May 1, 2024

🌳 Climate change class is in session

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Issue Nº 494

Wednesday

"The Earth does not belong to us: we belong to the Earth." – Marlee Matlin
In today's issue, we'll take a look at:
Did You Know?
Earth is estimated to be _________ years old.
Scroll to the bottom for the answer.
Climate Change Education Is Coming To NYC Classrooms
Classrooms across New York City will soon be filled with discussions about climate change and our responsibility toward our planet. Public School 103 in the north Bronx is one school that recently saw its third graders diving deep into the impacts of climate change! This change in curriculum is part of a growing trend that recognizes the urgent need to integrate climate education into the fabric of our educational system.

During a recent session, these eager learners discussed "Rain School," a book highlighting the struggles faced by children in Chad due to severe weather conditions exacerbated by climate change. Students were able to learn about the effects of climate change around the world and begin understanding the root causes, like carbon emissions.

What’s even more inspiring is that this educational shift isn't isolated! NYC is part of a growing movement, with states like New Jersey already mandating climate change education, aiming to arm the next generation with knowledge and solutions.

This fresh approach to education intertwines learning with real-world issues, making every lesson count towards building a more informed, proactive generation. In NYC, the future looks promising as classrooms turn into hubs of environmental consciousness, sparking a hopeful flame for change!
Do You Know How Environmental Health Affects Our Mental Health?
Did you know your environment plays a pivotal role in your mental health? Yep, it's not just genetics or lifestyle; environmental factors are significant players too. Understanding this can be a game-changer in improving your mental well-being. Here’s a quick dive into how different aspects of your environment impact your mental health.

1. Access to Nature: Have you ever felt a rush of calm just from walking in the park? You weren’t imagining that feeling! Regular doses of green space can boost serotonin levels, reducing stress and uplifting your mood.

2. Noise Pollution and Overcrowding: Constant noise and cramped spaces aren't just annoying—they can strain your mental health, leading to anxiety and depression. Seeking quieter, less crowded environments can be a big relief to overwhelmed minds.

3. Exposure to Toxins: Toxins in our air, water, and products can mess with brain function, affecting everything from mood to cognition. Opting for non-toxic products and supporting initiatives for cleaner air can protect your brain and enhance your mood!

4. Sleep Quality: Never underestimate the power of good sleep! Poor sleep can lead to distress and anxiety, so setting a relaxing bedtime routine and creating a restful environment is key. It’s no wonder why relaxing nature sounds help us sleep better!

By tuning into these environmental factors and making conscious changes, we can foster better mental health and lead happier lives. Who knew a little fresh air and quiet could go such a long way?
A Guide To Recycling Wine and Other Glass Bottles
  1. Rinse and Remove Labels: Before recycling your wine bottles, rinse them thoroughly to remove any leftover wine residue and sediment. You can use warm water and dish soap for this step. Additionally, remove any paper labels from the bottles, as these can be recycled separately with paper products.

  2. Separate Colors: Wine bottles come in various colors, including clear, green, and brown. When recycling, it's essential to separate them by color. Most recycling programs prefer sorted glass, as it simplifies the recycling process and ensures higher-quality recycled glass. Check with your local recycling center or municipality for specific guidelines on glass recycling in your area.

  3. Find a Recycling Center: Once you've prepared your wine bottles for recycling, locate a nearby recycling center or drop-off location that accepts glass. Many communities have designated recycling centers where you can drop off glass bottles for recycling. Some curbside recycling programs also accept glass bottles, so check with your waste management provider for options available in your area.

  4. Avoid Contamination: To ensure that your wine bottles are suitable for recycling, avoid contaminating them with non-recyclable materials. Do not include bottle caps, corks, or any other foreign objects in the recycling bin. These materials can interfere with the recycling process and may lead to rejection of the entire batch. If your recycling program accepts metal caps, you can recycle them separately.

  5. Consider Upcycling: If you're feeling creative, consider upcycling your wine bottles into decorative or functional items instead of recycling them. Wine bottles can be repurposed into vases, candle holders, or even DIY crafts. Upcycling not only reduces waste but also gives new life to old materials in a creative way.

By following these steps, you can responsibly recycle your wine bottles and contribute to reducing waste and conserving resources. Remember to check local recycling guidelines and regulations to ensure proper disposal of glass bottles in your area.

The Decade’s Best-Performing Asset Is Not What You’d Expect
Barron’s recently called whiskey investing “a global phenomenon that shows no signs of slowing down.”

And Vinovest is the all-in-one platform that allows you to capitalize on this burgeoning asset class in just minutes. 

With Vinovest, you can invest in casks of rare whiskey early, before they are aged, marked up, and sold to brands. Strong partnerships with distilleries give Vinovest premium exit flexibility and pricing power. In fact, Vinovest's latest exit, its third one, resulted in 23.3% return for clients over 1 year.

It’s Whiskey Time: Experts are calling for the global whiskey market to grow from under $60 billion to over $81 billion by 2025.

Start your whiskey investing journey at Vinovest today.
Thanks to Vinvoest for sponsoring The Canopy.
How To Care For Cutting Boards And Wooden Spoons
Keeping your kitchen eco-friendly isn't just about choosing sustainable products; it's also about caring for what you've got. Of course, choosing wood over plastic for your kitchen tools is a great first step, opting for a natural material that won’t leach microplastics and can decompose naturally once it's time to say goodbye. But the real trick is keeping them in tip-top shape for as long as possible. 

Let's talk about how you can give your wooden cutting boards and utensils a long, happy life!

1. Wash Wisely: Skip the dishwasher to prevent your wooden items from drying and cracking. Instead, gently hand-wash them with warm water and a mild soap.

2. Dry Thoroughly: After washing, pat them dry with a clean towel and let them air dry completely. This prevents moisture from breaking down the wood.

3. Oil Occasionally: Notice your wooden tools looking a bit dull or dry? A little mineral oil or a beeswax compound goes a long way. Avoid food-based oils like olive or vegetable oil, though, as they can turn rancid.

4. Deep Cleanse: Got stains or lingering smells? A thorough rub with the cut side of a lemon or a paste made of baking soda and water can work wonders in freshening them up and removing odors. 

5. Sand Smooth: If rough spots or stains persist, a bit of fine sandpaper can restore their smooth finish. Just remember to oil them afterward to keep the wood conditioned.

And there you have it—with these simple steps, your wooden kitchen tools can outlast even the trendiest gadgets. Here's to a kitchen full of cherished tools that feel as good as they look!
5 Eco-Friendly Tips To Save Money
  1. Reduce Energy Use: Turn off lights and electronics when not in use, air-dry clothes, and adjust your thermostat. These habits cut energy costs and benefit the environment.

  2. Choose Reusables: Swap single-use items like plastic bags and water bottles for reusable alternatives. They save money over time and reduce waste.

  3. Grow Your Own: Cultivate fruits, veggies, and herbs at home to cut grocery costs and minimize the environmental impact of food transportation and packaging.

  4. Shop Secondhand: Opt for gently used goods from thrift stores or online marketplaces to save money and reduce demand for new products.

  5. Be Mindful of Consumption: Prioritize quality over quantity, buy only what you need, and invest in durable items. It saves money and reduces waste.

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.
Thanks to FinanceBuzz for sponsoring The Canopy.
Sunset Of The Day:
Today's captivating sunset of the day was sent in by The Canopy reader Denny. Our favorite part about this sunset is the stunning orange and pink hues that light up the sky. We can't imagine how stunning this sunset must have been in person!

Thank you so much to Denny for capturing this wonderful moment on film. If you'd like to submit your sunset photo for a chance to be featured, don't forget to reply to this email with the sunset of your choice! 
Image courtesy of The Canopy reader Denny. Thank you for your support! 
Reflections:
  •  Did You Know: 4.54 billion.
  •  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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