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.
Preeti Chandi becomes the first woman of color to trek across Antarctica
Preeti Chandi, a 32-year-old army officer and physiotherapist hailing from Derby in the UK, has become the first woman of color to successfully complete a solo expedition across Antarctica. Chandi admits that she was not always encouraged to take on the 700-mile trek on her own. She says that Read More...
Coffee on the go: These sneakers are made out of recycled coffee
While coffee is a popular drink all across the world, it holds a particularly special place in the hearts of Finnish people. According to the International Coffee Organization, Finns consume more coffee than any other nation in the world. But like everywhere else, coffee consumption in Finland Read More...
Forest Schools surge in popularity in the UK
Around 30 years ago, The Forest School movement was introduced to the UK via Scandinavia, a place where a passion for nature and the great outdoors is a deep-seated part of the culture. Now, Forest Schools are experiencing a revival in the UK. According to a 2021 survey by the Forest School Read More...
Scientists develop tech that can separate 12 different types of plastics
Plastic is a much more complex material than you may think. Because it comes in many different types with varied compositions and characteristics, plastic is difficult to separate and recycle at the end of its life. Although, new technology developed by scientists in Denmark may soon change Read More...
How this initiative is helping us worm our way into a greener future
A Nottingham-based initiative called the Urban Worm Community Interest Company (UWC) is helping spur on an urban worm farming movement in the UK that will help the nation deal with waste while simultaneously providing high-grade fertilizer. So far, the enterprise has been granted 50,000 GBP from Read More...
Engineers develop hydrogen-powered eCargo bikes
In recent years, green hydrogen has been identified as an increasingly attractive clean energy source that could help accelerate our transition away from fossil fuels. And while we’ve seen hydrogen-powered trains, planes, and even boats, it seems like bikes have been left behind — that is, Read More...
The green living trends experts expect will dominate 2022
Green living and sustainability are at the forefront of many of our minds. This mentality is reflected in the droves of people who over the course of the many lockdowns have: pledged to be green-minded about their transportation options, choose more plant-based milk and food, and change their Read More...
Scientists use fungus to develop a sustainable alternative to egg whites
Because it contains a lot of protein, egg white powder is among the most common ingredients used in the food industry. Rearing the chickens necessary for sourcing those egg whites, however, has a significant environmental footprint. As demand for egg white powder is only expected to grow in the Read More...
This former quarry is now a vital habitat for endangered UK birds
About a third of the bird species inhabiting the British Isles are considered endangered. Among them is the secretive bittern, which was until 2015 on the UK’s Red list of most-threatened species. Today however, the thickset heron is among dozens of other endangered bird species whose population Read More...
This startup fights deforestation with tree-planting drones
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, our planet loses 70,000 square kilometers of forested area every year. Since trees play a key role in combating the effects of climate change, it’s always reassuring to come across innovative projects that aim to restore green areas around Read More...