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.
Historic launch of the UK's first national grid-connected solar farm
Excellent news for the United Kingdom! The first photovoltaic (PV) solar farm was connected directly to the National Grid transmission network last week, marking a major milestone in the country's shift to renewable energy. Cero Generation and Enso Energy collaborated on this ground-breaking Read More...
New York State passes nation's first statewide ban on fossil fuel use in new construction
New York State recently approved groundbreaking legislation mandating all-electric new construction, making it the first state in the US to prohibit using fossil fuels in buildings. The All-Electric Building Act, which is scheduled to be signed into law soon by Governor Kathy Hochul, will compel Read More...
The future of sustainable fashion: self-healing mushroom-based leather
The environmental impact of the fashion industry has become an increasing worry in a society where fast fashion has been the standard. But there is good news! Three biotechnologists based in the UK have created a new type of self-healing leather derived from mycelium, the vegetative component of a Read More...
AI makes wind farms safer for birds— a win for green energy expansion
For years, concerns over the potential harm wind turbines might cause to birds have been an obstacle to the expansion of wind energy. However, studies using artificial intelligence (AI) have shown that such worries are unfounded. The study analyzed vast amounts of data collected from bird Read More...
Nigerian school accepts plastic bottles as payment for tuition fees
A school in Nigeria is taking an innovative approach to tackle the problem of plastic waste while also promoting education. The Morit International School, located in Ajegunle, a densely populated area of Lagos, Nigeria, has launched an initiative that allows students to pay their tuition fees Read More...
Writers start campaign to push publishing towards carbon neutrality
The weighty feel of a book in your hands; a window into the minds and hearts of people. Whether you're taking it to the park for some quiet time or reading it before bed, a good book is there as a companion, an advisor, and a guide. An age-old custom that reminds us of life before smartphones and Read More...
16 fun ways to celebrate Earth Day this year
Tomorrow, April 22nd, you can honor Earth Day by learning about your ecosystem and contributing to its health. Here are 16 great activities you can participate in to celebrate Earth Day! Get outside Make a bird feeder for your yard Birds are essential to ecosystems. Making a bird feeder is a Read More...
Report says 2022 may mark the beginning of the end of the fossil fuel era
Breaking news! Based on a recent report by the independent climate and energy think tank Ember, global emissions from the power sector, which generates the most planet-warming carbon dioxide, may have peaked last year. This could potentially mark the beginning of the end of the fossil fuel Read More...
Could sound-based filtration be the answer to the microplastic problem?
There is no doubt that microplastics pose a rising ecological and health risk, but this wasn’t always the case. It’s only recently that scientists began to appreciate the scope of these microscopic particles and their influence on animals ranging from marine life to humans. A 2019 study found Read More...
Natural treatment prevents mosquitos from biting through human skin
Every year, mosquitoes are to blame for approximately 350 million human ailments, a number that is likely to rise as climate change increases the insect population. A recent study demonstrated that light pollution may be responsible for the extension of the mosquito blood-feeding season. A natural Read More...