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.
How the Super Bowl tackled food waste this year
The Super Bowl is a day characterized by its food excess. It is the second-largest US food consumption day only surpassed by Thanksgiving with viewers spending on average $82 on food, decor and team apparel. Any spectator walking into the stadium can also witness the plethora of food options and Read More...
These living garments capture carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere
As the textile industry faces increasing pressure to rethink its production practices amid the climate crisis, eco-innovators are coming up with ingenious ideas to help achieve that. From mushroom leather to algae T-shirts, the search is on for alternative materials with smaller carbon Read More...
Supermarket saves food from being wasted by reselling refused groceries
According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, 1.3 billion tons of food is thrown out or wasted every year across the world. This amounts to one-third of all food produced worldwide. In a bid to help solve this global problem, a supermarket in Berlin has come up with a local solution: Read More...
This nonprofit is helping the homeless reunite with their families
A nonprofit by the name of Miracle Messages is helping the homeless reconnect with their family and loved ones. The way it works is volunteers for Miracle Messages canvass the streets, approaching people to let them know about the service they offer. Then, a person can create a message in the form Read More...
Wombats are accidentally saving other animals from drought by digging waterholes
Alongside wildfires, the drought in Australia has claimed vast portions of land across the southeast of the country, making it extremely difficult for animals in the region to find water. But in these times of crisis, wombats have come out as accidental heroes, as the marsupials have been Read More...
This urban farm has revived an impoverished community in Dallas
Dallas may be one of the wealthiest cities in the world, but its wealth is unevenly distributed amongst its neighborhoods. In the Bonton community in South Dallas, 48 percent of residents suffer daily from the effects of urban poverty. Rates of incarceration and joblessness are highly Read More...
Yes, I’ll have your mung bean omelet please
There’s no question that alternative meats have fully made their way into fast food, fine dining, and everything in between. But what about other alternative options for vegans who want to give up not only meat, but all animal products? Just, a leading producer of plant-based eggs, has partnered Read More...
Rhino poaching numbers fall for fifth consecutive year in South Africa
South Africa’s Department of Environment, Forestry, and Fisheries revealed this week that the number of rhinos poached has fallen for the fifth consecutive year. According to the department, 594 rhinos were poached last year. That's still a painful number to read, but it does represent a sizable Read More...
Shipping companies want to cut emissions. This biofuel might do the trick
Despite that we’re in the early stages of 2020, it’s already been a momentous year for the shipping industry's commitment to cleaning up its act. On Jan. 1, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) ordered the world’s shipping fleet, which accounts for 3 percent of global greenhouse gas Read More...
The North Face is expanding their Renewed program to promote sustainability
Pioneered by outdoor brands such as Patagonia, REI, and Osprey, more clothing companies are taking a closer look at how they can make their products more sustainable. The North Face is revamping its North Face Renewed program to invest more in circular design principles and Read More...