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.
The Gulf of Mexico is home to another newly-discovered species of whale
We recently shared how a new species of blue whale was discovered in the Indian Ocean. In fact, there have been over 500 new animal discovered in the past year alone. Another whale species is joining this list after researchers discovered a previously unknown species of whale in the Gulf of Read More...
This training program in Europe is teaching tour guides about rewilding
Wildlife tourism across Europe is getting a sustainable boost thanks to a training program that’s teaching tour guides about rewilding while creating economic opportunities in the process. Run by not-for-profit organization Rewilding Europe, the training focuses on returning nature to a wilder Read More...
Hydraloop: This system lets you recycle water in your own home
Imagine how much water and energy we could save if we recycled all the wastewater that goes down our sinks and shower drains right in our own homes? In a bid to make such a scenario a reality, startup Hydraloop has engineered a simple water recycling system that can be used in any building or home, Read More...
Sounds and smells in the French countryside are now protected by law
From the crowing of roosters to the distinctive barnyard whiff, France’s countryside sounds and smells are now officially protected by law. The European country has recently passed a bill that protects the “sensory heritage” of its rural areas. The move came following an increasing number of Read More...
This AI system reads user reviews to improve EV charging access
We recently shared a story about the development of an electric car battery that can be charged in just 5 minutes, but the issue of charging station accessibility still makes some drivers nervous about transitioning to an all-electric vehicle. In an effort to improve charging station Read More...
NOAHs: Charlotte has a formula for long-lasting affordable housing
We recently shared how empty retail space could be the solution to California’s affordable housing crisis. Across the country in North Carolina, the city of Charlotte is taking another innovative approach to housing security. Investors have recently established a $58 million fund to purchase Read More...
Why seaweed is the future of meatless burgers and renewable energy
Amanda Stiles and Beth Zotter, founders of the startup Trophic, are on a mission to develop the most sustainable supply chain for alternative protein in the world! Their key ingredient? Seaweed. Seaweed has been a staple in Asian diets for centuries because of its high quantities of protein and Read More...
Renewables surpassed fossil fuels in Europe for the first time in 2020
If you would have told us back in 2015 that Europeans would get more of their electricity from renewable sources rather than fossil fuels in five years' time, we wouldn’t have believed you. Sure, we are optimistic, but such growth in the renewable energy sector seemed unprecedented at that point Read More...
How the kulhad, a relic of India’s past, can help eliminate single-use plastic
Traditional clay teacups called kulhads will be making an impactful comeback in 7,000 railway stations across India. Kulhads are 100 percent environment-friendly, unpainted, and unglazed. The clay’s natural, earthy fragrance is said to enhance the flavor of the tea, while evoking memories of Read More...
Shrub species thought extinct for almost 100 years rediscovered in Japan
While out to study the growth of plants in an evergreen forest on the Japanese island of Amami-Oshima, a team of researchers has come across a colony of an unfamiliar plant species. Not long after — after taking a sample to the lab — the researchers realized that what they had recently Read More...