Today’s Solutions: December 21, 2024

Evergreen

How to handle unwelcome food a

How to handle unwelcome food and body comments during the holidays this year

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The holiday season is a time for joy, connection, and—of course—great food. But for many, family gatherings can feel like navigating a social minefield, especially when unsolicited comments about food and body size start flying. Whether it’s a Read More...

Pakistan’s surge in sola

Pakistan's surge in solar may be a promising solution to blackouts

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Pakistan has quietly emerged as an unexpected global leader in solar energy adoption. By 2024, the country is forecast to add an amazing 17 gigawatts (GW) of solar power, accounting for more than a third of its production capacity. This quick rise has Read More...

TikTok’s ban on beauty f

TikTok's ban on beauty filters for teens is a step toward safer social media

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In an era where social media often sets the tone for beauty standards, TikTok’s decision to restrict beauty filters for under-18s signals a significant shift. Teenagers will soon be unable to use filters that artificially enlarge eyes, plump lips, or smooth Read More...

HPV vaccination shows promise

HPV vaccination shows promise in reducing cervical cancer deaths among young women

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Cervical cancer fatalities among young women in the United States have dropped dramatically, marking a significant public health breakthrough. A new study, published in JAMA on the 27th of November, found that mortality rates for women under the age of 25 Read More...

Canadian project addresses glo

Canadian project addresses global insect crisis

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Insects, the often-overlooked building blocks of our ecosystems, are disappearing at an alarming rate. "Of all the mass extinctions we have experienced in the past, the one affecting insects is happening a thousand times faster," cautions Maxim Larrivée, Read More...

Tis the season of joy…and s

Tis the season of joy…and stress: 4 simple steps to avoid burnout over the holidays

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The holidays are a time for family, friends, and food, which means we'll bask in love and happiness. But all of this celebration and togetherness also often comes with an uptick in stress, chaos, and exhaustion. If this feels familiar, you're not alone. Read More...

How Minnesota’s Sherco Solar

How Minnesota’s Sherco Solar is leading a clean energy revolution

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The biggest coal plant in Minnesota is going through a major makeover. The Sherburne County Generating Station, known as Sherco, is transitioning from a coal-fired legacy to a renewable energy hub. Sherco Solar, owned by Xcel Energy and currently in the Read More...

Changemakers of the week: Lagu

Changemakers of the week: Laguna Food Pantry and The Rama Tree Foundation

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Every day at The Optimist Daily, we share stories of solutions from around the globe. While we celebrate innovations of all sizes, those born within our local communities often leave the deepest mark. That’s why, leading up to Thanksgiving this year, Read More...

Investigating when our bodies

Investigating when our bodies change the fastest and why it matters

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Aging might seem like a slow, steady march, but science suggests otherwise. If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, "When did I get older overnight?", there’s a good chance you weren’t imagining it. Researchers have found that human aging Read More...

Stronger concrete, cleaner lan

Stronger concrete, cleaner landfills—how scrap carpet fibers are reinventing construction

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Concrete is the foundation of modern civilization, but its notorious tendency to crack isn’t just a construction headache—it’s a multi-billion-dollar problem. In Australia alone, repairing cracks in reinforced concrete structures costs a staggering $8 Read More...