The Weekly Theme
Each week, we feature a new theme of solutions for those passionate about learning in-depth on how we are building a better world!
New solar farm provides clean energy and a refuge for pollinators
The town of Logansport, Indiana is trading their last coal power plant for an 80-acre, 16-megawatt solar farm. In addition to the investment in green, renewable energy, the town is also investing in the health of its insect populations with pollinator habitat taking center stage in the new Read More...
The Optimist View: Renting is rewarding with Rhove
“There’s no problem that I think is worth solving more than this one at this moment in our country and the concept is really that every renter should be an owner and it should be as easy as the click of a button.” - Calvin Cooper 20 years ago, buying a first home was a benchmark moment for Read More...
Proposed D.C. bill would end felony disenfranchisement
Voting is one of the strongest tools citizens have in voicing their opinion in political leadership and legislation, but in the US where about 1 in 40 adults cannot vote due to a felony conviction, the democratic system is lacking the voice of a significant portion of the population. To Read More...
Oregon will officially vote on legalizing psychedelic psilocybin therapy
Back in August 2019, we published a small story about activists in Oregon working to decriminalize the use of magic mushrooms (psilocybin). Today, we’re here to tell you that these activists have taken a big step towards achieving their legalization goal. After more than a year of work and Read More...
Need a summer getaway? Try one of these creative staycations
Has the pandemic crushed your summer getaway plans? Although refraining from travel is best to ensure your safety and restrict the spread of Covid-19, the death of the summer holiday is still a big bummer. If you’re looking to keep some of that vacation magic alive, here are ideas for Read More...
This restaurant owner in Colorado fed her town through the pandemic
Kyleena Falzone's restaurants in Crested Butte, Colorado generated $6 million in revenue last year, but when the pandemic hit and the tourism cash flow dried up, she had no choice but to close her doors. Rather than dwelling on the loss of her business, Falzone rolled up her sleeves and spent the Read More...
12 steps for cultivating backyard permaculture
Have you always wanted to have your own garden but thought you didn’t have enough room? Think again. With permaculture, you can have sustainability and self-reliance by creating managed ecosystems in your yard, no matter how small. In this story shared with us by an Optimist Daily Emissary, Read More...
The tech workforce is mostly white and male. These groups are changing that
The tech industry is one of the largest sources of wealth generation in the United States. It’s also 68 percent white and 65 percent male. As we work to build a more inclusive economy after the pandemic, the Optimist Daily is spotlighting movements that seek to provide opportunities to Read More...
Florida inmates spent 4th of July comforting dogs frightened by fireworks
For most people, the Fourth of July means cookouts, sunny afternoons by the pool, and evenings full of fireworks. But for dogs, the loud bangs can be a nightmare. Fireworks are typically louder than gunfire and even many planes at takeoff. The loud noise, coupled with bright flashes, can confuse Read More...
Thought Leader Series: Dependence, independence, and interdependence
The Fourth of July revolves around the idea of independence, but what does it mean to be truly independent? In this week's Thought Leader Series, we explore the idea of independence with Dr. Ada Gonzales. On the one hand, dependence involves being reliant on someone or something else. We can be Read More...