Design
Why jute is one of the most promising alternatives we have to plastic
Even though we’re aware of the awful effects of plastic pollution, the detrimental environmental phenomenon continues today. Part of the problem is that plastic is such a durable, accessible material that can be used for a wide range of things such as shipping and packaging. Despite this, we know Read More...
Engineers create a new ventilator prototype from breast pumps
The global shortage of ventilators needed to treat severe cases of COVID-19 has led companies like Dyson, Apple, and Ford to create innovative new products to meet hospital demands. An innovative team in Maryland is joining the effort and creating ventilator prototypes out of breast pumps. The Read More...
These recycled plastic tracksuits are colored with botanical dyes
Here at The Optimist Daily, we love spreading the word about sustainability-driven clothing brands that are on a mission to drag the fashion industry away from its trajectory to harm the environment. That’s why we’re happy to present to you PANGAIA, an eco-friendly clothing company creating Read More...
College students are recreating their campuses on Minecraft
Many college students are finding themselves back at home after universities across the country canceled in-person classes and postponed or moved graduation ceremonies online. That's why some students are turning to an unusual platform to reconnect with the campuses they called home: Read More...
Coffee grounds could skip the landfill to produce eco-friendly bioplastics
The International Coffee Organization estimates that the world produces over 6 million tons of coffee grounds annually, most of which is tossed into the bin once it's used. Looking to find a more useful end life for coffee grounds, scientists at Yokohama National University have examined whether Read More...
A startup called Platio just installed the first solar home driveway
Back in 2018, Hungary-based tech company Platio announced its goal of introducing the world to the aesthetically-pleasing solar pavement, which could partially replace home driveways and provide clean energy to households. Flash forward two years, and Platio has just installed its first solar Read More...
Architecture studio makes its reusable face shield model open-source
The urgency to tackle the increasing shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) has given rise to numerous heartwarming initiatives from people and companies from all backgrounds to step forward and come up with solutions. And architects and designers are not falling behind in this honorable Read More...
These water-soluble cubes are helping hotels reduce plastic waste
When it comes to tackling the ubiquitous problem of plastic waste, the only solutions actually able to put a dent in this urgent environmental crisis are the ones that encourage reducing and reusing plastic in the first place. That’s why here at The Optimist Daily we are always happy to share Read More...
This tannery turns discarded billy goat hides into biodegradable leather
While the Optimist Daily is staunchly against killing animals for the sole purpose of harvesting fur or making leather, we do believe that if an animal is killed in the livestock industry, then all of its parts should be put to use instead of wasted. In the UK, commercial goat-milking is growing Read More...
Nigerian citizen designs portable hand-washing stations for his city
Hand-washing is one of the most promoted and effective ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but what about regions where hand-washing facilities are not readily accessible? An estimated 157 million Nigerians lack adequate hand-washing facilities, which prompted one resident, Bamigbose Adams, to Read More...