Circularity
Understanding the value of a circular economy and identifying circular solutions are essential to changing our world for good. Circularity, or the zero-waste principle of keeping materials in a closed loop and away from landfills and incinerators, is the future. Find out about the latest innovations and solutions accelerating the transition towards a circular economy in the articles here from The Optimist Daily.
Ditch the rake and discover the benefits of leaving fallen leaves in your yard
The annual ritual of raking and disposing of fallen leaves has been engraved into the autumn dance for generations. But, in reality, those vivid plant layers offer more than just a gorgeous backdrop. They are an important part of nature's cycle, providing numerous advantages to our lawns and Read More...
A massive solar farm rises from a former landfill in the United Kingdom
The Ockendon solar farm, the third largest of its kind in the UK, is harnessing the power of the sun on what was once a bleak trash site in Essex in a revolutionary feat of eco-reinvention. The waste management company Veolia infused new life into this unexpected environment, where more than Read More...
A baby beaver sighting heralds the reemergence of California's beaver population
Bill Leikam, the president of the Urban Wildlife Research Project and fondly known as The Fox Guy, recently had a revelation while analyzing film from a wildlife camera along a Palo Alto creekbed. Amid the familiar wildlife, an unfamiliar creature darted across the screen. Leikam, a seasoned Read More...
Flora, fauna, and funga! UN advocates for new turn of phrase in conservation discourse
The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) argued for the inclusion of fungi in conservation debates alongside flora and fauna so that fungi are “recognized and protected on an equal footing with animals and plants in legal conservation frameworks”. This shift in perspective Read More...
Pacific coral reefs may be more resilient than we think
Coral reefs, the vibrant life-filled undersea cities, have long been on the front lines of climate change's onslaught. However, new research from Newcastle University provides a ray of light in the middle of these struggles. The coral reefs of Palau demonstrate a capacity to adapt to rising ocean Read More...
Representatives from 185 countries establish the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund
Amid mounting worries about the health of our planet's ecosystems, delegates from 185 countries gathered on Thursday, August 24th in Vancouver, Canada, for the Global Environment Facility's (GEF) Seventh Assembly to declare a critical step forward. They presented the Global Biodiversity Framework Read More...
Ecuadorians take a stand and vote to save the heart of the Amazon from oil drilling
Ecuadorians made history by voting to prohibit the development of new oil wells in the Yasuní national park, in a resounding display of environmental consciousness and civic engagement. This amazing verdict not only protects one of the world's most biodiverse places but also establishes a global Read More...
From plastic waste to sustainable soap! An up-cycling innovation for a cleaner planet
Plastics and soaps may appear to be worlds apart, yet they share a molecular resemblance that could revolutionize the future of recycling. Virginia Tech researchers are at the vanguard of this creative discovery, having pioneered a method to upcycle plastics into valuable surfactants—key Read More...
What are green roofs and should you consider one? The history and benefits of green roofs
Green roofs, a millennia-old notion, have grown from ancient customs into modern marvels of sustainable construction. These living roofs, which combine plants and shelter, have a rich history that inspires architectural creativity even now. Green roofs at the roots: from ancient practices to Read More...
Nurturing nature: The US launches the biggest-ever survey of nature and wildlife
With the unprecedented National Nature Assessment, the United States is beginning a ground-breaking adventure to protect its natural resources. In a presentation at the Ecological Society of America Conference in Oregon earlier this week, Phil Levin, director of the project and part of the faculty Read More...