Optimism, Problem Solving in the Granite State
Positive storytelling feels good and is practical
This article was originally published in the February 14 – February 27, 2025 edition of NH Business Review, as part of the monthly Sustainability Spotlight column—a space generously offered to me by my friends at NH Businesses for Social Responsibility. This version includes all the original hyperlinks, which were omitted for publication in the print edition.
A heartfelt thank you to NH Business Review and NH Businesses for Social Responsibility for the opportunity to share this piece!
What if I told you optimism isn’t just a feel-good emotion but one of the most effective tools for creating change?
Over the past six months, I’ve interviewed more than 40 changemakers across New Hampshire and collected hundreds of stories of local solutions on problems as tough as granite.
This work is Granite Goodness – a regular newsletter roundup of positive news stories in New Hampshire, along with a podcast featuring conversations with problem solvers.
When most people hear the phrase “good news,” they think of fleeting media segments— firefighters rescuing cats from trees— sandwiched between grim, attention grabbing headlines. These “positive” stories often fail to balance out the negativity, which might explain why 42% of Americans avoid the news.
Positive stories inspire and energize businesses by showing that impactful actions can drive both profit and purpose, creating a compelling case for aligning business goals with social and environmental good. Sharing these success stories strengthens trust and loyalty among customers, investors and employees, proving that a commitment to sustainability and ethical practices fosters long-term growth and resilience.
Those who are pessimistic about the Granite State or its capabilities may not know, for example, that:
NH is setting nationally leading standards in our adoption of community power, resident owned communities, and civics education in schools.
Many New Hampshire businesses are leading the way in building a sustainable future. Among them is NEMO Equipment, a Dover outdoor gear company. NEMO’s Endless Promise line makes equipment more circular, allowing recycling and component reuse.
NH has one of the lowest poverty rates in the country, and is consistently ranked one of the top states for quality of life.
Towns across the state are creatively stepping up to address the housing shortage.
My goal isn’t to dismiss mainstream journalism— its role is vital— but rather to address the imbalance in what stories are told. Researchers have extensively studied how our media ecosystem amplifies negative, sensational narratives.
An overemphasis on disasters and failures creates a distorted view of reality. While acknowledging challenges is crucial, it’s equally important to recognize the significant progress being made — from advancements in malaria vaccines to declining extreme poverty and the plummeting cost of renewable energy.
These stories, often overlooked, demonstrate the potential for positive change and inspire innovation. Furthermore, sharing these successes can have a profound impact on businesses, fostering a culture of optimism and encouraging investment in solutions that address global challenges.
One of my heroes, Angus Hervey of Fix The News, puts it best: “When we only hear stories of doom, we fail to see the stories of possibility. We deny ourselves the opportunity to do better.”
Granite Goodness exists to bring this perspective of optimism and progress to New Hampshire.
Yes, New Hampshire has challenges. Issues like the cost of living, addiction, and food insecurity are serious and heartbreaking. But they’re also solvable.
Those who study progress have a helpful mantra for squaring an awareness of suffering with a desire for change: “The world is awful. The world is much better. The world can be much better.” These statements coexist, without contradiction.
By spotlighting individuals and initiatives creating impact, Granite Goodness strives to counter our collective negativity bias– not as a distraction from hard problems, but as a catalyst for action. From grassroots efforts to scalable innovations, every story we share demonstrates that optimism, paired with effort, leads to tangible results.
Our work aims to paint a different picture of New Hampshire— one of innovation, resilience, and possibility. We want to make a rational, actionable case that joy and progress can thrive in the face of adversity.
At Granite Goodness, we believe that this happens all the time, but a lot of us just don't know about it.
So here's to knowing- it's a start!
Andy DeMeo is the creator and host of Granite Goodness, a podcast and newsletter covering stories of progress, solutions & positivity in and around the Granite State. The opinions and views expressed in this article are his own.
Sustainability Spotlight is produced monthly for NH Business Review by New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility (NHBSR.org).
Fantastic Article!!!!!!