When the national parks were set up in the 2nd half of the 1800s they faced strong opposition—many policy makers couldn’t understand how undeveloped areas would make money. Fast-forward to our times and the US National Park system is as lucrative as any business model. In 2013 alone the National Parks generated $26.5 billion in economic activity, and visitors spent $14.6 billion on trips to national parks, all the while supporting jobs that employed 240,000 people.
Green spaces bring in big bucks for US
More of Today's Solutions
This radio station plays ethereal ambient music made by trees
Silent tree activity, like photosynthesis and the absorption and evaporation of water, produces a small voltage in the leaves. In a bid to encourage ...
Read MoreCanada outlines plan to ban single-use plastic
Canada has now become a world leader in environmental policy. On Monday, it laid out its final plans and regulations on how it intends ...
Read MoreArchitects embrace trees to bring nature in and redefine home design
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Biophilic design—the practice of integrating nature into architecture—is no longer confined to houseplants and scenic views. Architects and ...
Read MoreWhy Icelanders are getting happier every year – and what we can learn from them
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a world where happiness in so many places is slowly declining, Iceland is going against the grain. ...
Read More
