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.
Is gardening the most underrated workout? The mind-body benefits of one hour in the garden
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Why pay for produce and a gym membership when your backyard (or a community garden) offers both? Gardening might just be the most efficient way to take care of your body, your mind, and the planet—all in one go. Sure, you could hop on a stair machine or Read More...
Solar panels to become standard on new homes in England by 2027 under net zero push
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a major boost to the UK’s net zero goals, the government confirmed that nearly all new homes in England will be built with solar panels by 2027. Under the new policy, housebuilders will be legally required to install rooftop solar as standard during Read More...
How Boise, Idaho is heating hundreds of buildings with clean geothermal energy
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In Boise, Idaho, being in hot water is a good thing — especially when it comes to how the city keeps warm. Home to hundreds of natural hot springs, Boise has tapped into the geothermal potential beneath its feet, creating the largest municipally operated Read More...
Is No Mow May helping bees or just overgrown hype? Here’s what the experts say
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Letting your lawn grow wild in May to help bees and other pollinators? That’s the pitch behind No Mow May, a conservation campaign that has bloomed on social media and in neighborhoods across North America. The idea is simple: stop mowing for one month so Read More...
Scientific societies take charge as U.S. climate report faces political uncertainty
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM When leadership falters, science finds a way forward. That’s the message from two of America’s most prominent scientific societies, which have pledged to carry on critical climate research after the Trump administration sidelined the team behind the Read More...
Wildlife returns to Eaton Fire burn area, offering a symbol of hope and resilience
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Four months after the Eaton Fire ravaged parts of the Angeles National Forest and destroyed homes and businesses in Altadena, California, life is slowly and surely returning. Behind the blackened remains of scorched neighborhoods, the hillsides are once again Read More...
Kenya on track for universal electricity access by 2030, powered by clean energy and community reach
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a decade, Kenya has more than doubled its electricity access rate — rising from just 37 percent in 2013 to 79 percent in 2023 — and it's not stopping there. According to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) latest Energy Policy Review, the country Read More...
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 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 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...