Scientists are honing in on a safer, natural alternative to pesticides
Pesticide-free farming would do wonders for the world's declining insect populations, but not all farmers are willing to take the risk of switching to more sustainable farming techniques. In an attempt to create a safer strain of pesticides that will do less harm to the planet, researchers at the Read More...
This artist creates stunning artwork by repurposing discarded fabrics
The beautiful thing about art is that it can inspire us in ways that news articles and public service campaigns cannot. That's why the work of Brooklyn-based textile artist Bisa Butler is so special. What she does is repurpose discarded garments into amazingly intricate quilted tapestries to raise Read More...
Geothermal energy used to be limited to places near volcanoes. Not anymore
Geothermal power is the best of both worlds. It is flexible, like natural-gas power, providing energy whenever needed. And it’s green, like wind and solar power, producing almost no emissions. So, why isn’t everyone using geothermal energy if it’s so good? Places like Iceland and Indonesia Read More...
Smart city tech is getting it’s time to shine in Brooklyn
In Downtown Brooklyn, Fulton Street–the neighborhood’s commercial thoroughfare–is closed to cars. Technically, at least. Fulton is designated as a bus-only street, but around 3,000 cars each month use the corridor illegally. This creates issues for the buses and their 20,000 daily riders, Read More...
An iconic music festival just banned plastic water bottles for good
Britain’s Glastonbury Festival is one of the most iconic music festivals in the world, hosting over 200,000 visitors each year. If you’re old enough to remember, acts like The Kinks, Van Morrison and Felt Kuti all the stage of Glastonbury back in the 1970s. And while it’s always been a Read More...
By 2035, Atlanta will power all its buildings with clean energy
Atlanta is known for many wonderful things, but sustainability is not one of them. In fact, the city currently gets less than 10 percent of its energy from “clean” sources while ranking fourth-worst in the country when it comes to energy affordability. For a city that gets as much sunlight as Read More...
6 tips for losing weight on a budget
If you’re trying to lose weight, there’s no need to spend lavishly on the trendy superfoods you often see online. Sure, buying a coconut matcha latte is a nice healthy treat, but do you need it? No, not really. Should you be looking to lose weight without spending too much dough, the following Read More...
If you can’t avoid flying, choose the airlines trying to cut down on emissions
By avoiding air travel altogether, you’re doing the environment a huge favor. The problem is avoiding airplanes and using alternative forms of transportation isn’t always possible, especially if you have to make it overseas. Still, you can make a difference by traveling with the airlines that Read More...
Emissary Marc M.
EMISSARY BIO NAME: Marc M. FROM: Santa Barbara, CA by way Richland, WA AGE: 77 OCCUPATION / PASSION: Environmental Leader, Lawyer and Educator / Passion: In love with the Earth WHY DID YOU BECOME AN OPTIMIST EMISSARY? In order to join in the important work of the World Business Read More...
Emissary Karol A.
EMISSARY BIO NAME: Karol A. FROM: California and New York AGE: 72 OCCUPATION / PASSION: I am passionate about adding my energy to the awakening of humanity. I produce uplifting inspiring events. WHY DID YOU BECOME AN OPTIMIST EMISSARY? I have always lived on the forefront of the Read More...