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GM churns 2 million water bottles into fleece
General Motors (GM) long claimed to be an industry leader in recycling. It describes its zero-waste agenda as encompassing a variety of programs, from reusing spent Chevy Volt batteries at a data center to converting used battery cases into duck houses for wildlife habitats. In recent years, the Read More...
See inside this vertical farm where 65,000 pounds of lettuce grow each year in shipping containers
Los Angeles-based Local Roots' three farms are no ordinary farms. They're not even outside — but inside three small shipping containers. The startup uses vertical hydroponic farming, a method where plants grow year-round with LEDs rather than natural sunlight. Read More...
Largest marine protection area created as National Park Service celebrates 100 years
Recently, we wrote about a coral reef near the Phoenix Islands that was found teeming with life years after being pronounced dead. The revival of this was accredited to the marine protection area that surrounds the islands, and now President Obama has signed legislation that will create a new Read More...
These 3D-printed parts form with temperature and act as medicine when needed
3D printing is leading the way to a new drug delivery system that only medicates patients if they have certain conditions like fever. Printed prosthetics and artificial vertebrae have already changed the world of medical science, but now the technology is being used to create tiny structures that Read More...
California takes a major stand against coal
In the port city of Oakland, a developer’s plan to ship coal from city docks has been shut down thanks to a new bill signed by Gov. Jerry Brown. The bill blocks state funds from being used for any coal-shipping terminals in California, lowering the number of coal exports from California from 4.65 Read More...
Wave power is going to revolutionize renewable energy
There's enough wave energy in the oceans to power the world, and scientists are finally close to harnessing it. For decades wave energy has lagged behind wind energy and solar because harnessing it is more complex. However, the potential is huge: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, waves Read More...
Let your gloomy emotions be beneficial for you
We at The Optimist are strong advocates of a positive outlook on life, but it’s important to recognize the benefits that negative feelings have on ourselves as well. Our so-called negative emotions encourage slower, more systematic cognitive processing. It allows us to rely less on quick Read More...
Colombia Farc: The Norwegian who helped broker peace
A peace agreement for Colombia has finally been signed in Havana, after four years of negotiation presided over by hosts Cuba and Norway. The BBC's Will Grant in the Cuban capital met the Norwegian man who played a central role. The relief in the room was palpable. As the former enemies walked in Read More...
Colombians react to peace deal with FARC
Rebels and officials in Colombia signed a peace deal to end a 52-year conflict Citizens have mixed feelings about the deal The deal must still be approved in a referendum Lea este artículo en español.Bogota, Colombia (CNN en Español)Many Colombians have known nothing but a time Read More...
Overworked America’s obsession with Burning Man is a cry for help
This week, tens of thousands of people are packing their tents and heading to the Nevada desert for Burning Man, a festival focused on “radical self expression.” Those attending build “Black Rock City” from scratch for the event, leaving no trace behind when they pack up Read More...