March 12, 2021
Today we're talking about how to combat the limitations of gender stereotypes and the world's first flushable, biodegradable pregnancy test. Listen to The Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the Read More...
US on the verge of constructing its first utility-scale offshore wind farm
After three years of planning, it looks like the US is on the verge of constructing its first utility-scale offshore wind farm. The project, called Vineyard Wind, completed its last environmental impact report this week and has received approval from the White House. Once officially approved by the Read More...
5 ways parents can combat the limitations of gender stereotypes
As a nation, the United States has been in an ever-evolving process when it comes to human rights issues such as racism, sexism, and the subject of gender fluidity. While there has been progress made in terms of diversity, inclusivity, and the conceptualization of gender roles, the evidence of our Read More...
GM’s new Li-metal batteries nearly double the capacity of lithium-ion cells
Back in January 2021, General Motors (GM) announced that it will only produce electric vehicles by 2035. If such an announcement from America’s biggest automaker wasn’t encouraging enough for the transition to electric vehicles in the US, GM has followed it up with another big announcement Read More...
New project aims to make the world’s longest hiking trail more accessible
As the longest recreational trail in the world, The Great Trail in Canada has really changed the way Canadians can experience their country’s natural heritage. It officially opened in 2017, after nearly 25 years of planning, to connect 27,000 kilometers of multi-use trails in ways that are safe Read More...
Everyone over age 16 is now eligible for a Covid-19 vaccine in Alaska
If you’ve been waiting for Covid-19 vaccine eligibility and you live in Alaska, we’ve got good news for you. This week, the state became the first to open up vaccine access for anyone over the age of 16. The new vaccination eligibility comes after a successful campaign to inoculate Read More...
Lia is the world’s first flushable, biodegradable pregnancy test
The invention of at-home pregnancy tests was a huge step for reproductive autonomy for women. The ability to detect pregnancy early and discreetly in the privacy of one’s home was revolutionary, but the wasteful plastic design of these test sticks has remained largely unchanged and still leaves Read More...
Root rot: How to treat and prevent this common houseplant killer
Most houseplant ailments are easy to recover from with the right balance of food, water, sunlight, and maybe a new pot, but unfortunately, root rot is tough to overcome for most plants. This condition is usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection that develops when roots are oversaturated. Read More...
Architects in Scotland plan to transform former coal mine into eco-resort
With the green energy revolution making headway and the end of coal coming into view, it seems that we’ll soon be left with many out-of-use coal mines in need of a new purpose. Providing an idea of what we could do with these barren pits, architecture firm Scott Brownrigg has put forward its Read More...
Green sidewalk barriers could help protect pedestrians from air pollution
Reducing air pollution from vehicle exhaust is key, especially when it comes to pedestrians. A new study suggests that redirecting that exhaust away from pedestrians could be one way to prevent them from being exposed to these noxious types of gases. While air pollution associated with Read More...