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.
Returning Indigenous land could be our best conservation initiative yet
Eight years ago, the Australian government bought 19 farm properties throughout the Lower Murrumbidgee Valley in New South Wales with the intention of restoring the wetland region to its former glory. After reviewing proposals, the land was granted to the tribal council of the Nari Nari, who Read More...
“Count Down” ー Protecting our bodies and our fertility in the modern age
“Hormones get no respect. We think of them as the elusive chemicals that make us a bit moody, but these magical little molecules do so much more.” - Susannah Cahalan, Author, Brain on Fire Most of us know to wash our produce before eating it and not to microwave plastic, but what about Read More...
U.S. Capitol’s statue collection unveils first statue of Black American
For many cultures and countries, working through heavy social issues like racism or genocide means confronting the ugly scars that have been left behind by brutal histories. In the case of the United States, this means coming to terms with its history of slavery and the systemic oppression of Read More...
Earthworms: a natural solution to farms’ wastewater
Royal Dairy in Royal City, Washington has a problem that's common to dairy farms. The hundreds of millions of gallons of water used by their dairy and beef cows eventually become wastewater carrying animal waste, nitrates, and other harmful chemicals into the groundwater which people could one day Read More...
This climate action tool shows where we are on our path to net zero
While the world has set big targets for tackling climate change, keeping track of progress is quite difficult — especially with so many factors involved. Wouldn’t it be great if there were a tool that could quantify the impact of various climate actions and clearly show how we’re doing on Read More...
How birdwatchers are incentivizing habitat conservation in Alaska
Alaska is world-renowned in specific tourism sectors—namely those related to rail, ship, and cruise lines. However, there is a thrumming ecotourism industry that has been overlooked: birdwatching. Back in 2019, the US was home to 12.82 million birdwatchers. In 2020 this number jumped to Read More...
Oregon project lets farmers test drive electric tractors
American drivers have plenty of options when it comes to electric cars, but what about farmers? The electrification of the agricultural industry is a lucrative and relatively untapped market. However, first, the technology needs to be sold to farmers, many of whom are hesitant about the Read More...
Some companies are now offering “pawternity” leave for pet owners
While it’s not something considered in job benefits, taking care of one’s pets does take time. Checkups with the vet and necessary treatment can necessitate pet owners to miss a couple of days of work to care for their furry loved ones. In recognition of this responsibility, more companies Read More...
The Netherlands is the first to legalize work-from-home rights
The shift to remote work during the pandemic has normalized the work-from-home (WFH) culture for an increasing number of companies. But while some firms have individually expanded their WFH policies, no country has solidified it as a legal right. That is, until now. The Netherlands has just become Read More...
What you need to do to make your office more sustainable
Chances are it takes quite a lot of resources to keep your office running. Think about it. The office needs lighting and heat, the printer requires ink and paper, and may use disposable cups and other single-use plastics that can easily be thrown away instead of cleaning. With just a few changes, Read More...