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“Whatever you do to the animals, you do to yourself.”
– Ben Mikaelsen
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In today's issue, we'll take a look at:
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Did You Know?
True or false? If animal products are removed from a person's diet, it reduces their carbon footprint by a whopping 40 percent.
Scroll to the bottom for the answer.
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A Surprising Way to Combat Food Waste
Did you ever imagine that grocery shopping could become a frontline warrior against food waste and climate change? Sounds too good to be true, no? Well, a study from the University of California San Diego's Rady School of Management suggests it might just be possible with something called dynamic food pricing.
Picture this: you walk into your local grocery store and find that the prices of perishables like fruits and vegetables are fluctuating based on how close they are to their expiration dates. It's a strategic move to make sure food gets eaten, not wasted, and make foods more affordable for everyone. According to the research, this approach could slash food waste by a whopping 21%!
Grocery stores are often caught in the paradox of plenty, overstocking shelves to ensure variety and abundance, only to see unsold goods contribute to methane-releasing waste piles. With dynamic pricing, we could see a dramatic downturn in this trend and bonus - it might even boost profits for retailers.
Less than 25% of U.S. retailers are currently riding the dynamic pricing wave, but the potential benefits for our planet (and wallets) are too good to ignore. Not only does this method promise to cut down on waste, but it also makes nutritious, perishable food more accessible to more people.
Here's to hoping more grocery chains hop on this sustainable bandwagon, making every purchase a step towards a greener planet!
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What is Non-Toxic Cookware (and Why Should We Use It?)
With all the buzz around PFAs and "forever chemicals" like Teflon, it's high time we demystify what non-toxic cookware is. Non-toxic cookware is all about ditching those sneaky, harmful chemicals, like PFAs, found in traditional nonstick surfaces. We're talking about the good old stainless steel, trusty cast iron, and reliable carbon steel—basically, anything without a chemical-laden coating.
So, what's cooking in the world of non-toxic options? Stainless steel, enameled cast iron, and carbon steel top our list for their sturdy, chemical-free performance. They might need a bit more TLC (think seasoning and careful cleaning), but they're worth the effort for peace of mind and delicious results.
Ceramic cookware is another hero for those craving the non-stick convenience without the chemical baggage. Made from layers of silica, these pans promise a smoother, safer cooking experience. But remember to handle it with care to avoid damage.
In a nutshell, making the switch to non-toxic cookware is worth it to get a kitchen free from worry about what's leaching into your meals. It's about cooking with love, health, and environmental responsibility in mind!
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Sunshine and Seratonin...
Sunlight is more than just a source of warmth and illumination—it plays a vital role in regulating our mood and mental health. Research has shown that exposure to natural light, particularly sunlight, has a profound impact on our well-being by influencing serotonin levels and maintaining healthy circadian rhythms.
Serotonin, often referred to as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, plays a crucial role in regulating mood, sleep, and appetite. Sunlight exposure triggers the production of serotonin in the brain, leading to increased feelings of happiness and relaxation. Conversely, reduced sunlight exposure, such as during the winter months or in regions with limited sunlight, can lead to lower serotonin levels and an increased risk of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression associated with changes in seasons.
Furthermore, sunlight exposure helps synchronize our internal body clocks, known as circadian rhythms, with the natural day-night cycle. This synchronization is essential for maintaining healthy sleep patterns, energy levels, and overall mood stability.
In summary, sunlight exposure is integral to our mental well-being, as it boosts serotonin levels, regulates circadian rhythms, and promotes feelings of happiness and vitality. Incorporating regular outdoor activities into our daily routines, especially during daylight hours, can significantly enhance our mood and overall quality of life. So, let the sunshine in and bask in its mood-boosting benefits.
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Another Way to Boost Your Mood
If you've ever struggled to enjoy cannabis due to the harshness of smoking or vaping, you're not alone. That’s why these new cannabis gummies caught our eye.
Mood is an online dispensary that has invented a “joint within a gummy” that’s extremely potent yet federally legal. Their gummies are formulated to tap into the human body’s endocannabinoid system.
Although this system was discovered in the 1990s, farmers and scientists at Mood were among the first to figure out how to tap into it with cannabis gummies. Just 1 of their rapid-onset THC gummies can get you feeling right within 5 minutes!
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Thanks to Mood for sponsoring The Canopy.
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Which Diet Has the Highest Carbon Footprint?
Ever wonder how your diet stacks up in the fight against climate change? A fascinating study from Tulane University has served up some food for thought, comparing the carbon footprints of six popular diets from vegan to keto. Spoiler alert: what’s on your plate does matter to our planet!
Diving into the details, it turns out that the keto and paleo diets, with their heavy reliance on red meat, are the least friendly options for Mother Earth. These diets not only have higher carbon footprints but also rank low on the nutritional scale.
On the flip side, the study gives two thumbs up to vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian diets for their low environmental impact and nutritional benefits. The vegan diet leads the pack with the lowest carbon footprint, making it a win-win for those looking to eat well and tread lightly on the earth.
For those not ready to fully embrace a plant-based lifestyle, there’s something for you too! The omnivore diet, especially when leaning towards Mediterranean or DASH diet principles, finds a happy medium, balancing nutritional quality with a more sustainable footprint.
The takeaway? Shifting even a fraction of our meals to plant-based options can significantly reduce our carbon footprint. So, whether you’re ready to go full vegan or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your routine, every little bit helps in our journey toward a more sustainable, healthier planet.
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Sustainable Practices in Whiskey Aging and Packaging
Whiskey distilleries are increasingly embracing sustainability practices, particularly in barrel recycling and packaging, to minimize their environmental impact. Barrel recycling stands at the forefront of these efforts, as distilleries seek to reuse and repurpose barrels to reduce waste and conserve resources. Many distilleries are implementing innovative programs to extend the lifespan of barrels, such as refurbishing used barrels for additional aging or repurposing them for other industries like brewing or furniture making.
Moreover, distilleries are exploring alternative materials for aging whiskey, such as sustainably sourced wood or even non-wood materials like stainless steel or ceramic, to lessen reliance on traditional oak barrels. These alternatives offer opportunities for experimentation while reducing deforestation and promoting biodiversity.
In terms of packaging, distilleries are pioneering eco-friendly solutions to reduce their carbon footprint. This includes using recycled materials for bottle packaging, implementing lightweight designs to minimize transportation emissions, and exploring biodegradable or compostable packaging options.
Overall, whiskey distilleries are committed to sustainable practices in aging and packaging, recognizing the importance of environmental conservation. By embracing innovative approaches and alternative materials, they are not only reducing their environmental impact but also setting a positive example for the industry as a whole.
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Do You Want to Profit Off the American Whiskey Industry?
Let’s talk about a little-known secret that’s upending the whiskey supply chain.
Some of the most prominent names in the industry are outsourcing a critical (and lucrative) piece of the value chain: the whiskey aging process.
Many brand name operators are moving their casks off the balance sheet, which has blown the distillery door wide open for investors who want a piece of the action. How does it work? We’re glad you asked.
Take this recent real-life deal structured by Vinovest:
In December 2022 Vinovest acquired four pallets of bourbon whiskey casks. A year later Vinovest sold this whiskey at $1,850 per cask resulting in a 23.3% return for clients over 1 year. This is Vinovest’s third whiskey exit. Quite a track record.
TLDR: Investors, in exchange for their capital and patience, can earn a handsome return for owning full casks of whiskey during the aging process.
Will you seize the opportunity to profit off the American whiskey industry?
Explore Vinovest and take a call with a whiskey specialist today.
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Thanks to Vinovest for sponsoring The Canopy.
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Sunset Of The Day
Today's sunset of the day is brought to us by Canopy reader Kelly. This beautiful and serene sunset photo was taken in a Kansas field of flowers. Thank you Kelly for capturing this wonderful photo!
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Reflections:
- Did You Know: False, it can reduce it by 73%!
- Sunset Of The Day: The sun can provide us with some of the most beautiful photography out there. With its vibrant orange, red, and golden hues, it's truly is nothing like we've ever seen before. This is why we are eager to see some of our reader's best sunrise/sunset photos. Reply to this email with your best sun-based pictures for a chance to be featured in next Wednesday's newsletter!
- An International Affair: A meow-nificent gathering of over 250 furry feline superstars descended upon Spalding, England, turning the town into...
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