Search
Total number of posts: 23676
This energy-neutral Dutch school promotes sustainability by design
What better way to teach kids about sustainability than to have them study in a school building that has embraced the concept to the maximum? In the Dutch city of Utrecht, a recently completed primary school has done exactly that. Located in Utrecht, Dutch architecture firm EVA architecten has Read More...
Kelp forests are the silent coastal community protectors we need
Coral reef degradation has been a central topic in discussions about the immediate effects of a warming climate, but another coastal ecosystem is also feeling the pressures of warming waters. Kelp forests are integral to coastal health but have been declining dramatically in recent years. In areas Read More...
Mental health: Learn the difference between ‘loneliness’ and ‘being alone’
For the past few years, we’ve been told that loneliness is a public health crisis, as damaging as smoking 15 cigarettes each day. The messaging is that we’re people—people who need people—and spending too much time by ourselves is a major problem. Oh, but at the same time, 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...
How Guinness is repurposing their beer into fertilizer and biogas
When bars and restaurants across Ireland closed to stop the spread of the pandemic, thousands of kegs of Guinness beer went unconsumed. Fortunately, the company began a reclamation initiative to put the beer to a helpful and unusual use: tree fertilizer. Guinness is apparently great for Read More...
The Optimist View: How consumers, companies, and our furry companions scored a win
"Cruelty-free is becoming the standard. Not just in California, in general." - Katie Mukai BY LAUREN GOODMAN A couple of weeks ago, you may have seen an Optimist Daily story in your inbox about a proposed California bill that would ban the use of twelve ingredients in cosmetics. This Toxic-Free Read More...
These easy-to-grow plants will help repel mosquitos from your garden
No one wants to be pestered by mosquitos while sitting in their garden. At the same time, almost everyone loves to be surrounded by lush plants. Fortunately, there are low-maintenance plants you can put in your garden that will both spruce up your garden and keep mosquitos at bay. Here you’ll Read More...
This smart glove translates sign language directly into speech
It is estimated that between 100,000 and 1 million people use American Sign Language in the United States. And like deaf communities around the world, when they communicate with non-signers, they typically need someone else to translate for them or turn to text-to-speech software for that. But Read More...
This photo contest will get you lost in cosmic and Earthly beauty
Visiting Earth’s most stunning natural landscapes can leave you with a sense of wonder. The same is true for when you sit beneath the bright stars of the Milky Way. But when you combine the two together, it makes for an indescribable feeling, one that is bigger than ourselves and reminds us just Read More...
Self-doubt: When to listen to it—and when to ignore it
Confidence in your abilities can get you through a rough patch and help you move ahead, but there are times when self-doubt can help you avoid making a mistake. The key is in knowing the difference between the doubts that are serving us and those that are holding us back, says Margie Warrell, Read More...