Today’s Solutions: July 12, 2026

Business

Looking for positive and inspiring business stories? From green operations to employee rights, from innovative corporate structures to diversity and inclusion, the Business section at The Optimist Daily has got the latest innovative solutions from the corporate sector.

Keep your household out of the

Keep your household out of the US-China trade war and stop buying new stuff

The so-called trade war taking place between the US and China will cost the average US household an estimated $460 by the end of the year, according to economists. But it doesn’t have to. Sure, some of the costs that will come from new US tariffs on Chinese-made goods may be unavoidable, but you Read More...

Iconic red Solo cup could soon

Iconic red Solo cup could soon find a more sustainable replacement

The iconic red Solo cup that has been a staple of backyard barbecues, college parties, tailgates, and many other casual hangouts since the 1970s, might be facing the end of its time thanks to giant packaging company Ball - that’s about to launch an eco-friendly aluminum alternative. The Read More...

What this inmate’s journey t

What this inmate’s journey to a tech career can teach businesses

At the end of 2017, Emile DeWeaver was 20 years into a life sentence in San Quentin for murdering a man when he was 19. Right now, he’s sitting at a desk in San Francisco in the offices of Pilot, a startup that manages bookkeeping for businesses, working as a product specialist and communicating Read More...

Marriott becomes latest hotel

Marriott becomes latest hotel chain to ban tiny toiletries

Just a month ago, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) announced it will no longer offer tiny toiletries at its hotels, which includes the Holiday Inn—amongst others. The move is expected to eliminate 200 million tiny bottles each year by 2021. Now, just a month later, the world’s largest Read More...

This Chinese utility’s f

This Chinese utility's finances show how much cheaper solar is than coal

Electricity giant China Power’s figures for the first half of 2019 have demonstrated the economic take-off of solar power in the country. The Hong Kong based company reported higher earnings from coal-generated electricity than solar, however, when profits from photovoltaic (PV) systems were Read More...

150 top-of-the-line clothing b

150 top-of-the-line clothing brands have united to clean up the fashion industry

Here’s some news from the G7 summit that’s actually worth talking about: this week. French President Emmanuel Macron; who hosted this year’s summit, debuted his new Fashion Pact, a set of shared objectives the fashion industry can work toward to reduce its environmental impact. The Pact is Read More...

KFC and Beyond Meat partner to

KFC and Beyond Meat partner to sell plant-based chicken

Fast-food chain after fast-food chain is getting in on the fake meat trend. KFC is the latest to do its bit for the planet, after announcing a partnership with Beyond Meat to move beyond the chicken coop with plant-based chicken nuggets and boneless wings. As a test, the vegetarian chicken Read More...

robots to deliver to college campuses

This robot delivers pizza, groceries and medicines - coming soon to a college campus near you!

All-night study sessions on college campuses may soon have a new addition: delivery robots. Starship Technologies has announced a plan this week to launch delivery robots this month at George Mason University and Northern Arizona University with the University of Pittsburgh and Purdue University Read More...

Toy manufacturer Hasbro is on

Toy manufacturer Hasbro is on a mission to cut plastic from all its packaging

If you’ve ever bought your child a toy, you know they’re typically made of plastic and packaged in plastic, which is no fun for the planet. That’s why it’s good news that Hasbro, one of the biggest toy manufacturers in the world, is getting set to eliminate plastics from its packaging. Read More...

Tiny Houses hit the amazon shelf

Shipping your shelter: Amazon joins the tiny house movement

More and more families are seeking out smaller living spaces and pursuing minimalism for lower environmental impact and clarity of mind. And now, with many jurisdictions lowering the bar on building accessory dwelling units on lots zoned for single-family homes, building a small house in your Read More...