4 tips for dealing with negative thinking when the world seems doomed
Whether you’re wringing your hands over the unpredictability of Trump or Brexit, or distracted by anxiety towards your relationship, there’s nothing fun about being plagued by negative thoughts. A recent survey by Harris Poll for the American Psychological Association showed that the divisive Read More...
These bacteria clean water while generating electricity
At The Optimist Daily, we know that nature is the leading provider of solutions to human problems. Here’s one more. Across the planet, a lot of water is poisoned with heavy metals. The good news is that there are bacteria who love iron, lead, and mercury. And researchers have now modified these Read More...
Packaging from leftover bamboo to cut down trash in Thailand
Trash is a problem in many developing countries where environmental regulations trail economic development. But the problem of trash can also provide an economic opportunity. This company in Thailand has developed packaging made from the leftover scraps of bamboo chopstick manufacturing. The Read More...
Farmers respond to climate change but don’t talk about it
Talking about climate change is almost politically incorrect in Washington D.C. these days. But farmers in red—Republican—states are responding to the impact of global warming nonetheless. “If politicians want to exhaust themselves debating the climate, that’s their choice,” says one Read More...
Air pollution is finally getting the attention it deserves
“Air pollution” is never written as the cause on death certificates. If it were, it would be the biggest killer in the world. Air pollution causes 6.5 million early deaths a year. That is double the number of people lost to Aids, tuberculosis, and malaria combined, and four times the number Read More...
You can’t stop thinking, but you can be more present
Many people get frustrated with meditation as they can’t stop thinking. But it is impossible to silence our mind. Our eyes cannot not see. Your ears cannot not hear. In the same way, it’s human to have thoughts. When you try to stop your mind, you are doing the impossible. A quiet mind is not a Read More...
On this Valentine’s Day, thank microbes
This Valentine’s Day, as you bask in the beauty of your beloved, don’t just thank his or her genes and your good fortune; thank microbes. Research on the microbes that inhabit our bodies has progressed rapidly in recent years. Scientists think that these communities, most of which live in the Read More...
Beer hops beneficial to honey bees
Colony collapse disorder (CCD) of honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies reached all-time highs throughout the US between 2007 through 2009. Though several factors have been linked to CCD, varroa mites (Varroa destructor) remain as a major pest of honey bees throughout the world, often forcing Read More...
Latin America leads the way in clean energy
Latin America is poised to take on a leading role on climate change and renewable energy in the global arena in 2017. The enormous potential and rapid spread of renewable energy in the region has fueled hope of a global transition to a low-carbon economy. The added bonus: an economic opportunity Read More...
Jimmy Carter sets example for President Trump with new solar farm
In 1979, President Jimmy Carter installed 32 solar panels on the White House to show the world what producing clean energy looks like. Now, more than 35 years later, the former president has developed a new solar farm in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. The solar farm includes 3,852 panels and will Read More...