Two new DC public schools model net zero education
It goes without saying that we should be teaching our children about important environmental matters, especially excessive energy consumption and the need for energy efficiency. But what about the energy that a school itself consumes? While it is a rarely-thought-of area for improvement, new Read More...
Washington DC proposes charging higher fees for bigger trucks
Large pickup trucks’ popularity keeps growing in the United States and not just for hauling. Bigger and bulkier trucks are often used as normal cars, even new heavy-duty models like the Ford F-250 which gets 15 miles per gallon and is almost two feet taller than an average sedan. Not only do Read More...
Cash transfer to DC community creates tangible and emotional benefits
At The Optimist Daily, we love success stories about sustainable urban policies. A recent study by the Urban Institute reports that trust was critical to delivering funds to households in need and improving their mental health at the same time. THRIVE East of the River In Washington D.C.’s Read More...
See the National Mall cherry blossom bloom for yourself with BloomCam
Washington, DC is home to many famous sights, but perhaps the most widely anticipated local event is the annual cherry blossom bloom which greets springtime in the city with gorgeously delicate pink blossoms. Now, you can see the blooms for yourself from anywhere in the world with Read More...
DC Chefs unite to stop hate against AAPI community
Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities have experienced a surge in violence and hate crimes committed against them. Social justice organization Stop AAPI Hate reported 3795 incidents of harassment against AAPIs last year alone. Their Read More...
New bike lane construction bill in D.C. aims to boost cycling and safety
Last September, Washington D.C. passed the Vision Zero Enhancement Omnibus Amendment Act of 2019. The law, modeled after one in Cambridge, Massachusetts, takes a novel approach to designated bike lane development and is expected to boost bicycle use and safety in the city. How does it work? Let’s Read More...
These 15 states will join California in electrifying all buses and trucks
Fifteen states and Washington, DC have announced that they will follow California’s lead in switching all heavy-duty trucks, vans, and buses over to running on electricity, in what could be one of the most significant efforts to reduce harmful diesel engine pollution in the United States. It 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...
Ford to test self-driving cars in Washington DC
Self-driving cars are headed to their biggest stage yet: Washington DC. On Monday, Ford announced a partnership with the city's government to begin testing self-driving cars in early Read More...