Microgrids could whet the big appetite for clean energy in Texas
They say everything is bigger in Texas. As a leading state focused on renewable energy growth, that statement would appear to be true, but is it? With Texas aggressively lowering its reliance on oil production thanks to advances in renewables, more growth from wind and solar power will require Read More...
Iowa's Largest Utility Eyes 100% Renewable Energy Goal
Iowa is already a wind energy superstar, and now, the state's largest utility is looking to completely transition to renewable energy sources. Des Moines-based MidAmerican Energy, owned by Berkshire Hathaway's Warren Buffett, recently invested $3.6 billion for Read More...
Optimism Is More Than Positive Thinking
Psychologist Elaine Fox believes optimism isn’t a choice, but a habit. She has some advice on how to develop it—because it’s not just good for you, but for everyone else. By Marco Visscher From The Optimist Magazine Fall 2015 It’s the perfect day for a conversation about optimism. Read More...
True Grid
The solution to our overburdened, outdated power grid? One word: microgrids—localized power networks that are cheaper, cleaner and more reliable. What’s not to like? By Greg Nichols From The Optimist Magazine Fall 2015 In late 2000 and early 2001, rolling blackouts swept across California. Read More...
Remaking Work
How to find your inner economy in an outer economy that, more than ever, is willing to let you be you. By Valerie Andrews From The Optimist Magazine Fall 2015 Imagine no more drudgery—just years of doing what you love, stretched out before you. Work is never boring, because it keeps evolving. Read More...
Lessons from the Chinese Warlord
By Rob Hartgers From The Optimist Magazine Fall 2015 The Art of War, by Sun Tzu, is 2,500 years old, but it’s still one of the most widely read books on strategy and leadership. What makes this work so relevant after all these centuries? And what can we learn from it? Henry Kissinger recommended Read More...
Alkaline Water: The Mystery Unraveled
It’s been known for decades that alkaline water has many health benefits. But scientists have long wondered why. Now they know: it’s the hydrogen gas dissolved in the water that acts as a very powerful antioxidant. There’s no one medicine that fits every disease. But there is one that comes Read More...
Stylish shoes from recycled plastic that can be washed over and over again
The shoes from this San Francisco design company are made from woven, recycled plastic that can be washed over and over again. The plastic comes from recycled bottles. When dirty, the shoes can be washed and Read More...
Creating cheap solar cells with an ingredient from a delicious Indian berry
The berries of the Jamun tree are popular in India. The fruit is known for its nutritional and medicinal value. It’s cheap and often sold on pavements and at traffic junctions. But Indian researchers have found a new benefit in the berries: They may be used to make solar panels far less Read More...
Take this Mini with a roof tent on your next road trip
This innovation makes sense but some car company had to be the first to implement it. Introducing the Mini with a roof Read More...