April 29, 2024

🌳 A guide to what's in-season

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Issue Nº 492

Monday

“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.”
– Walt Disney
In today's issue, we'll take a look at:
Did You Know?
Some new refrigerators are so energy efficient they use less electricity than  _________.
Scroll to the bottom for the answer.
A Guide To What's In-Season
Are you ready to elevate your meals and lighten your environmental footprint? Dive into the world of seasonal eating! Choosing fruits and vegetables that are in season not only boosts flavor but also significantly reduces your carbon footprint!

Out-of-season produce often travels thousands of miles to reach your table, leading to high transportation emissions and requiring more preservatives. In contrast, in-season produce is picked at peak freshness, ensuring not only better taste but also less environmental impact.

Here's your guide to eating seasonally!

Winter
  • Fruits: Savor citrus-like oranges and grapefruits, along with pears and tangerines.
  • Vegetables: Stock up on hearty choices like Brussels sprouts, winter squash, and sweet potatoes.
Spring
  • Fruits: Enjoy the tart sweetness of strawberries and the tangy zest of lemons and limes.
  • Vegetables: Asparagus spears, crisp radishes, and fresh green peas are perfect for spring salads.
Summer
  • Fruits: Bite into juicy tomatoes, blackberries, apricots, mangoes, and watermelons.
  • Vegetables: Feast on vibrant bell peppers, cucumbers, corn, and green beans.
Fall
  • Fruits: Apples, pumpkins, and cranberries are perfect for autumn baking and snacking.
  • Vegetables: Roast up some beets, carrots, squash, or sweet potatoes for a warm, earthy side dish.
When looking for the best in-season produce, the farmers’ market is the best place to check! If you don’t have one near you, try your local grocery store and look for signs that tell you where it was grown. So next time you shop, remember to think seasonally and choose wisely!
How to Keep Citrus Fresh for Over a Month
If you've ever been disappointed by a soft, mushy lemon or lime from the fruit bowl, you know the challenge of keeping them fresh. Luckily, we have the best tips to keep them fresh for over a month and avoid waste!

Forget about leaving your citrus out on the counter; they'll only last about a week that way. Instead, try this simple trick to extend their shelf life: submerge them in water. Yes, it's that easy! Place your lemons and limes in a sealable glass container, completely cover them with water, and stash them in the fridge. This method keeps them fresh and vibrant for over a month—just like magic!

To keep your citrus going strong, keep them away from ethylene-producing fruits like apples, bananas, onions, and potatoes. These neighbors speed up the ripening process, making your citrus age before their time.

By following these tips, you'll enjoy fresh, zesty citrus all through their peak seasons, and help the planet along the way!
This New Toilet Paper Just Might Save the Planet
Every 24 hours, 27,000 trees are cut down to make toilet paper. To us, that feels like way too many — and Honeycomb agrees. That’s why this small, female-founded brand created luxury, three-ply toilet tissue made from bamboo. It feels just like regular high-end toilet paper, but doesn’t harm trees. 

So why bamboo? It’s the fastest-growing plant in the world — growing 100 times faster than the average tree — which means thousands of rolls can be produced in the time it takes for a single tree to grow back. 

In honor of April being Earth Month, this is the last 24 hours for new customers to get 30% off when they use code CAN30. Expires 4/30!
 
Redeem code here.
Thanks to Honeycomb for sponsoring The Canopy.
3 DIY Alternatives to Store-Bought Kitchen Staples
Are you looking to trim your grocery bill and minimize kitchen waste? You might be surprised to learn how many everyday items you can whip up at home with minimal effort. Embracing DIY in the kitchen not only saves money but also connects us to a more sustainable and mindful way of living!

1. Homemade Breadcrumbs
Don’t toss that stale bread! Transform it into golden, crispy breadcrumbs instead. Just tear about 4 ounces of stale sourdough into pieces, and toss with a couple of tablespoons of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. Bake at 350°F until golden (about 10-18 minutes) then blend up until crumbly. Feel free to jazz them up with some garlic powder or Italian seasoning for an extra flavor kick!

2. Oat or Almond Flour 
Got a blender? Then you can make your own flour. Whether you opt for oats or almonds, the process is the same: just pulse in your blender until you have a fine powder. This simple swap not only reduces packaging waste but also gives you full control over the purity of your ingredients. Plus, it's a perfect gluten-free option for those with dietary restrictions.

3. Veggie Scrap Stock
Take your sustainability game up a level by turning kitchen scraps into a rich, flavorful soup stock. Keep a bag in your freezer for onion ends, carrot tops, celery leaves, and the like—just avoid cruciferous veggies and potatoes as they can turn bitter. When you’ve gathered enough, simmer your collection in water for a nutritious stock that's completely zero-waste.

By opting to make these items at home, you're not just saving pennies—you're also taking a step towards a healthier lifestyle and a happier planet. That’s the magic of homemade goodness!
Reflections:
  •  Did You Know: One lightbulb!
  •  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! 
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Know a fellow earth lover who would benefit from joining The Canopy Community? Forward this email or refer them at thecanopy.eco!
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