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.
Do you have mushrooms on your lawn? Here's why that's a good thing
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Bright red toadstools, strange jelly fungus, and round puffball mushrooms growing in your lawn may appear worrisome at first glance. But, according to horticultural experts, mushrooms in your lawn are a good sign of soil health. Understanding the presence of Read More...
G20 nations support Brazil's 'super-rich' tax proposal to fight climate change and poverty
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In an unprecedented move, G20 finance ministers agreed to levy a wealth tax on the super-rich. The tax, which may raise over €230 billion ($248.4 billion) per year, is intended to address critical global challenges such as climate change and poverty. A Read More...
Plastic bag usage on UK beaches plummets thanks to mandatory charges
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM According to a recent Marine Conservation Society (MCS) report, the number of plastic bags collected on UK beaches has dropped by an incredible 80 percent in the past decade. This large decline coincides with the implementation of required levies for Read More...
Dogs are rewilding the quaint town of Lewes' urban nature reserve
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a joyful and unique attempt to rewild an urban nature reserve in the picturesque town of Lewes, East Sussex, local dogs have been adorned with seed-filled backpacks to simulate the ecological role once served by wolves. This project, coordinated by the Read More...
Robot weed killers could create a sustainable future for agriculture
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM On a scorching summer day, the fields of central Kansas shimmer with heat as Clint Brauer oversees a team of bright yellow robots navigating through rows of crops. These battery-powered devices, each four feet long and two feet wide, methodically remove weeds Read More...
Why glass food storage containers are a healthier, safer alternative to plastic
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In the midst of a worldwide plastic calamity, small improvements at home can have a significant impact. One such adjustment is switching to glass food storage containers instead of plastic ones. This simple change not only reduces plastic consumption but also Read More...
South Africa enacts historic climate change act
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM South Africa enacted its first Climate Change Act, a comprehensive law that aims to tackle climate change by limiting greenhouse gas emissions and mandating municipal adaptation plans. The act seeks to connect South Africa's climate efforts with its Read More...
Ecuador's historic court ruling grants Quito's Machángara river the right to not be polluted
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM On July 7th, an Ecuadorian court ruled that pollution violates the rights of the Machángara River, which flows through the country's capital, Quito. This decision, hailed as "historic" by environmental campaigners, highlights Ecuador's progressive approach Read More...
Don't feed bread to ducks! Here's what to serve instead
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM When venturing out into the Great Outdoors, it’s important never to feed the wildlife because they can become accustomed to receiving food from humans and may put themselves at risk trying to acquire some. However, it’s not uncommon for local parks to Read More...
San Francisco launches the world's first fully hydrogen-powered ferry
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM San Francisco debuted Sea Change, the world's first commercial passenger ferry powered solely by hydrogen fuel cells. From July 19, this 75-seat sailboat provides free trips three days a week between Pier 41 between Fisherman's Wharf and the Ferry Read More...