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.
🚀Community voices | Meet KZYS, Project Optimist’s partner in the Central Minnesota News Collaborative
Ten-plus years ago the St. Cloud Somali Community Radio began broadcasting local news to thousands of Somali speakers in central Minnesota. This month Project Optimist and KZYS are launching the new Central Minnesota News Collaborative, designed to strengthen local news through partnerships.
‘Temples of the spirit’: A Catholic take on end-of-life plans
“Our belief is that we're temples of the Holy Spirit. The body that we have is where the Holy Spirit has lived,” said the Rev. Tony Wroblewski.
Ancestral seed relatives offer healing, better health
Dream of Wild Health farm recovers seed relatives, provides nourishment for urban families, and cultivates young leaders.
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.
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.
How and why to start your health care directive
Experts share insights and recommendations on where to start the advance planning process.
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.
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?
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.
📻 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.
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.
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.
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.
Community Voices ⎸ Project Optimist made leaps in 2024
A look at what we accomplished in 2024 and our goals for 2025.
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.
How to use courage, excitement to make social connections
We look at what research shows about how people can overcome fears and use these strategies to connect with others.
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.