According to new research from scientists at Tarleton State University in Texas, okra — you know, the green, finger-shaped pod that is often added to delicious dishes like gumbo and soup — is a valuable weapon in the fight to get microplastics out of our drinking water. What are … [Read more...] about Okra: the surprising hero in the fight against microplastics
waterways
Supporting beavers and our ecosystems
At The Optimist Daily, we’ve written a great deal about the benefits beavers bring to their environment and the importance of restoring their populations in certain areas. Beavers are often vilified in certain communities for the same reason they’re such iconic North American … [Read more...] about Supporting beavers and our ecosystems
This river revitalization plan prioritizes underprivileged communities in LA
Urban green spaces have historically been more accessible to privileged communities within cities. However, there has been a surge in awareness and activism that calls cities to address the inequity in access to these spaces, as clean air and access to nature is a human right, … [Read more...] about This river revitalization plan prioritizes underprivileged communities in LA
This map lets you trace the path of any waterway across the US
River Runner, a new map developed by data analyst Sam Learner, lets you trace the origins of water throughout the entire United States. Users can click on any location or enter any address and the map will show them where the water in that area is likely to flow to. If, for … [Read more...] about This map lets you trace the path of any waterway across the US
Self-navigating aquatic robot removes garbage from local waterways
In addition to improving the aesthetic feel of a city, removing litter from local waterways can prevent plastic waste and other types of debris from ending up in the ocean, where waste is a lot more difficult to retrieve. With that in mind, Hong Kong-based startup Open Ocean … [Read more...] about Self-navigating aquatic robot removes garbage from local waterways