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“The wilderness holds answers to questions we have not yet learned to ask.”
– Nancy Newhall
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In today's issue, we'll take a look at:
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Did You Know?
LED bulbs use at least 75% less energy and last __ times longer than incandescent lighting.
Scroll to the bottom for the answer.
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Designing Homes With Sustainability In Mind
When you think about your dream home, is it built with sustainability in mind? What if our homes weren’t just our havens of comfort but also future-thinking beacons of sustainability?
The journey to a sustainable home starts with smart planning. Choosing a location that cuts down on your commute and lets you embrace public transportation or biking is a footprint game-changer that not many think about. When starting the building process, choose local, natural materials that are great for the planet and reduce transportation emissions!
And did we mention the magic of natural light? Positioning your home to take advantage of the sun’s path can warm your space naturally in the winter while overhangs keep you cool in the summer. Strategic window placement is also key to inviting cool breezes into your home, reducing your reliance on air conditioning. It's all about working with nature, not against it!
Now, in terms of sustainable energy, you have plenty of great options. Solar energy is a powerhouse, slashing bills and allowing you to tread lightly on the planet. Many areas even offer incentives for solar panel installation, making this a savvy financial decision too. But micro wind turbines are always an alternative option; These compact devices can be installed right on your roof to generate energy while the wind blows.
At the end of the day, every choice, from the materials used to the energy sources powering your home, shapes a home that is kind to the earth. So, why not make your next big build a step towards a sustainable future? Your dream home could be greener than you imagined!
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Does 'Climate Optimism' Make An Impact?
It's no secret—the state of our planet can sometimes feel downright overwhelming. Record temperatures, shrinking winters, and escalating natural disasters paint a stark picture of climate change's impact. But amidst the barrage of doom and gloom, climate optimism stands as a beacon of hope!
Hannah Ritchie, a prominent voice in environmental data analysis, suggests that the narrative of inevitable disaster may not be the most effective way to inspire change. Instead, Ritchie advocates for a shift towards hopeful, data-driven optimism to encourage action across all levels of society.
Why does this matter? Well, Ritchie points out that while fear can motivate, it also paralyzes. By fostering a narrative that combines urgency with positivity, we can encourage those on the sidelines to step up and contribute. It's about making climate action relatable and achievable, not just a lofty ideal for the distant future.
She stresses the importance of significant, scalable solutions like reducing meat consumption, minimizing food waste, and shifting to sustainable energy sources in our homes.
So, as we navigate the challenges of climate change, let's balance our urgency with optimism. Let’s not forget that small steps, informed by solid data and carried out with a hopeful spirit, can lead to big changes!
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Tips To Shop Sustainable and Save Money!
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Buy Second-Hand: Embrace thrift shopping, consignment stores, and online marketplaces to find gently used clothing, furniture, electronics, and more. Not only does buying second-hand reduce waste by giving items a new life, but it also often comes at a fraction of the cost compared to buying new.
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Choose Quality Over Quantity: Invest in high-quality, durable products that are built to last. While they may have a higher upfront cost, they typically save money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent replacements. Look for well-made items with sturdy construction and timeless design.
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Shop Local and Seasonal: Support local businesses and farmers by purchasing locally produced goods and seasonal produce. Not only does this reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation, but it also often results in fresher, higher-quality products. Additionally, shopping at farmers' markets or directly from producers can sometimes offer more affordable prices compared to supermarkets.
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Reduce Packaging Waste: Opt for products with minimal or recyclable packaging to reduce waste and lower costs. Buying in bulk, choosing products with minimal packaging, and bringing reusable bags and containers when shopping can all help minimize unnecessary packaging expenses. Additionally, consider purchasing items in bulk or refilling containers to further reduce packaging waste and save money in the long term.
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DIY and Upcycling: Get creative and embrace do-it-yourself projects and upcycling to repurpose items you already own or find second-hand. DIY home decor, clothing alterations, and homemade cleaning products are just a few examples of how you can save money while reducing waste. Not only do these activities save money on purchasing new items, but they also promote resourcefulness and creativity.
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Hands Down Some of the Best Credit Cards for Balance Transfers
Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster?
Yes, it sounds crazy. But it’s true. The secret: Find a card with a “0% intro APR" period for balance transfers. Then, transfer your debt balance and pay it down as much as possible during the intro period. No interest means you could pay off the debt faster.
Check out the full list of cards you can use to do this here.
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Thanks to FinanceBuzz for sponsoring The Canopy.
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5-Day Food Waste Challenge: Day 5
We’ve reached the final day of our food waste challenge, and it’s time to get down and dirty with composting. Transforming food scraps into plant power isn’t just for gardeners—it’s for everyone! Not only are you doing something productive with your food waste, but you're also minimizing the amount of emissions that are created from landfills.
Now, you might think composting is only feasible if you have a big backyard, but that's not the case. Countertop composting systems are here to save the day, fitting snugly into even the tiniest of kitchens. Whether you’re nurturing a lush garden or a modest collection of houseplants, there’s a composting solution that can work for you!
Remember, every small step counts. By rethinking how you handle food waste—from smarter shopping and cooking to the final scrape of the plate—you’re helping to save precious resources and ease the strain on our planet.
Thanks for joining us on this challenge! By making these tweaks to your daily food routine, you're not just cutting down on waste; you're part of a global movement towards a healthier Earth!
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Try A Collagen-Infused Summer Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1 ripe banana, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 scoop collagen peptides (about 10-15g)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or coconut water
- Handful of ice cubes (optional, for a thicker texture)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Ingredients: Wash the berries and remove any stems. Peel and slice the banana.
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Blend: In a blender, combine the mixed berries, banana slices, Greek yogurt, honey or maple syrup (if using), collagen peptides, and almond milk or coconut water.
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Blend Until Smooth: Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If desired, add ice cubes for a thicker texture and blend again until well incorporated.
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Taste and Adjust: Taste the smoothie and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding more honey or maple syrup.
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Serve: Pour the collagen-infused smoothie into glasses and serve immediately. Garnish with additional berries or a sprig of mint if desired.
Variations:
- Green Boost: Add a handful of spinach or kale for an extra dose of nutrients and a vibrant green color.
- Tropical Twist: Replace the mixed berries with tropical fruits such as mango, pineapple, and kiwi for a refreshing tropical flavor.
- Creamy Texture: For a creamier texture, substitute coconut milk or yogurt for the almond milk.
- Protein Power: Boost the protein content by adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder in addition to the collagen peptides.
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A Perfect Smoothie Addition
So… what exactly does collagen do, again? This nutrient is Insta-trending for a reason – it’s essential for healthy skin, joints, and bones.
The big bummer: many collagen supplements are made with artificial ingredients and (gross) animal byproducts. NativePath has a different approach.
NativePath collagen is certified grass-fed and pure, and sourced from 100% happy, healthy cows… so you can put nutrients into a happy, healthy human. It provides Types 1 and 3 collagen – more than 90% of your body’s needs. Plus, it’s tasty and provides 20 grams of protein, so you’ll get lots of energy to boot.
Find out more about the many benefits of NativePath’s collagen powder on their website!
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Thanks to NativePath for sponsoring The Canopy.
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Reflections:
- Did You Know: 25 times longer!
- 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!
- Don't Forget to Check With The Dog First: When you’re getting ready to pop the question and ask your significant other to marry you, it’s traditional to ask for the permission of the bride’s father. But you may want to think outside the box a little, like the person filming this video...
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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!
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