Today’s Solutions: November 15, 2024

Politics

Having a difficult time finding positive news about national and global politics? Search no further! From public policy to positive leadership to democracy efforts, find the latest good news stories in the world of politics at The Optimist Daily.

someone picks up littered cigarette butts on the beach

This recycling program in Catalonia aims to rid streets and beaches of cigarette butts 

The Catalan government has launched a clever plan to rid their streets and beaches of cigarette butts. As an added plus, the plan has provided a small source of income for the homeless. According to the environmental organization Ocean Conservancy, cigarette butts are the most plentiful type of Read More...

The ruins of Taormina Theater at sunset in Sicily.

Sicily invests €10.8 million economic stimulus into film and TV

Recent events have taken their toll on the global economy, however, there are numerous creative solutions to solve this problem. In Sicily, their approach is investing in the arts, a neglected sector during the Pandemic. The island has recently unveiled its €10.8 million ($11.6 million) fund Read More...

Drinking Water

Massachusetts sues 15 companies for contaminating drinking water with PFAs

Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have become a widespread health concern. These forever chemicals have been linked to thyroid disease, kidney damage, and certain cancers. They take a very long time to break down in the environment, and many manufacturers knew about the risks but still Read More...

Auckland, New Zealand skyline

New Zealand announces plan to help families buy greener cars

While most of us know the long-term environmental and economic benefits of switching from a gasoline-powered car to a cleaner hybrid or electric vehicle, the upfront costs of making such a change can make it difficult for many to actually make the swap. That’s why New Zealand’s Prime Read More...

Video Game Union

Activision Blizzard workers vote in industry’s first union

Video game makers may create and sell fun-filled entertainment products, but Activision Blizzard has been bogged down in suits and bad press for unfair working conditions. The makers of games like Overwatch and Call of Duty are accused particularly of fostering a “frat boy” culture where sexual Read More...

British Farm

UK bill could fast-track gene-editing and improve food security

As we deduce more about the future with the changing climate, it becomes clear that secure and reliable food production will be a challenge. Gene-edited products could be a big help in making climate-resilient crops and securing our food supply.  A bill on genetic technologies before the UK Read More...

Pickup truck city

Washington DC proposes charging higher fees for bigger trucks

Large pickup trucks’ popularity keeps growing in the United States and not just for hauling. Bigger and bulkier trucks are often used as normal cars, even new heavy-duty models like the Ford F-250 which gets 15 miles per gallon and is almost two feet taller than an average sedan. Not only do Read More...

Talking to kids

How you can talk to students about returning to school

For students and teachers traumatized by a shooting at their school, or other students and teachers rocked by the news of American school shootings, it can be difficult, even disturbing to return to school. For the concerned parents of worried students, we thought it was important to share the Read More...

Same-sex couple in bedroom with their child.

Colorado law gives LBGTQ+ parents rightful custody over their children

The “Marlo Law” has just been signed by gay Colorado Governor Jared Polis to resolve an unfair legal issue that previously denied same-sex parents legal custody over their own children. The bill was named after Colorado House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar’s child. Esgar gave birth to Marlo Read More...

Dance Therapy

Dance the cough away: how Kyrgyzstan folk dance treats COPD

Chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD) is a very common and also treatable lung disease that can be caused by pollution and smoking. It is preventable, and there are many medications for it, but some medical professionals believe that this doesn’t go far enough to treat the Read More...