|
|
|
|
|
|
|
“Sweet life continues in the breeze, in the golden fields.”
– Jack Kerouac
|
|
|
In today's issue, we'll take a look at:
|
|
Did You Know?
Yellowstone National Park is the oldest U.S. national park, founded in ____.
Scroll to the bottom for the answer.
|
|
7 Fascinating Facts About Yellowstone National Park
If you’ve never been to Yellowstone National Park, you might wonder what all the hype is about. To put it briefly, the 2.222-million-acre expanse is a marvel of natural beauty and a hotspot for biodiversity. It isn’t just a hotspot for adventurers but also a highlight of nature's beauty!
Here are seven fascinating facts that showcase why this national park is a standout:
- Nestled at 7,733 feet, Yellowstone Lake not only boasts the title of the highest lake in North America but also freezes two feet thick in winter, thawing only by late spring.
- With over 500 active geysers, including the iconic Old Faithful, the park is a steaming spectacle of geothermal activity. These natural fountains are a sight to behold and a reminder of the earth’s fiery power just beneath our feet.
- Beyond geysers, Yellowstone flows with 290 waterfalls, creating stunning backdrops perfect for a serene moment in nature.
- As a sanctuary for the largest concentration of mammals in the lower 48 states, Yellowstone is where you might spot wolves, bison, and elusive lynxes—making every visit a real-life nature documentary!
- The park’s vibrant ecosystems face threats from 7 aquatic invasive species, like the New Zealand mud snail, which compete with native fauna and leave significant detrimental effects on the park.
- From the threatened Canada lynx to the iconic grizzly bear, Yellowstone is a crucial refuge for endangered species that rely on its undisturbed landscapes to survive.
- Sitting atop a supervolcano, the park records between 1,000 and 3,000 earthquakes each year, a testament to its dynamic and ever-changing landscape!
Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a curious newcomer, Yellowstone calls to be more than seen—it’s to be experienced and cherished. These fun facts are only seven of the hundreds of reasons that make this natural space so special!
|
|
How Nationwide Plastic Bag Bans Are Proving To Be Effective
With all the plastic bag bans in recent years, you might have found yourself wondering how effective they truly are. With over 500 policies enacted in cities across the US, we're seeing a significant dip in plastic waste, confirming that these policies do make a difference! A new report has crunched the numbers, revealing that each American is avoiding using 300 disposable plastic bags a year because of these bans. Wow!
Take the state of New Jersey for example, where a stringent ban that saw initial pushback has now led to a whopping reduction of over 5.5 billion plastic bags annually. This is no small feat! Sure, the switch has its critics—concerns range from the economic implications for businesses to the effectiveness of alternatives like paper bags. But the ultimate goal is a cleaner, greener world for all!
So, let’s do our part by bringing our reusable bags when we go shopping. Just leave them near your front door or in the trunk of your car so you never forget them on your way out. Our future plastic-free landfills and waterways will thank you!
|
|
3 Ways You Can Fuel Your Body With Nature
-
Eat Whole, Plant-Based Foods: Incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds into your diet. These natural foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, providing essential nutrients to support your overall health and well-being.
-
Choose Locally Sourced and Seasonal Foods: Opt for locally sourced and seasonal foods whenever possible. These foods are fresher, often more nutrient-dense, and have a lower environmental impact due to reduced transportation. Supporting local farmers and choosing seasonal produce also connects you more closely to your local ecosystem.
-
Prioritize Outdoor Activities: Spend time outdoors engaging in physical activities such as hiking, biking, swimming, or simply walking in nature. Exercising outdoors not only provides physical benefits but also offers mental and emotional rejuvenation by connecting you with the natural world. Fresh air, sunlight, and the beauty of nature can all contribute to your overall well-being.
|
|
Fuel Your Body Naturally
Pop quiz: What’s the body’s most abundant protein? The answer: Collagen. NativePath's Certified Grass-Fed Collagen Powder is made from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows and contains 18 grams of protein per suggested serving. Start incorporating it daily to support skin elasticity, joint health, bone strength, and muscle growth and maintenance.
|
|
|
Thanks to NativePath for sponsoring The Canopy.
|
|
5 Simple Tips For Visiting Nature Ethically
Whether you’ll be visiting a national park, a nearby hiking trail or just strolling around your neighborhood soon, it's crucial to always be responsible visitors to these natural treasures. Here are five ethical tips to help you enjoy the beauty of national parks without leaving a negative mark.
1. Stick to the Trails
To protect nature’s delicate ecosystems, it's essential to always stay on designated trails. Straying off these paths can harm plant life, contribute to erosion, and disturb wildlife habitats. Plus, it's safer for you and helps preserve the pristine environment.
2. Respect the Wildlife
Wildlife encounters can be thrilling, but it's vital to keep a respectful distance. Feeding or approaching animals can disrupt their natural behaviors and endanger both the wildlife and yourself. Use binoculars or a good zoom lens to enjoy and capture these moments safely.
3. Minimize Your Carbon Footprint
Think about how you’re getting to your destination. Carpooling, using public transport, or biking when possible can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Inside parks or on trails, continue eco-friendly practices by packing out all your trash, using reusable bottles and containers, and choosing environmentally conscious gear.
4. Keep the Noise Down
The serene sounds of the outdoors are a quintessential part of visiting nature. Preserve this tranquility by keeping your voice down and turning off loud music or noisy devices. This respect helps ensure that all visitors can enjoy the natural peace and prevents disturbing the wildlife.
5. Follow the Rules
Each park has guidelines designed to protect both the environment and visitors. Familiarize yourself with and adhere to these rules, which might include regulations on camping, fires, and wildlife interaction. Staying informed and compliant is a surefire way to contribute to conservation efforts and ensure these landscapes remain untouched for future generations.
Happy exploring—let’s tread lightly and leave Mother Nature as beautiful as we find her!
|
|
5 Ways Nature Boosts Our Mood
-
Stress Reduction: Nature calms our nervous system, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
-
Increased Happiness: Being in nature boosts serotonin levels, enhancing our mood and sense of well-being.
-
Improved Mental Health: Nature reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, promoting mental clarity and resilience.
-
Enhanced Creativity: Exposure to natural environments sparks creativity and inspires innovative thinking.
-
Better Sleep: Spending time in nature improves sleep quality, helping us feel more rested and rejuvenated.
|
|
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 1990’s, 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!
|
|
|
Thanks to Mood for sponsoring The Canopy.
|
|
Sunset of the Day
Today's sunset of the day is brought to us by The Canopy reader Eve. Eve kindly rescued an injured pigeon and brought the bird to a local wildlife center.
Thanks to Eve's kindhearted and heartwarming actions, the pigeon was able to be treated and released back into his natural habitat. Eve was even able to capture a photo of the pigeon with the sun setting in the background.
Thank you so much Eve for submitting this wonderful and heartwarming story to us!
|
|
Reflections:
- Did You Know: 1872.
- Sunset Of The Day: The sun can provide the most beautiful photography. With its vibrant orange, red, and golden hues, it's like nothing like we've ever seen before. We're eager to see your favorite sunrise or sunset photos. Reply to this email with your best sun-based pictures for a chance to be featured in next Wednesday's newsletter!
- What We're Watching, Expert Insight on How Emotions Work: We may experience 400 or more emotions in a single day. But what exactly makes us feel? What even are emotions?...
|
|
Share the love
Know a fellow earth lover who would benefit from joining The Canopy Community? Forward this email or refer them at thecanopy.eco!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
