Sustainable Urban Development
With cities expected to host about 70 percent of the world's population, sustainable urban development is key to making communities worldwide more resilient against the growing threat of climate change. Find out about the latest urban practices from across the world aiming to make our cities more sustainable and inclusive in these good-news stories from The Optimist Daily.
From diapers to dwellings: a surprising (and sustainable) housing solution
Access to affordable housing is a basic human right, yet it remains a major concern, especially in low-income countries. The cost of building materials, which can account for up to 80 percent of total construction costs, frequently stymies development. Despite the fact that other materials such as Read More...
Cheers to water recycling: Turning wastewater into beer
After years of drought, water recycling has become a pressing issue in California, and a water-recycling company is looking to raise awareness about the possibilities of water reuse. With the help of Devil’s Canyon Brewing Company, Epic Cleantec created a beer made from greywater recycled from a Read More...
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...
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...
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...