Today’s Solutions: December 21, 2025

Environment

Need some good news about the environment? The Optimist Daily is your go-to herald of positive environmental news, highlighting eco-friendly solutions and scientific progress around climate action, circularity, conservation, and more. Learn about everything eco in our Environment section.

Life-sized animal puppets lead

Life-sized animal puppets lead a global climate call

BY THE OPTIIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM A stampede of towering zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, and monkeys is winding its way through cities across Africa and Europe—but this isn’t wildlife on the run. It’s The Herds, a large-scale public art project using life-sized animal puppets to ignite Read More...

Butter made from air? This sta

Butter made from air? This startup is spreading carbon-conscious innovation

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Imagine this: you reach for your morning toast, swipe on a glossy, golden spread, and savor that creamy richness. But surprise — there were no cows, no crops, and definitely no pastures involved. Welcome to the era of butter made from air. This culinary Read More...

Scotland’s largest commu

Scotland's largest community solar farm moves forward on the Isle of Arran

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM A brighter, community-powered future is on the horizon for the Isle of Arran in Scotland. Plans for what will become the country’s largest entirely community-owned solar farm are officially moving ahead, with the Glenkiln solar project recently securing Read More...

How global protections are hel

How global protections are helping sea turtles recover

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In an encouraging sign for marine conservation, many endangered sea turtle populations around the world are showing signs of recovery, according to a sweeping global survey published this month in the journal Endangered Species Research. The study, which Read More...

Remembering Pope Francis and h

Remembering Pope Francis and his profound impact on climate action

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The recent passing of Pope Francis has sparked reflection on his remarkable leadership — not only within the Catholic Church, but also across the global climate movement. Known for his humility, compassion, and commitment to justice, Pope Francis Read More...

Paris curbed cars—and cleare

Paris curbed cars—and cleared the air: what 20 years of bold green policy achieved

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Paris spent the last two decades reimagining its urban landscape, and the results are not just visible, but breathable. The French capital has replaced car-centric streets with bike lanes and pedestrian zones, added green spaces, and eliminated more than Read More...

New York City begins enforcing

New York City begins enforcing mandatory composting to cut waste and emissions

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM New York City officially launched enforcement of its mandatory composting program, making compost separation a requirement for all residents as of April. The city’s goal: reduce landfill waste and curb greenhouse gas emissions by diverting organic matter Read More...

How to keep your old computer

How to keep your old computer running longer (and save money doing it)

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM These days, it can be tempting to ditch your current device for the shinier, newer, faster upgrade. But a slow machine doesn’t always mean it’s time for a replacement, and there are a lot of reasons to hang onto our devices longer, not just out of Read More...

ESA’s Biomass satellite

ESA's Biomass satellite will weigh the world's rainforests from space to fight climate change

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Following over a decade of development, the European Space Agency (ESA) is on the verge of launching a groundbreaking satellite designed to revolutionize the way scientists observe forests and measure carbon. Set for liftoff on April 29 from Europe’s Read More...

This plant-based leather alter

This plant-based leather alternative is plastic-free and ready to scale

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a breakthrough for sustainable materials, Australian startup Alt. Leather has unveiled a fully plant-based leather alternative that contains no plastics and is made entirely from natural fibers and agricultural waste. The innovative material promises a Read More...