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This Washington town created its own currency to help locals get by
During the darkest days of the Great Depression, the logging city of Tenino, Washington, created a complimentary wooden currency to help locals survive the economic crisis. Now, almost 90 years later, the town is once again “printing money” on postcard-sized sheets of maple to help locals Read More...
Oaxaca state in Mexico bans sale of junk food to children to curb obesity
Future generations from the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca may steer clear of obesity-related health issues, thanks to a new law passed by state officials, banning the sale of junk food and sugary drinks to children, in an attempt to reduce high obesity and diabetes levels. Oaxaca is the first Read More...
Oakland-based startup is 3D-printing homes in 24 hours
We have previously written about a nonprofit called New Story that was building the world’s first 3D-printed neighborhood for impoverished people in Mexico. Now, we present to you a startup that is taking 3D-printing to another level when it comes to homebuilding. The startup, Mighty Buildings, Read More...
Indigenous people play a key role in preserving vulnerable ecosystems
Environmentalists typically turn to rigorous scientific research to preserve ecosystems, but a recent study shows that grassroots knowledge from Indigenous people can play an equally important role in conservation efforts. The new study from Rutgers University collected more than 300 indicators Read More...
Patagonia’s ReCrafted collection is giving worn-out garments a second life
There’s already something sad about an article of clothing reaching the end of its life. But throwing it away after wearing it for so many times just doesn’t feel right, especially since you know that it will most probably end up in a landfill and pollute the environment. Patagonia is trying Read More...
Meet Caesar, the therapy llama calming tensions at protests
Portland has been in the headlines a lot lately after waves of protests led to clashes between police and activists. But even amongst the intensity of the unrest, there were pockets of calm around “Caesar the No Drama Llama." Caesar is a retired 6-year-old Argentine grand champion show llama Read More...
This initiative builds bamboo bikes so kids in Ghana can get to school
Children in Ghana’s rural areas often have to walk for miles to get to school, an exhausting trip that can impede kids’ learning process, and even prevent some from pursuing an education altogether. A local initiative is aiming to change that by offering bikes made of bamboo to far-flung Read More...
Terminally ill patients given green light to use psilocybin in Canada
After waiting more than 100 days for a response, four terminally ill cancer patients have now been approved to use psilocybin to treat end-of-life distress. These patients will be the first to legally use the psychedelic in Canada for almost half a century following the country’s health minister Read More...
Beirut explosion: 4 things you can do to help the people of Lebanon
At the Optimist Daily, we believe there is always something we can do to help those in need—even if those who need help most are across the world. If you weren’t already aware, the Lebanese capital of Beirut was devastated by a massive explosion that occurred in the city’s port warehouse Read More...
Stranded sailors saved after writing giant SOS in the sand
Watch any film about surviving on a deserted island, and they’ll probably draw the letters “SOS” in a big font on the sand. Many people believe the letters stand for "Save Our Souls" or "Save Our Ship,” but in reality, SOS is just a distinctive Morse code sequence that is not an Read More...