Two new innovations allow solar cells to harness more light
Solar cells work by absorbing light waves, harnessing the photons' energy to knock electrons off of atoms, thereby generating electricity. Here's the thing, though: different light waves have different levels of energy, and current solar cells can't use low-frequency wavelengths of Read More...
After 250 years, the Esselen tribe has reclaimed their homelands
In 1770, the people of the Esselen Tribe of northern California were forcibly removed from their lands and brought to Spanish missions. But now, after more than 250 years, the Esselen tribe is landless no more. This week, the Esselen tribe finalized the purchase of a 1,200-acre ranch near Big Read More...
41 US states show emission cuts and GDP growth go hand in hand
Economic prosperity and environmental preservation are often portrayed as mutually exclusive goals. But do we really have to choose between financial health and a healthy planet for future generations? Research from 41 states across the US says no. Research from the World Resources Institute Read More...
Scientists mix old tires and construction waste to make sustainable roads
Construction, renovation, and demolition account for about half the waste produced annually worldwide, while around 1 billion scrap tires are generated globally each year. The two issues may not seem to have a direct link with one another, but scientists in Australia have blended the two sources of Read More...
Study: Lifestyle changes could delay or prevent 40% of dementia cases
Excessive drinking, exposure to air pollution, and head injuries all increase dementia risk, experts say in a report revealing that up to 40% of dementia cases worldwide could be delayed or prevented by addressing 12 such lifestyle factors. This may not sound positive on the outset, but what the Read More...
New Zealand passes historic bill to ensure pay equity between men and women
In 2017, New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern promised to fix legislation aimed at addressing historic inequalities in pay for women. Following up on her promise, the country’s parliament has unanimously passed an Equal Pay Amendment Bill that ensures workers are not paid less because Read More...
Thought Leader Series: A workforce reimagined with Lynne Oldham
We’ve recently shared stories about old jeans becoming new pairs of pants and bricks made from old construction waste. We are so eager to give old materials a second chance in the circular economy, but count out our citizens after one criminal conviction. In this week’s Thought Leader Series, Read More...
Why digital agriculture investments are critical in Africa
Although Africa has registered only three percent of the world’s COVID-19 cases, the continent is feeling the economic impacts of the pandemic more heavily than those of the disease. Investment in digital resources, especially in the agricultural sector, will be key for Africa’s recovery from Read More...
July 30, 2020
The Optimist Daily Update with Summers McKay & Kristy Jansen - Your weekday update from The Optimist Daily featuring discussions of our top positive news solutions from independent, reader-funded, journalists. Today's Update includes how the humble pine needle could clean India's polluted water and Read More...
July 30, 2020
The Optimist Daily Update with Summers McKay & Kristy Jansen - Your weekday update from The Optimist Daily featuring discussions of our top positive news solutions from independent, reader-funded, journalists. Today's Update includes how the humble pine needle could clean India's polluted water and Read More...