Ode's top 10 positive stories from 2008

Good news rarely makes the headlines... except in Ode. To celebrate 2008 - and anticipate more good news to come in 2009 - here are Ode's 10 most positive stories from the year that was.

1.		talkin' bout my generation Good news! Soaring energy costs could get even worse, spurring a new era in which people make clean power for themselves. Blaine Greteman
2.		because you're worth it Consumer power and legislation have spurred cosmetics firms to devise new ways to assess their products for safety. Welcome to the end of animal testing. Ursula Sautter
3.		beyond the bottom line Although the global financial problems are causing trouble for investors now, they could lead to something better - for investors and the environment. Janet Paskin
4.		sacred ground Indigenous people are gaining rights to their land. Eric Larson
5.		down and dirty How carbon farming, the practise of putting CO2 back into the soil, can help fight global warming. Jay Walljasper
6.		open for business Abdellah Aboulharjan gets young French immigrants off the streets and helps turn them into entrepreneurs. Peter Van Dijk
7.		from the heart Ernest Madu left a lucrative career as a doctor in the U.S. to build a cardiology clinic in Jamaica - and show that quality health care is possible in the developing world. Jay Walljasper
8.		A model Congolese village Alexander Petroff, founder of Working Villages International (WVI), journeyed to Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to promote the development of sustainable communities. Pamme
9.		shares and sharing alike A new European tech fund makes donations to non-profits by giving shares. Bruno Giussani
10.		not the same old drive-thru The meat is raised naturally; the packaging is recycled; the ovens use renewable power. New green fast-food chains are serving up burgers and fries to feel good about. Mary Desmond Pinkowish