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.
New partnership helps wildlife and farmers coexist peacefully in California
Wildlife and the agricultural industry have long been at odds in California’s Central Valley. The rich farming region known as “the breadbasket of the world” is responsible for 20 percent of the US’ rice production, but it’s also a critical habitat space for migratory birds which have Read More...
Scientists replace bitumen with thread to make more sustainable roads
From building rubble to plastic waste to discarded face masks, scientists are constantly investigating new alternative materials to help reduce the environmental impact of road construction. One of the most recently explored possibilities comes from researchers in Switzerland who are investigating Read More...
Eco-friendly architecture helps lift Chinese village out of poverty
Over the recent decades, the Miao community in the traditional Chinese village of Longtang in southwest China has experienced an economic decline due to its shrinking population. A recently completed architecture project aims to revitalize the area by blending sustainability with local Read More...
Sea cucumbers: The unsung heroes of coral reefs
When we think about the coral reef conservation efforts, hardly, if ever, does the humble sea cucumber cross our minds. However, it turns out that these slimy, faceless creatures—or rather their waste—play an important role in maintaining the health and biogeochemical cycles of the Read More...
Sustainable agriculture startup turns CO2 into animal feed
Recently, we shared a story about how feeding cattle seaweed could significantly reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with livestock farming. Now, we would like to introduce to you Deep Branch, a UK-based startup that aims to cut the environmental footprint of agriculture by creating Read More...
Corona launches biodegradable packaging made from barley byproduct
From plastic-free LEGO deliveries to paper Coca-Cola bottles, sustainable packaging is gaining popularity as a way to enjoy environmentally-friendly versions of our favorite products. The latest company to adopt greener packaging is Corona, which is rolling out biodegradable six-pack holders made Read More...
This zero-emissions school sets the bar for sustainable design
What better way to teach future generations about the importance of sustainability than by integrating it within the very own institutions responsible for their education? That's exactly what a team of architects aimed to achieve by putting sustainability front and center when designing a school Read More...
China's meatless movement is gaining momentum
In traditional Chinese culture, eating meat is a symbol of wealth and financial comfort. This cultural connection between prosperity and meat consumption as well as China’s expanding middle class (which has been growing since the 1970s) contributes to the high percentage of meat-eaters in the Read More...
Transparent solar cell greenhouses could grow food and produce energy
Solar power is one of the fastest-growing forms of renewable energy, so there are many initiatives that are trying to see how solar can be combined with other industries, like agriculture, to become even more effective. We at The Optimist Daily have already written about agrivoltaic farming, Read More...
Floating seawater reservoirs could help Helsinki become carbon neutral
As humans, we pride ourselves on our ability to innovate and adapt to a variety of environments. This has led us to develop technology that can support civilization, even in extreme environments. However, this technology largely relies on fossil fuels. Now, there’s a global push to put human Read More...