The power of forgiveness: How to let go of an emotional burden
Learning to forgive doesn't always come easy, and it's a patient and tender process. Many times, forgiveness can feel more like a weakness than an act of courage and strength. But in reality, it can be one of the most powerful things you can do. What is forgiveness?: In simple terms, Read More...
Eau de Space: NASA-designed perfume smells like outer space
You’ll never get a whiff of it directly — but astronauts have long said that space leaves a distinctive residual smell on their suits. Though it varies with the teller, some say it evokes gunpowder, burned meat, and even raspberries. “At first I couldn’t quite place it,” former ISS Read More...
These water-filled windows can cool and heat buildings more sustainably
Given the thermal shortcomings of glass, windows can significantly undermine the sustainability of a building. Most conventional windows allow heat to escape during cold weather, increasing heating costs, while, during hot weather, they allow sunlight to stream in, thus driving up the use of Read More...
COVID testing has become less painful and safer for healthcare workers
If you haven’t been tested for COVID-19 yet, chances are you will be at some point this year. Luckily though, the experience now may be more pleasant than the first tests, which are not only deeply uncomfortable but also added to the early problems of testing. The first tests involved a Read More...
Drones light up the sky in Seoul to remind South Koreans to stay safe
Not long ago we wrote about how a group of artists in Rotterdam have put up a breathtaking light show using drones, as a means to thank healthcare workers for their heroic efforts in the fight against the pandemic. A similarly spectacular showcase happened recently in the South Korean capital of Read More...
12 steps for cultivating backyard permaculture
Have you always wanted to have your own garden but thought you didn’t have enough room? Think again. With permaculture, you can have sustainability and self-reliance by creating managed ecosystems in your yard, no matter how small. In this story shared with us by an Optimist Daily Emissary, Read More...
‘Million-mile’ EV batteries are near. The impact could be massive.
Electric vehicles (EVs) have a clear environmental advantage over their gas-guzzling counterparts, but when it comes to longevity, the two are in dead heat. Two hundred thousand miles is considered a good, long run for a car built today, regardless of whether it’s powered by a lithium battery Read More...
The tech workforce is mostly white and male. These groups are changing that
The tech industry is one of the largest sources of wealth generation in the United States. It’s also 68 percent white and 65 percent male. As we work to build a more inclusive economy after the pandemic, the Optimist Daily is spotlighting movements that seek to provide opportunities to Read More...
"Anthropause": 2020 has been a great year for conservation on our roadways
Among its disastrous effects on human populations, the pandemic has offered some reprieve for the environment. We discussed how quieter cities contributed to thriving bear populations in Yosemite and blue whale gatherings off the coast of San Francisco. Although not as glamorous as other areas of Read More...
July 7, 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. Do you know what gleaning is? Find out more about that and Vermont's new composting law Read More...