The Optimist Today
How Facebook is using AI to improve crisis relief in Africa
When you know where people live, it’s a whole lot easier to provide people with aid. The problem is in Africa, truly detailed population maps are basically non-existent. Now Facebook is creating AI-based ultra-detailed population density maps that cover the “majority” of Africa, helping Read More...
Your most basic household products will soon be available in reusable containers
While many of us may want to reduce our consumption of single use plastics, it can be difficult to do so due to the lack of reusable packaging options at conventional grocery stores. The New Jersey based company, TerraCycle, is looking to change this. The company, started by young entrepreneur Tom Read More...
Los Angeles gangs unite for the biggest peace rally since the 1992 LA riots
It is often in the grimmest of times when tragedy has struck that our shared humanity emerges—that we start to show the real love and support we have for each other that isn’t always plain to see in everyday life. What has been happening in Los Angeles this week is a moving example of this. Read More...
To nap, or not to nap? Here’s what the experts have to say
Everyone loves a good nap. There’s even an unofficial American holiday dedicated to naps (the Monday after Daylight Savings Time goes into effect is National Nap Day). Still, while a nap can feel really good, it can be hard to tell if they are actually good for you. Perhaps you may have Read More...
Scientists have discovered (and climbed) the world’s tallest tropical tree
Here’s another reminder of why nature is so amazing. In the midst of the Borneo rainforest in Malaysia, scientists have discovered a behemoth of a tree, measuring more than 100 meters (328ft) tall. The lofty yellow meranti, as it’s known, is so long that if it were laid along the ground, it Read More...
The New York Yankees just signed onto the Paris Climate Agreement
We know you don’t subscribe to us just to updates about baseball, but here’s some news actually worth discussing: The New York Yankees, arguably the most despised team in America, has just made themselves a little more lovable after becoming the first and only baseball team in the world to Read More...
How universal basic income can create more trust amongst the people
In February, the first report came out from Finland’s groundbreaking experiment in universal basic income, which gave 560 euros to 2,000 randomly selected unemployed people. The report showed receiving free money made recipients happier without making them any less likely to join the workforce. Read More...
South Korea could teach us a thing or two about cutting down on food waste
What was once a city where foul-smelling landfills loomed over entire neighborhoods is now one of the cleanest cities on the planet. The city we're talking about is South Korea's capital, Seoul, which managed to clean up its streets thanks in part to one of the most rigorous food waste recycling Read More...
These 9 natural remedies will help you soothe an upset stomach
No matter what the root cause—a bug, food sensitivity, stomach flu, stress, food allergies, constipation, morning sickness, or something else that’s ailing you—when you have an upset stomach, you want it to stop hurting and fast. Although there’s no silver bullet to soothe a stomachache, Read More...
Women are scoring important economic wins to close the gender-pay gap in America
In a capitalist society that values money above anything else, where the money goes defines who is in charge and who calls the shots. That’s only a part of the reason why it’s beyond time that the vast gender-pay gap in America comes to a close. Bob Hennelly, a writer for Salon, senses that Read More...