comeback to the country’s wilderness, thanks to long-term conservation Read More...

Bumblebee sat on a purple thistle for pollen and nectar.

Bumblebees help solidify the link between microbiome and memory

The term 'microbiome' has been thrown around a lot over the past few years with many studies and health companies finding that a healthy gut balance can decrease your risk of cancer, clear up your skin, and improve mental health, just to name a few. Memory and the microbiome Recently, a study Read More...

Apple cider vinegar on table next to apple

Need a mood boost? Consider drinking apple cider vinegar

Need a mood boost? Consider drinking apple cider vinegar Vinegar’s effect on mood A team of researchers from Arizona State University had already studied the positive effects of drinking red wine vinegar on blood sugar balance, and so decided to continue investigating whether vinegar also plays Read More...

popcorn

Popcorn may be the next sustainable building material

Popcorn is more than just a tasty snack to munch on while at the movies—it may soon be widely used as a natural and eco-friendly alternative to man made home insulation. Scientists at Göttingen University in Germany have discovered that popcorn insulation boards had “excellent thermal Read More...

Planners reimagine former coal

Planners reimagine former coal power plant into a 15-minute neighborhood

As countries around the world make net-zero pledges in a bid to tackle climate change, many are phasing out coal as part of their green energy transition. This means that there’s an increasing need to find new uses for former or soon-to-retire coal plants. With that said, there are already a few Read More...

Teens sit in circle during class discussion

7 Reasons to sign your teen up for Model UN

Following the United Nations climate summit in Glasgow, your child may be asking some questions about what exactly the UN is and how they can get involved in advocating for a better world through diplomacy. Fortunately, Model UN (MUN) programs in school are a perfect place for young adults to get Read More...