Top 10 Positive News stories of 2014

The most popular articles of the past year

1. Goodwill campaign frees thousands of Americans from $15m of debt
A group of former Occupy Wall Street activists have abolished nearly $15m (£9m) of Americans’ medical debt as part of a goodwill campaign to free debtors at random.

1

 

2. Crying for empathy
In thousands of schools around the world, children between the ages of five and 12 take lessons from a newborn baby. The result? Increased emotional intelligence, understanding and empathy towards classmates, and less bullying and aggression.

2

 

3. Positive Psychology: Creating a cultural shift in happiness
Taking charge of our life stories brings more joy than amassing the tick-box list of items commonly associated with happiness, says Chris Johnstone.

3

 

4. Returning to the quiet intelligence of nature
How can we move towards a society that feels more human, natural and less dependent on money, considers Lucy Purdy, as she spends a week in Devon exploring ‘wild economics’.

4

 

5. World’s oldest message in a bottle found
A handwritten message in a beer bottle has washed ashore after 101 years; Danielle Batist shares a heartwarming story of good old-fashioned communication.

Bild Hamburg

 

6. Tube heat to help warm London homes
More than 500 homes in Islington will benefit from heat captured underground.

6

 

7. The social supermarket is a step forward for tackling food poverty
Britain’s first ‘social supermarket’, enabling local people on low incomes to buy food at knock-down prices, is a welcome addition to food banks, says Caspar Van Vark, though more needs to be done to tackle the roots of food poverty.

7

 

8. Phone Co-op brings first ethical smartphone to UK market
The sustainably designed Fairphone boasts a range of powerful features and strong environmental credentials.

8

 

9. The language of social change is shifting
The increasing number of voices articulating a positive vision of the future – including Russell Brand’s call for “a peaceful, effortless, joyous revolution” at London’s march against austerity – are a welcome antidote to the ‘anti’ approach, says Lucy Purdy.

9

 

10. The rise of the sharing economy
Ready to look beyond consumerism? A new online movement is helping people to band together, share their resources, and get by with less.

10

You’re the solution that Positive News needs

Our small, dedicated team is passionate about building a better alternative to the negative news media. And there’s never been a greater urgency to our mission. 

To invest in producing all the solutions journalism that the world is longing for, we need funding. We’re asking readers like you to get behind us by making a regular or one-off contribution as a Positive News supporter. Please back our team today and, together, we’ll change the news for good.