Project Optimist (Page 2)

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

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 Featured

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 Featured

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?

Two women with dark hair smile as they pose for a photo in front of lilac bushes.

End-of-Life

Community Voices ⎸ Project Optimist staff plan for the end — and it feels good

Life goals: Complete health care directives, draft a will, and enroll in life insurance in 2025.

Two adults pose for a photo. A child looks over one person's shoulder.

St. Cloud

📻 Project Optimist and KZYS get Press Forward MN funds for partnership

The collaboration between KZYS and Project Optimist will include community journalism training, co-reported stories, cross-publishing articles in English and Somali, and more.

A group of people ride bikes in the fall.

Transportation

Southeastern Minnesotans seek transportation solutions

As Minnesota communities look to start an organization to meet transportation needs, Project Optimist spoke with leaders at the Upper Valley Transportation Management Association to learn more about TMAs and their experience.

Woman empties the contents of a cloth bag into a pile to sort.

Business

Subscription recycling service draws Minnesota customers

Ridwell currently operates in the Twin Cities metro area and is experimenting with a mail-in service for people who live in rural areas.

An advance health care directive planning packet sits on a table with a to-do list.

End-of-Life

Community Voices ⎸ Make a plan for end-of-life care

Many Americans don’t have an advance directive. Join the Project Optimist team to make one in 2025.

Illustration of a person in their garden.

Community voices

Community Voices ⎸ Project Optimist made leaps in 2024

A look at what we accomplished in 2024 and our goals for 2025.

Ice forms on a sunny afternoon along Lake Superior in Duluth, Minn.

Biophilia

Discover Lake Superior diamonds

"Lake diamonds can’t last forever. Soon, they’ll melt. So while you can, go out and find some. Watch them shine in the light," writes Erica Dischino.

Woman pours a THC-infused drink into a glass.

Business

Minnesota brewers tap into shifting tastes

Craft breweries in Minnesota created new products and events they hope appeal to younger customers of drinking age, who tend to drink less beer than members of older generations.