Policy choices tied to lower poverty rates in 2021
We’ve written about the impact of stimulus checks during the pandemic, but the US also responded with additional measures like raising food stamps benefits, barring eviction, and offering financial support to small businesses. It looks like this policy choice paid off; poverty in 2021 is Read More...
Texas A&M launches center for insect farming research
Eating crickets for breakfast may sound unconventional, but this unlikely ingredient could potentially provide protein-rich food to the millions currently lacking it. We’ve written before about the environmental and dietary benefits of insect protein. Now, Texas A&M AgriLife Research has Read More...
5 Tips for being the best dad ever, even after separation or divorce
When parents separate, dads tend to get a worse parenting rep than moms do, even when they want to continue parenting as best as they can. Yes, it can be difficult to be a good parent when going through a tough time—breakups, especially those that involve ongoing conflicts with an ex-partner, Read More...
Free education takes Congolese kids out of mines and into the classroom
According to the United Nations Children’s Fund UNICEF, six million children (approximately one in four) were not attending school in 2018. To address this, the following year, the Democratic Republic of Congo became one of the last countries in the world to finally introduce free primary Read More...
Automated aircraft towing tech aims to save fuel and cut emissions
Airlines consume billions of gallons of jet fuel every year to transport passengers around the world. About five percent of that fuel is used on the ground, as airliners have to run their jet engines to taxi along the runway, generating a lot of carbon emissions in the process. A novel in-ground Read More...
Scotland to provide free bikes to kids in need
We at The Optimist Daily are big fans of cycling—it’s good for your mental and physical health, and it’s a better mode of transportation for our planet. So, it’s no surprise that we are happy to report that the Scottish government is planning on releasing six pilot schemes that will Read More...
Rediscovery of endangered Hawaiian bird brings hope for its population
The Kiwkiu, also known as the Maui Parrotbill, was once a common sight on the Hawaiian islands of Maui and Moloka’i. But as a result of human activity, feral pigs, wildcats, and mosquito-transmitted diseases, the golden, thick-billed bird’s population dwindled to around 150. In a bid to Read More...
Celebrate the National Parks Service’s birthday with free admissions
Today, August 25, 2021, marks the 105th birthday of the National Parks Service (NPS), and to celebrate, the NPS is offering free admission to all 423 US National Parks, including trails and monuments, spanning 50 states as well as American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. 105 Read More...
This device combines solar and human energy to generate electricity
An average person creates 100 to 150 watts of power while riding a stationary bike. That energy, however, usually remains untapped, causing users to miss out on a great opportunity to generate their own green electricity. In fact, by harnessing the biomechanical power generated by a stationary Read More...
August 24, 2021
How often during your day are you surrounded by silence? Today we're talking about the value of quiet time and why bats might be more similar to us than we thought. Listen to The Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the Read More...