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.
Barcelona will give 21 downtown streets back to pedestrians and cyclists
If you’re curious to see what urban planning that focuses on people rather than cars looks like, Barcelona is the right city to look at. A year ago, the Spanish city introduced its “Superblocks” project, which transforms nine-block grids of the city into areas that prioritize pedestrians and Read More...
Katharine, the massive great white shark, reappears after 18-month hiatus
Recently, we brought you good news from the West Coast as marine biologists reported a record number of white sharks swimming in southern California’s waters. This time around, we’re bringing you good news from the East Coast after a beloved great white shark by the name of Katharine resurfaced Read More...
This compostable container will biodegrade in your backyard in just 60 days
During the pandemic, supporting your local restaurants often means ordering takeout, but what about all the plastic waste that comes with disposable containers? Fortunately, soon you may not have to choose between supporting restaurants and supporting the planet with a new fully biodegradable Read More...
UK to ban products sourced from illegally logged areas
Whether you know it or not, your shopping habits can inadvertently play a role in environmental crimes such as illegal logging. In a quest to stop metaphorically “importing” the problem of deforestation, the government of the UK has passed new laws that should help prevent consumers from buying Read More...
Have an old campaign sign? Donate it to a beekeeper!
During election season, it’s completely normal to see front yards covered with campaign signs. But now that the election season is over, what should be done with all these political signs? Rather than toss it in the trash, a beekeeper in Florida is asking people to donate them to help keep her Read More...
It turns out otters teach each others tips and tricks for survival
If you’ve ever seen an otter eat a snack, you’ll know they're pretty cute. But it turns out when it comes to getting those snacks, otters may be smarter than we give them credit for. New research shows that when otters learn new survival tips and tricks, they actually teach these strategies to Read More...
San Francisco becomes latest city to ditch gas in new buildings
We recently discussed how Ojai, California is banning gas in new construction. Now, a much bigger city is tossing their hat in the gas-free ring. San Francisco’s board of supervisors unanimously voted this week to ban gas in new buildings, making it the second-largest city in the country to do so Read More...
New footage shows how remoras hitchhike on the back of a blue whale
Ever heard of the remora? It’s a suckerfish famous for hitchhiking on the backs of larger marine animals for food and shelter. The remora has a funky appearance compared to other fish, which largely comes down to the fact that it has a flattened head covered in ridges. Beneath that Read More...
New York’s first professional streetery builder is keeping restaurants afloat
At the beginning of the pandemic, outdoor dining looked like a shamble of folding tables quickly pushed into bike lanes and onto sidewalks. But now, after more than half a year, al-fresco pandemic meals include colorful fences, outdoor heaters, and even, in some cities, dining bubbles. New York Read More...
Campaign to save giant fig tree in Kenya from proposed highway succeeds
The fig tree is considered sacred among Kenya’s most populous ethnic group, the Kikuyu. That’s why it was no surprise to see the Kikuyu people and other environmentalists stage protests when the country’s roads agency announced plans to uproot a giant fig tree in order to make way for a Read More...