Environment - Project Optimist

Three people sit at a white folding table. The woman on the right is speaking. The two men next to her listen. In the background is a projection screen with an image of a controlled burn.

Environment Featured

‘We have always existed with fire’

Education about the history and role of controlled burns in northeast Minnesota is key, officials say.

Two people wear costumes, one looks like a turtle costume. They hold signs that say "No more fossil fuels."

Community voices

Community Voices ⎸ Cycling infrastructure pays dividends

Creating more cycling infrastructure in cities is one part of the larger puzzle to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Six people sit in chairs along a wall. They are all dressed in business casual attire. They wear blue identification badges. They are part of a panel discussion at COP29.

Community voices

Community Voices ⎸ Climate change makes water insecurity worse in the Global South

Without the money and resources that the Global North has, countries in the Global South are not able to adapt to or fight back against the impacts of climate change.

Recycling

Experts dive into Minnesota's Extended Producer Responsibility law

Catch a replay of the panel discussion, or read the highlights.

A man adds buckthorn brush to a lit biochar kiln as another man watches in the background. They are standing in a wooded area in a regional park.

Environment

How a Minnesota nonprofit makes biochar

Project Optimist tagged along with nonprofit Great River Greening during a biochar demonstration on March 17. Here's how it works.

An illustration of people working in a nuclear generating plant.

Nuclear power

Coalition wants to end Minnesota's nuclear moratorium

Project Optimist spoke with Generation Atomic about why they feel now is the time to lift Minnesota's nuclear moratorium.

A woman and a man stand on the snowy ground next to a tall solar panel array. Evergreen trees are seen behind them.

Other nonprofit media

Solar power gives resort ‘new blood, new life’

After sitting dormant during the winter for the past decade, the Lodge of Whispering Pines is up and running on the strength of a solar project that largely powers its dozen cabins.

Cardboard boxes and paper are seen in a bunker at the Otter Tail County Recycling Center.

Environment

How Extended Producer Responsibility will work in Minnesota

Project Optimist finds out how the law aimed at reducing packaging waste could affect taxpayers, businesses, and consumers.

Recycling boxes sit on the curb outside a home in Canada waiting to be picked up.

Environment

Extended Producer Responsibility shifts recycling cost, promises investment

Minnesota wants producers to pay for recycling. How has that worked in Canada and the European Union?