Today’s Solutions: May 19, 2024

Corporate Social Responsibility

Keeping up with the latest news in all four corporate social responsibility categories: environment, human rights, philanthropy, and economic responsibility.

Lego logo on a store building.

Lego to set up a factory in Virginia... and it comes with its own solar park

Danish company the Lego Group has established itself as one of The Optimist Daily’s favorite toymakers for its many efforts and initiatives that make this world a more inclusive, accessible, greener, and all-around better place. Now, we’re happy to report that Lego is up to more Read More...

Seismic activity earthquake Afghanistan map Richter scale

Responding to the earthquake in Afghanistan: how can we help?

On June 22, 2022, a devastating earthquake hit eastern Afghanistan, killing more than 1,000 people and more than 1,500 injured, according to the country’s state-run media. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the 5.9-magnitude earthquake took place at around 1:30 am, local time, and was Read More...

Barcelona Cruise Ship

Barcelona plans to limit docking of cruise ships

You’d think thousands of travelers disembarking from cruise ships in Barcelona would be a good thing for the city. However, these tourists coming in from the many yearly cruise liners don’t book accommodation, don’t spend as much as you’d think, and contribute to city congestion. The huge Read More...

Hairstylist

Hairdressers against domestic abuse and climate change

We decided to upcycle this older article with a great solution and a little update.  Beauticians against abuse A law in Tennessee harnesses the unique position of beauty professionals to help identify victims of domestic abuse. Enforced on the first day of 2022, the law requires hairstylists Read More...

Sponge City

Making spongier and more climate-resilient cities

We decided to revamp a story about a wonderful solution, with a few updates.  The world’s cities and population centers are overwhelmingly located near water. This makes good sense since water is essential for living, and throughout history, people have built their settlements where water is Read More...

concept of Juneteenth freedom day march showing by close up protesting hands sign board

6 ways to bring the Juneteenth celebration to work this year

Last year, Juneteenth was proclaimed a federal holiday, meaning this year is set to be the first time many organizations and businesses will celebrate and observe this meaningful and historic day. On top of giving employees the day off to rest, it’s worth considering celebrating Juneteenth Read More...

E-scooters

Boston e-scooter company soon to unveil safer model

While shared electric scooters have boomed over the last few years, there remain many concerns about their safety. Scooter-related injuries have become so common that some law firms offer legal action against scooter manufacturers on their websites. Some cities like Miami and New York have kicked Read More...

European Parliament

EU votes to ban the sale of new gas-powered cars starting 2035

The European Union’s goal is to slash 55 percent of its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and reduce carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles by 100 percent by 2035. As part of this ambition, the European Parliament has voted to ban the sale of new gas-powered cars starting in 2035. This vote Read More...

Yosemite

US unveils plan to ban single-use plastic in national parks

Plastic pollution is so prevalent that harmful plastic particles can even be found in drinking water. Robust action on a national scale is needed to stop the flood of plastics into natural environments.  Wednesday, on World Oceans Day, the White House announced its plans to phase out single-use Read More...

Wooden Wind Turbines

The future of wind turbine towers may be made of wood

While wind turbines only cost 11 grams of carbon per kilowatt-hour (compared to the combustion of natural gas at 450 grams), there is always room for improvement. Opponents of wind energy have criticized the carbon footprint of the steel required to build wind towers and turbines. Unknowingly, they Read More...