Who is wilt-free? Farmers with organic-rich, water-holding soils, that's who
Long-term success for farmers depends on how they treat their soil, especially as climate change is making rainfall patterns more unreliable. The make-up of soils varies enormously, sometimes from one field to another. Clay, which holds four times as much water as coarse light sand, can be a big Read More...
One chart shows how solar energy growth is skyrocketing compared to predictions
In early 2016, the International Energy Agency (IEA) projected that, starting that year, the world would add just 50 gigawatts of added solar energy capacity per year. And in 2017, solar's growth rate would level out and start to decline. But as one clean energy researcher points out, the Read More...
U.S. cities, companies move forward on climate commitments
In case you missed it, the Trump Administration last week announced that the U.S. would leave the Paris Agreement reached during COP21 in late 2015. And if you’ve really been asleep, then you have missed all the outrage expressed by world governments, NGOs and environmental leaders. The reality, Read More...
The conversation between plants and soil
To a child, soil is just dirt – a home for worms. To a gardener, soil is a collection of organic matter and nutrients. But to plants, soil is a hotbed of chemical activity. And plants don't just observe, they actively participate in this activity. Plants release chemicals into the soil, Read More...
The top 10 states leading the renewable energy revolution in the U.S.
California remains the U.S.’ renewable energy leader, but energy efficiency and renewables are gaining major ground across the country, a new ranking of states and cities shows. Six states now get at least a fifth of their power from non-hydro renewable sources such as wind and solar. The Read More...
Wind rules Scottish energy production, provides 95 percent of electricity
Some Optimist Daily readers write that we dedicate much news space to renewable energy. That’s true. It’s also true that the renewable energy story is possibly the biggest news story of these times. Renewable energy also means a clean environment, no air pollution, better health. The impact Read More...
Electric cars cleaner than any gas-only car for 97 percent of U.S. drivers
Electric cars are clean cars without any tailpipe emissions. Yes, but there’s one caveat: Unless they're charged entirely on renewable energy, there are emissions associated with generating the electricity used to power their batteries. This map shows what fuel efficiency would be necessary for a Read More...
Study: A low-carb diet is key to fighting cancer, heart disease and arthritis
Yet another study shows that reducing carbohydrates (“carbs”) such as bread and pasta, kickstarts your immune system to fight disease. When we digest carbs, we create sugar. That’s vital for energy. However, one of the sugar components, glucose, also interferes with some of the body’s Read More...
Showing your vulnerability makes you stronger
We don’t grow up learning to be vulnerable. To the contrary, most of us try to hide our weaknesses. That’s understandable but also counterproductive. Your greatest strength emerges when you can embrace your weakest and darkest sides. Vulnerability is about being honest with yourself and about Read More...
Can mindfulness reduce fear of labour and postpartum depression?
Many women feel anxious about giving birth. Fear of the unknown and over-sharing by others (“I felt I was ripped apart,” one mother told my antenatal group) can make labour daunting. Being frightened of childbirth can prolong labour – by an average of 47 minutes, but it feels Read More...