Project Optimist

Your daily dose of positivity

TOP STORIES
Article image

Meet the Chennai Gardener Who Planted 500+ Plants on Her Roof & Helped 1500 Others Do the Same

In the heart of Chennai, S Veeralakshmi has transformed her rooftop into a 500-plant sanctuary — and helped over 1,500 people do the same. Her mission: to show that everyday...

Article image

How Innovative Apps Are Turning Kids Into Wildlife Spotters & Conservationists

With smartphones in hand and curiosity in their eyes, today’s children are exploring nature up close. Technology is turning their discoveries into meaningful actions, helping...

Article image

Animal charity gives free vet checkups for unhoused neighbors, says pets are 'arguably better cared for than some housed animals'

The free clinic is part of Bath Cats and Dogs Home’s Together Project, which keeps pets with their owners even after they’ve become homeless.

Article image

From Sundarbans to Kerala: Meet the Everyday Heroes Fighting to Save India’s Mangroves

They’re not environmentalists by label, but by life. These five individuals are restoring mangrove forests—vital, vanishing ecosystems that protect India’s coasts. From...

Article image

What We’re Reading: How a Teen ‘Green Crew’ Fights Climate Anxiety

Welcome back to our weekly behind-the-scenes glimpse at what’s getting our team talking. Let us know what you think at info@reasonstobecheerful.world. Planting hope It’s no...

Article image

Rights of the wild: three more projects working to protect nature’s silent citizens

Challenging the dominance of ‘human supremacy’, these three movements are asking us to rethink our relationship with the more-than-human world The post Rights of the wild:...

Article image

Deep discoveries, landmark lawsuits and rising renewables : Positive environmental stories from 2025

Eco anxiety is very real, so we share this year's most uplifting stories to prove there’s hope for our climate.

Article image

Stray Dog Rescued from the Streets Visits Dozens of Countries with Woman Who ‘never liked dogs’

A woman who “never liked dogs” has been walking and biking around the world with a street dog that she found neglected and covered in fleas. An Australian cattle dog, ‘Butch’...

Article image

The Untold Story of a Trans Forest Guard in Uttarakhand — Through the Eyes of a 23-YO Filmmaker

What began as a wildlife encounter became a story of courage, queerness, and healing — told through the lens of a 23-year-old filmmaker.

Article image

5 Powerful Moments That Changed How India Protects Its Environment

From villagers hugging trees in the Himalayas to a specialised green tribunal in Delhi, these five turning points redefined India’s relationship with nature and justice.

Article image

TikTok's 'squirrel whisperer' spends weekend guarding wildlife from tree removal: 'Protect what brings you peace'

Derrick Downey Jr. has built his platform on loving the squirrels in his neighborhood. When the city stepped in, he stepped up.

Article image

First Egg Laid in the Wild by Guam Kingfishers in 40 Years–Hanging on to Survival Thousands of Miles from Home

In an unprecedented success for conservation efforts, a tiny population of Guam kingfishers given a new home has laid its first eggs—after 40 years of the species being extinct...

Article image

What went right this week: the power of one, plus more

Eco heroes were honoured, data caught up with climate wreckers, and scientists developed a superbug-busting paint, plus more The post What went right this week: the power of...

Article image

Man treks 53 miles in handmade costume to raise funds, awareness for endangered species

Matt Trevelyan, a former puppeteer, took on a unique project to help protect a beloved bird.

Article image

These tracking holidays offer ‘total immersion’ into the world of Europe’s wolves

Organisers say these wildlife experiences benefit wolf conservation by teaching about peaceful coexistence and habitat preservation.

Article image

Uniting for Turtles in Chennai: Meet The Volunteers Who Sacrifice Nights to Save Olive Ridleys

Ever wondered what happens once the turtle lays the eggs in her nest? Meet the volunteers at Students Sea Turtle Conservation Network (SSTCN) in Chennai, who sacrifice their...

Article image

‘Change Has Been Amazing’ For Depleted Mountain: with New Vegetation Comes Deer, Pumas, Andean Bears

High along the peaks and ridges of the mountains in Ecuador, a 25-year-long conservation program is bearing succulent fruit in the form of cleaner water and abundant wildlife....

Article image

From the Accursed Mountains to Bali’s beaches, this photo prize captures the planet in flux

The competition celebrates the camera’s ability to capture “both the fragility and strength of communities facing environmental challenges.”

Article image

Locals Release 10 Endangered Siamese Crocodiles into Laos Wetlands to Save Species from Extinction

While less than 1,000 Siamese crocodiles remain in the wild, community members in Laos have released ten of the rare animals into a local wetlands to boost the population....

Article image

India's lion population rises by a third

India's Asiatic lion population has seen a significant increase, rising to 891, according to the latest census. This growth, from 674 in 2020, highlights the success of...

Article image

High on life: why exercising in nature is more than the sum of its parts

One of the most effective ways to boost mental and physical wellbeing is to get active in nature – and there’s growing evidence to prove it The post High on life: why...

Article image

Nick Offerman is inviting people on an Earth Day hike — here's how you can join him

The “Parks and Recreation” star is encouraging people to protect and celebrate the great outdoors.

Article image

Ikigai: The Japanese Philosophy for Purposeful Living

People often say that finding purpose is the foundation of a healthy and more fulfilling life. Yet for millions of people, purpose feels elusive, like some far-off destination,...

Article image

Laapataa Ladies – Subtle Feminism Challenging Animal’s Hypermasculine Narrative

In the captivating world of Kiran Rao’s latest cinematic creation, Laapataa Ladies, the veil of patriarchy is lifted to reveal a poignant social satire rich in color, context,...

Article image

As per shastras, lighting a diya before 4 plants brings in good luck

In Hinduism, it is not just the Gods and Goddesses that are worshipped, revered, and looked up to, there are also elements of nature, like Agni, Vayu, and even trees that are...

Article image

Vast hydrogen reserves discovered in Earth’s crust could power the planet for 170,000 years

A recent study reveals vast reserves of natural hydrogen within Earth's continental crust, can potentially supply clean energy for 170,000 years. This discovery, led by...

Article image

Breakthrough in Fuel Cell Recycling Turns ‘Forever Chemical’ Problem into Renewable Resources Using Sound Waves

A new technique that uses sound waves to separate materials for recycling could help prevent potentially harmful chemicals leaching into the environment. Researchers at the...

Article image

10 Eco-Friendly Gifts for Kids That Will Spark a Lifelong Love for Nature

In a world buzzing with screens and toys, these 10 thoughtful gifts help kids slow down and fall in love with nature. From planting seeds to spotting birds, each idea is...

Article image

The surprising power of penguin poop: how guano-made clouds may help cool the planet

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In the chilly heart of Antarctica, a bunch of tuxedoed waddlers may be doing more for the planet than most of us in puffer coats. A new...

Article image

Why Funding India’s Green Startups is Crucial for an Equitable, Low-Carbon Energy Transition

Only 2.5 percent of India’s climate tech startups reach growth-stage funding. Here’s why long-term investment, better infrastructure, and patient capital are key to scaling impact.

Article image

China first-quarter emissions fell despite rising power demand

China's emissions fell in the first quarter of 2025 despite rapidly growing power demand thanks to soaring renewable and nuclear energy, a key milestone for world's top...

Article image

World’s Tallest 3D-Printed Structure Rises 4 Stories into the Air Like a Wedding Cake, Inspired by Local Bakeries

In the usually sleepy Swiss town of Mulegns, pop. 11, a dramatic white tower rises four stories into the Alpine air—the tallest 3D-printed structure on earth. One might imagine...

Article image

Rare Bird Moment as Photographer Witnesses Mistle Thrush Feeding Orphaned Blackbird as Her Own

Birds of a feather usually flock together, but a lucky blackbird was ‘adopted’ by a mistle thrush mama who took the juvenile ‘under her wing’ in a rare case of inter-species...

Article image

This German Town Carefully Reconstructed a 5,500-Year-Old Monument Lifting 13 Tons of Stone

People find time to volunteer for all manner of projects, and in Germany, a community recently got together to pitch in for the sake of their local, 5,500-year history. The...

Article image

Brontë country designated as one of England’s largest national nature reserves

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The windswept moors that inspired the Brontë sisters’ most iconic novels are getting a new chapter — this time as one of England’s largest...

Article image

Snowy Owls Are Kept Safe from Jets at Boston Airport Thanks to Dedicated Researcher

A bird lover has been rescuing and relocating snowy owls from the Boston airport for over a decade, ensuring 900 of these majestic hunters can return home after winter. The...

Article image

Bukhara’s water legacy: ancient desert engineering meets modern climate resilience

In this episode of Silk Road Adventures, we explore how Bukhara’s ancient water systems still shape life today, as a city in the desert adapts to the challenges of climate change.

Article image

Ethiopians Brew Success as Coffee and Cash Pile Up Thanks to Transformational Sustainable Forestry Program

The existence and consumption of coffee has many advantages in human society, but perhaps the lesser reported advantage is what it can offer the environment. There is arguably...

Article image

Designs for Queen Elizabeth’s Memorial Reflect a ‘Quietly Monumental’ Life Close to Nature

In her 1966 Christmas address to the nation, the late Queen Elizabeth II encouraged her countrymen to “breath gentleness and care into the harsh progress of mankind.” At the...

Article image

Why the Trump administration can't stop states from fighting climate change

Climate progress is still happening. You just need to know where to look.

Article image

From Lakes to Forest Trails: 5 Nature Walks Your Kids Will Love

This summer, trade screens for streams and playgrounds for forest paths! From Uttarakhand’s misty trails to Kerala’s elephant camps, these 5 nature walks across India offer...

Article image

China launches spacecraft it says will collect samples from asteroid near Mars

China earlier returned rock samples from the moon's far side back to Earth in a historic mission and has welcomed international cooperation.

Article image

How DNA in the air could help track life on Earth

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In the lush forests of northern Belize, surrounded by hibiscus blooms, kingfishers overhead, and the busy trails of leaf-cutter ants below,...

Article image

33 Ideas To Meaningfully Celebrate Earth Day

Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22nd. We’ve put together the best ideas and activities to help you meaningfully celebrate it...

Article image

Left alone by humans, wildlife returns to the Eaton Fire burn area

In Altadena, four months after devastating wildfires, nature demonstrates remarkable resilience. Volunteers document the return of wildlife, including a mountain lion, to the...

Article image

Why Shimla & Ooty Were Never Meant for Holidays — But as Climate Escapes From Colonial Life

We’ve all chased cool air in the hills. But long before us, people came to places like Ooty and Shimla not for holidays — but to breathe easier, heal, and escape the heat....

Article image

The Complexity of Cruelty: How to Stop Workplace Bullying in Its Tracks

Workplace bullying affects 35% of employees. Learn how to recognize the signs early and create a safer, more supportive work environment. The post The Complexity of Cruelty:...

Article image

Ikaria Wariootia: The earliest known animal ancestor on the planet has been discovered from South Australia

Scientists have identified *Ikaria wariootia*, a tiny wormlike creature from 555 million years ago, as the earliest known bilaterian. This discovery from South Australia...

Article image

Penguin poo creates clouds that help cool the planet, study finds

Penguin excrement releases ammonia that helps form clouds over Antarctica, possibly slowing climate change in the region.

Article image

How to Grow Cherry, Bitter Gourd & Chillies on Your Terrace: 7 Tips From a Ludhiana Gardener

Looking to start your garden but don’t have a yard? Let Poonam Wadhwa’s terrace garden in Ludhiana inspire you. She offers valuable insights on how to pick the right plants for...

Article image

Green Day receive star on Hollywood Walk of Fame with a heartfelt speech from Ryan Reynolds

The members of Green Day were honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, with actor Ryan Reynolds delivering a humorous and heartfelt tribute to the rock band.

Article image

5 Common Problems that Surface Among Remote Teams and How Leaders Can Solve Them

Leading remotely requires new skills—building trust, driving engagement and ensuring growth from a distance. Here’s how to get it right. The post 5 Common Problems that Surface...

Article image

Crows are incredibly smart. Here’s how to make friends with one in four easy steps.

When it comes to keeping birds as pets, people usually think about parrots or canaries. Nobody ever considers having a crow. But research has shown that crows are incredibly...

Article image

Two New Board Members Appointed to the Jane Goodall Institute USA Board of Directors

For Immediate Release Two New Board Members Appointed to the Jane Goodall Institute USA Board of Directors The conservation nonprofit strengthens its board of directors with...

Article image

Bhagyashree’s 15-day viral saffron water beauty ritual

Bhagyashree reveals her simple beauty secret: saffron-infused water. This age-old remedy, consumed on an empty stomach for 15 days, combats skin dullness caused by pollution....

Article image

Why using your dishwasher is the laziest way to help the planet

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Doing your part for the environment often feels like more work — biking instead of driving, composting scraps, giving up fast fashion. But...

Article image

Two Rare Albino Deer Spotted Together in Iowa–Like a Pair of Unicorns (Watch the Video)

While driving through rural Iowa at dusk, Kurt Massimilla and his family experienced a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter—spotting not one, but two rare albino deer. The...

Article image

Antarctica Gained 200 Billion Tons of Ice During Recent Two-Year Period, Surprising Scientists

Antarctica was in the news this week in a surprising way: it was gaining ice, rather than losing it. While Antarctic ice sheet loss has averaged around 147 gigatons per year...

Article image

Limestone pinnacles, cypress trees and white cliffs: 4 European beaches among the best in the world

Two European beaches made the global top 10 for their stunning unspoilt nature.

Article image

​​Top 5 longest living turtles in the world that span centuries​

​Turtles are among the longest-living animals on Earth, and some species go much beyond the average lifespans. While most turtles live between 10 to 80 years, certain land...

Link copied to clipboard!
Article saved successfully!