Greenland permanently bans all oil and gas exploration
In exciting news for the planet and environmentalists, Greenland has announced it is permanently halting all new oil and gas exploration in the country. Despite the recent discovery of potentially significant oil reserves off the island's east coast, the country's government says the costs for Read More...
Washington State bans use of for-profit detention facilities
A few months ago, we reported on a federal initiative to discontinue the use of privately-run for-profit prisons. It turns out Washington State is taking its own steps to halt the use of these unjust institutions with a new bill, approved by the governor, that bans for-profit detention centers in Read More...
New Zealand approves paid leave for miscarriage
Led by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand has spearheaded progressive women’s rights policies with free menstrual products in schools and landmark pay equity laws. Now, the country is expanding upon its public health policies surrounding reproductive rights and has unanimously approved a Read More...
One ambitious crew is bringing carbon-neutral shipping to the Hudson River
Many conscious consumers choose to limit their online shopping to reduce their personal footprint, but entrepreneur Sam Merrett is taking sustainable commerce to a new level. After purchasing a 64-foot steel-hulled sailboat on Craigslist in 2015, he launched a “clean shipping” venture which Read More...
Study: Diverse corporate boards see lower risk and high return on equity
Earlier this year, we wrote an Optimist View about the value of investing in diversity. Now, there’s even more research to back the benefits of inclusion. A new report by BofA Global Research found that S&P 500 companies that are more diverse and inclusive see better performance and lower Read More...
IKEA’s buy back and resell program has launched in select US stores
Last year, Swedish furniture company IKEA announced plans to launch a “Buy Back & Resell” program as part of their plan to reduce waste and become carbon neutral by 2020. After successful trials of the buy-back program in Europe, the sustainable initiative is officially coming to select US Read More...
This thrift store provides clothing specifically for the transgender community
Jacob Nash was inspired to open his thrift store, Margie’s Closet after a good friend asked if he knew anywhere they could donate clothes specifically for the transgender community. Realizing such a place didn’t exist, Nash started one of his own. Located in Ohio, Margie’s Closet is the Read More...
For Gen Z, climate careers are the clear path to success
For many Gen Z students contemplating their future careers, the answer is clear: addressing the climate crisis. Multiple surveys have found that overwhelming numbers of students and professionals under 25 are pursuing environmental-related degrees and careers. This shift in career aspirations Read More...
3 Strategies to dodge remote work burnout
The pandemic has forced many of us to adjust to working remotely, which has its benefits, but also comes with its unique obstacles. One of the most obvious is the lack of physical delineation between personal and professional life, which hinders workers from effectively separating themselves Read More...
These Minnesota solar farms go beyond green energy production
Global renewables company Enel Green Power has installed 16 solar farms across Minnesota, but their arrays look a little different than others you find across the US. Instead of bare earth or gravel beneath the panels, you can find pollinator-friendly plants and grazing sheep. Recognizing the Read More...