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.
What is PALM-ALT? A healthier and more eco-friendly alternative to palm oil
The global need for palm oil, a common ingredient in food and cosmetics, has long been a source of worry due to its association with deforestation. PALM-ALT, a Scottish research team from Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, believes it has discovered the code to a sustainable alternative. The Read More...
California joins the right-to-repair revolution
On September 12th, the California state Assembly passed Senate Bill 244 with a unanimous 50-0 vote, marking a historic milestone for the right-to-repair movement. This historic measure, which was also approved with an amazing 38-0 vote in the California Senate in May, now needs a final concurrence Read More...
A historic bill passes: One-third of Indian Parliament seats to be reserved for women
The Lok Sabha, India's lower house of Parliament, passed a revolutionary bill that guaranteed one-third of seats in both the parliament and state assemblies to women. This historic decision comes after years of debate and criticism, and it represents a big step forward in Indian politics toward Read More...
How swimmable cities could change the face of urban cooling
DECEMBER 21ST, 2023 UPDATE: This solution is a Reader’s Choice selection of 2023! Thank you for nominating the solutions that left you feeling optimistic this year. Swimming in floating pools in the Hudson and East Rivers was formerly a popular way for New Yorkers to escape the oppressive Read More...
Meet Susan Murabana, the astronomer bringing the cosmos to Kenyan youth
A celestial display unfolds beneath the velvety African night sky, amidst the peace of Kenya's isolated Samburu county. It’s 1:30 AM in mid-August, and 50 enthralled individuals lie on the dry riverbed, their eyes turned heavenwards, entranced by the stars. The Milky Way arcs gracefully across Read More...
A youth-led environmental victory creates a paradigm shift in Montana's legal landscape
A group of youth environmental activists scored a landmark legal victory in Montana, marking a critical step forward in the ongoing battle against climate change. This judicial win has sparked debate on constitutional rights, environmental responsibility, and the possibility of legal routes to Read More...
Rebuilding hope in the face of destruction: Coming together for Maui's recovery
The gorgeous town of Lahaina, located on the Hawaiian island of Maui, is reeling from the devastation caused by a fast-moving wildfire that has left a trail of ruin and loss. Lahaina's historic charm has been almost completely devoured by flames, leaving behind sadness and pain that the town is Read More...
Empowering women in the electrical industry— A labor and wage gap solution
The demand for trained electricians has reached critical levels as the United States strives to shift away from fossil fuels and toward sustainable energy alternatives. Unfortunately, the electrical industry is still mainly male, with women accounting for a mere two percent of all electricians. Read More...
THON: The inspiring student-run philanthropic organization fighting against pediatric cancer
THON, which stands for "Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon," is an incredible humanitarian organization that has made a significant difference in the lives of children and families affected by pediatric cancer. Since its inception in 1973, THON has grown to become the world's largest Read More...
Not Impossible—A new way for deaf individuals to feel music
Over a year ago, Daniel Belquer, a musician and theater artist, was asked to join a team whose objective was to improve the live music experience for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Witnessing these concertgoers' inventive workarounds, such as feeling vibrations through balloons or Read More...