The science behind the pumpkin spice latte
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM It’s pumpkin spice latte season, and whether you love or hate this classic festive beverage, you can’t deny that there is a nostalgic power to its sweet brew. To explore why exactly we love pumpkin spice so much, a pair of perception researchers from John Read More...
Sustainable renovation tips from an interior designer
If you’re thinking of giving your interior space a facelift before heading into the winter season but want to go about it in the most eco-friendly way possible, Toronto-based interior designer Rebecca Hay has some inspirational home design ideas that prioritize style and sustainability. Reduce, Read More...
Newly discovered spooky parasite eats and replaces fish tongues
If creepy crawlies and frightening monsters are your thing, then we’ve got a story for you. Officials at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department have discovered a peculiar parasite just in time for Halloween. The parasite doesn’t just feast on fish’s tongues—it replaces it and continues Read More...
Drivers in Barcelona can exchange their old car for a free transit pass
With governments racing to meet their climate targets, many of them have been particularly attentive to the transportation sector, where reducing emissions can have a huge impact. In that vein, there is an increasing number of initiatives looking to move people away from cars and towards cleaner Read More...
How to make a homemade bathroom air freshening spray
Nobody likes a stinky bathroom, but it’s especially unpleasant in the winter when it’s too cold to open the windows and air things out. Store bought air freshening sprays can help, but these can be costly and often contain toxic ingredients. Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to make a DIY version Read More...
Dutch pension giant ABP to divest from fossil fuel producers
Motivated by recent climate reports by the United Nations and International Energy Agency, the Netherlands’ biggest pension fund, the ABP fund, has announced that it will divest from companies that produce fossil fuels. The change, which many of the members of the fund were demanding, was Read More...
Research yields surprising discovery about the benefits of green tea
Green tea has been shown to reduce the risks of chronic illness, and it is a common healthy staple in many cultures around the world. Researchers previously thought this tea’s benefits came from its antioxidants, which prevent oxidative stress by capturing free radicals, but a new study from ETH Read More...
5 Easy ways to up your daily water intake
Drinking water throughout the day is essential for our overall health and energy levels—however, many of us struggle with our H2O intake. According to nutritionist Lauren Slayton, when she presses clients about their water consumption, they often admit that they “don’t drink enough,” and Read More...
Stuck indoors? Here are 7 ways to introduce more nature into your routine
We all know that spending time in nature is good for our physical and mental health, but between work and family commitments, it can be tough to find time in your day to soak in the great outdoors. Fortunately, there are simple ways you can work more nature into your life each and every day. Here Read More...
Warren Buffett’s secret to success? Optimism
We’re all probably familiar with Warren Buffett for his financial success, but money doesn’t necessarily buy happiness. So what does one of America’s richest businessmen credit as the key to happiness? Optimism. Buffett is well known for his optimism, but data science consultant Michael Read More...