Today’s Solutions: November 02, 2024

Lifestyle

Alongside taking care of other people and the planet, make sure you take good care of yourself. The Lifestyle section at the Optimist Daily has solutions for everyday wellbeing on topics like food, beauty, fashion, and the latest trends. Curious about caring for houseplants, eating plant-based, or parenting tips? It’s all in there.

Mature woman with hearing aid indoors smiling

Have you heard? Over-the-counter hearing aids to become available in the US

Hearing loss is a health condition that many people all over the world grapple with. In the US alone, approximately 30 million Americans have mild to moderate hearing loss. Though the majority of these individuals would benefit from the most common type of hearing aid (called air-conduction Read More...

Engraved low water markings, also known as hunger markings. Recent record low year 2018 is still visible.

Hunger stones, dino tracks, and lost cities; discoveries exposed by drought

The severe droughts that are plaguing many parts of the world are altering life as we know it. Even though the climate crisis and the warming planet may end our civilization, the silver lining is that it's led to the resurfacing of archaeological treasures that may have remained secret Read More...

Woman holding wicker basket with natural eco-friendly zero waste plastic free cleaning items: brushes, rugs, soap, essential oils, spray and sponges at the kitchen. Plastic free home.

8 clever cleaning hacks that are zero waste and toxin-free

When the average person reaches for their cleaning supplies, they are likely opening a cabinet full of plastic spray bottles, solutions, and solvents that employ harsh chemicals to make everything sparkle and shine. However, there are many alternative ways to clean the house without chemicals and Read More...

Rhiannon Giddens performs at The Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island.

The birth of the banjo— part III of True American, a mini-series

The banjo, widely considered a quintessential symbol of the United States (along with square dancing), is an instrument that tends to conjure up images of white rural life in the Appalachian mountains, or memories of the dueling banjos from the 1972 film "Deliverance" or TV shows like "The Beverly Read More...

Woman seamstress cut and repairs old blue jeans

5 simple yet profound ways to make the world a better place today

The word activism can bring up images of aggression and vehemence, but it turns out that activism can be practiced in gentle ways, too. Here are five simple yet radical things anyone can do in their day-to-day lives to make the world a better place. Find joy These days, the simple act of being Read More...

Sugar Free Healthy Lifestyle, sign that says sugar free

Struggling to cut down on sugar? These 4 strategies are sure to help

Are you trying to prioritize your health by committing to a more nutrient-dense diet but, like many others, feel “hooked” on sugar? At times, and especially in the beginning, it may appear impossible to eliminate your sugar cravings. However, with a few helpful strategies, it is possible to eat Read More...

Young woman in yellow raincoat having fun riding a bicycle in Amsterdam city

Study shows: if we biked like the Dutch, global emissions would drop dramatically

A new study from researchers at the University of Southern Denmark has determined what we already knew— cycling is much better for the environment than driving conventional internal combustion vehicles. The study took a look at the bike-loving Dutch, and quantified just how much global carbon Read More...

 The man throws leftover vegetables from the bowl into backyard compost bin.

Queens is soon to rule in the world of composting!

Starting in early October of this year, Queens, New York will proudly be running the nation’s grandest composting program.  The 2.2 million New Yorkers living in Queens will have a weekly pickup service for organic waste. This means that yard debris and food scraps, and food-soiled paper Read More...

The square dancers of today—

The square dancers of today—part II of True American, a mini-series

Last Friday we shared the fascinating history of the square dance in the United States of America. Together, we traced back how it became an emblem of American society that forced so many school kids to endure the often awkward square dancing lessons. Do-si-do anyone? We also discussed the Read More...

Inflation is real! Here are 10 tips to save on groceries as prices go up

Inflation is real! Here are 10 tips to save on groceries as prices go up

As the cost of living continues to soar, many of us are left staring hard at grocery store shelves and willing (in vain) for prices to magically drop. Yes, we’re all feeling the effects of inflation at the moment, especially while trying to cross items off our shopping lists considering that Read More...