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.
US air quality is improving, and thousands of lives are being saved as a result
Ever since the Clean Air Act was passed in 1970, the air quality in America has improved dramatically. Subsequent amendments to the law and newer policies, like regulations on vehicle emissions and the Obama-era Clean Power Plan, have also reduced air pollution. The result? Since 2010, mortality Read More...
You have to see the brilliant symmetry of a bald eagle flying over a pond
You can be a wildlife photographer you’re entire life, and you probably won’t capture a photo as amazing as the one amateur photographer Steve Brio recently did. Sitting by a pond in Ontario, Canada, Mr. Biro spotted a bald eagle flying about. Or rather, the bald eagle spotted Read More...
Costa Rica is on a quest to become the first country to get rid of fossil fuels
Even though Costa Rica’s carbon footprint is tiny compared to other countries, the first lady of Costa Rica Claudia Dobles has a higher goal in mind: getting rid of fossil fuels altogether. When it comes to being green, Costa Rica already leads the pack. Electricity comes largely from renewable Read More...
Here are 4 uncommon ways to make your wardrobe more eco-friendly
As you might already know, there are simple ways to make sure your wardrobe doesn’t contribute to the mass amounts of pollution created by the fashion industry. For instance, you can avoid fast fashion and buy second-hand clothes. You can also buy durable clothes that are sure to last. These Read More...
One of the world’s biggest manufacturers is set to go carbon neutral by 2020
If we want to have any chance at successfully mitigating the worst effects of the climate crisis, we’re going to need companies to recognize the realities of climate change and readjust their business strategies accordingly. Recently, German automotive supplier Bosch did just that, announcing Read More...
Amsterdam city council to have all its catered events meat-free
The Dutch capital wants to set an example to other cities around the world by taking meat off of their menus. Amsterdam’s city council has recently announced plans to serve vegetarian food as standard at all catered events in its buildings from next year onward. Meetings in the Dutch capital will Read More...
You can kayak down European rivers for free—if you pick trash along the way
Want to take a kayak down the rivers of Europe for free? If you do, we have just the thing for you. Greenkayak, a Denmark-based environmental group, is letting travelers kayak for free on a number of Europe’s rivers and lakes—as long as they pick up any garbage they find along the way, which is Read More...
This famous DJ is using her platform to bring the climate crisis home to fans
Not everyone will listen to science, but many people will listen to the words of famous musicians and artists. That’s why it’s great news when artists use their platforms to inform the public about pressing issues such as the climate crisis. The latest one to do so is Jayda G, a Canadian DJ Read More...
Giant cement producer to slash emissions in line with Paris climate goals
While it is a key ingredient in shaping our built environment, cement accounts for more than 7 percent of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions. For a better frame of reference, if the cement industry were a country, it would be the third largest emitter in the world - behind China and the US. Read More...
Whole Foods to become first national grocery chain to say bye to plastic straws
The movement to ban straws and other single-use plastics to protect our environment is growing bigger by the day. So far, 127 countries and counting are working to enact bans on single-use plastics, including straw bans. Cities like Seattle jumped on the plastic-free bandwagon last year, and Los Read More...