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"We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children."
– Native American Proverb
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In today's issue, we'll take a look at:
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Did You Know?
True or false? The Amazon Rainforest is the world's largest tropical rainforest.
Scroll to the bottom for the answer.
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Did You Know That May Is 'Gardening For Wildlife' Month?
As ‘Gardening for Wildlife Month’ sweeps through, May is encouraging us to roll up our sleeves and turn our gardens into thriving havens for local wildlife. With urban expansion nibbling away at natural habitats, many species have been left struggling for survival.
Realizing this, initiatives like Gardening for Wildlife Month shine a spotlight on the transformative power of taking matters into our own hands and turning our backyards into biodiversity hotspots. Spearheaded by the National Wildlife Federation since 1973, these efforts have sparked an incredible increase in urban biodiversity by incorporating native flora that provides food, shelter, and breeding grounds for local wildlife.
Here’s what you can do to help:
- Create a Wildlife Sanctuary: Whether it's planting native shrubs, installing a small pond, or simply letting a corner of your garden grow wild, every little bit helps. There’s a wealth of online resources to guide you through creating the perfect habitat right in your backyard.
- Embrace Local Flora: Boost your local ecosystem by planting native species. Not only do they require less maintenance, but they also offer the most benefits to local wildlife, ensuring your green space becomes a natural sanctuary.
- Get Involved Locally: Participate in or initiate wildlife garden projects in your community spaces. Volunteering at nearby wildlife gardens can connect you with like-minded nature enthusiasts and multiply the environmental benefits.
These gardens act as green lungs in urban areas, reducing pollution and providing us with serene spots to unwind and reconnect with nature. So, this May, let's dig deep into our commitment to the planet by fostering patches of wilderness for our winged and wild friends. Happy gardening!
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Don’t Tidy Up Your Garden Just Yet!
Spring's warm embrace often urges us to grab rakes and get our gardens looking pristine, but did you know that pausing before you clean can do wonders for local wildlife? As the snow melts and Spring settles in, these leaves provide essential cover for wildlife emerging from hibernation and offer a rich hunting ground for birds in search of a snack!
Experts recommend delaying any major garden cleanup until consistent daytime temperatures rise above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This cautious approach ensures that hibernating insects, larvae, and even ground-dwelling bees wake up and move on before we disturb their winter homes.
In addition to acting as a shelter, decomposing leaves enrich the soil, acting as a natural mulch that nourishes your garden. If you're worried about aesthetics or your garden's health, consider relocating leaf piles to a less visible part of your yard rather than removing them entirely.
With this information in mind, let's rethink our spring cleaning rituals! By embracing a more wildlife-friendly approach to gardening, we can play a vital role in helping our local ecosystems!
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Earn Extra Cash With These Eco Side-Hustle Ideas!
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Upcycling and Repurposing: Collect discarded or unused items such as furniture, clothing, or household goods, and transform them into trendy, functional, or decorative pieces through upcycling and repurposing. You could sell your creations at local markets, online platforms, or even offer custom-made pieces to eco-conscious customers.
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Green Cleaning Services: Offer eco-friendly cleaning services using non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning products and sustainable practices. Cater to residential or commercial clients who prioritize environmentally friendly cleaning solutions. You could also provide tips and consultations on green living practices to your customers.
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Plant-based Catering or Meal Prep: Start a side hustle focused on providing plant-based catering or meal prep services for individuals or events. Offer delicious, nutritious meals made from locally sourced, organic ingredients. Emphasize the environmental benefits of a plant-based diet and attract customers interested in sustainable eating options.
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Bicycle Repair and Maintenance: If you have mechanical skills and enjoy working with bicycles, consider offering bicycle repair and maintenance services. Encourage cycling as an eco-friendly mode of transportation by providing affordable, convenient repair solutions. Offer mobile repair services or set up a small workshop in your garage or a communal space.
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Reusable Products Retailer: Start a business selling eco-friendly, reusable products such as stainless steel water bottles, bamboo utensils, cloth grocery bags, and beeswax wraps. Emphasize the importance of reducing single-use plastics and offer a curated selection of sustainable alternatives. You could sell your products online, at local markets, or through pop-up shops at community events.
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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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Are You Participating In 'No Mow May'?
You might have heard of No Shave November, but how about No Mo May? With over 32,000 Instagram posts and counting, homeowners worldwide are showing off their lush lawns, giving their lawnmowers a break, and fostering biodiversity in their yards.
Launched by the U.K. conservation charity Plantlife, "No Mow May" encourages folks to let their lawns grow untamed throughout the month. The idea sprouted during the COVID-19 lockdowns and has since blossomed into an annual eco-friendly tradition, extending its roots into North America.
The premise is simple yet impactful: by letting various plants flower, you significantly boost your garden's biodiversity. This lush growth not only beautifies your space but also provides vital nectar for bees and other pollinators. Plantlife's research found that participating lawns can support hundreds, even thousands, of bees per day, with flowers like dandelions and clovers serving as tiny feasts for these mighty pollinators.
But "No Mow May" isn't just about bees; it's a stand against the overuse of pesticides and fertilizers that harm our ecosystems. By ditching the mower, you reduce the need for these chemicals, contributing to a healthier, more resilient local environment.
So, why not let nature take the lead this May? Skip the mow and watch your garden thrive! We can grow this movement together—one overgrown lawn at a time!
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Tips For Painting Nature
Are you looking to enhance your painting skills while capturing the beauty of nature? Here are ten essential tips to help you bring the beauty of the great outdoors onto your canvas.
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Observe Closely: Take the time to observe the intricate details of your natural subject, from the texture of tree bark to the delicate veins of a leaf.
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Study Light and Shadow: Pay attention to how light interacts with your subject, creating highlights, shadows, and depth. Use contrasting light and shadow to add dimension to your painting.
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Capture Atmosphere: Consider the atmospheric conditions of your outdoor scene, such as the clarity of the air, the presence of fog or mist, or the changing colors of the sky. Use subtle shifts in color and tone to convey mood and atmosphere.
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Simplify Shapes: Focus on capturing the essence of your subject by simplifying complex shapes into basic forms and structures. This will help create a strong composition and emphasize the beauty of nature's patterns.
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Use a Limited Palette: Limit your color palette to a few key hues inspired by the natural environment you're painting. This will create harmony and cohesion in your artwork while allowing you to explore the subtleties of color variation.
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Experiment with Texture: Explore different painting techniques to create texture and tactile qualities in your artwork, from thick impasto strokes to delicate washes. Use texture to evoke the tactile sensations of nature, such as the roughness of rocks or the softness of petals.
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Paint En Plein Air: Venture outdoors to paint directly from nature (en plein air) to capture the ever-changing light, colors, and atmosphere. Painting on location will deepen your connection to your subject and infuse your artwork with a sense of immediacy and authenticity.
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Compose Thoughtfully: Pay attention to the arrangement and balance of elements within your composition, considering concepts like the rule of thirds and leading lines to guide the viewer's eye through the painting.
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Create Depth: Use perspective, scale, and overlapping shapes to create a sense of depth and distance in your painting, conveying the vastness and expansiveness of the natural landscape.
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Infuse Emotion: Channel your emotional response to the beauty of nature into your painting, allowing your personal connection to shine through. Whether it's a sense of awe, tranquility, or wonder, infusing emotion into your artwork will resonate with viewers and create a lasting impression.
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This Painting Sold For 8 Million and Everyday Investors Profited
When the painting by master Claude Monet (you may have heard of him) was bought for $6.8 million and sold for a cool $8 million just 631 days later, investors in shares of the offering received their share of the net proceeds.
All thanks to Masterworks, the award-winning platform for investing in blue-chip art. To date, every one of Masterworks’ 16 sales out of its portfolio has returned a profit to investors. With 3 recent sales, investors realized net annualized returns of 17.6%, 21.5% and 35%.
How does it work? Simple, Masterworks files each offering with the SEC so that nearly anyone can invest in highly coveted artworks for just a fraction of the price of the entire piece.
Shares of every offering are limited, but The Canopy readers can skip the waitlist with this exclusive link.
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Thanks to Masterworks for sponsoring The Canopy. Past performance is not indicative of future returns, investing involves risk. See disclosures masterworks.com/cd
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Reflections:
- Did You Know: True! It covers over 2.3 million square miles (6.7 million square kilometers).
- 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!
- How Going Outside Can Boost Our Happiness: Ever notice how going outside after a long day can help you decompress and feel better? If you've been feeling in a rut, going outside can help give you a happiness boost. Here are some of the ways connecting with nature helps us feel better...
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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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