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“Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned.” – Peter Marshall
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In today's issue, we'll take a look at:
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Did You Know?
If everyone in the US flushed the toilet ___ less times per day, we could save a lake full of water about one mile long, one mile wide and four feet deep!
Scroll to the bottom for the answer.
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5 Ways to Make Spring Cleaning More Sustainable
It’s that time of year again—spring cleaning season! Before you dive into decluttering, let’s take a moment to consider how we can spruce up our spaces in a way that’s kind to our planet. Yes, being minimal with your belongings can be a sustainable way to live, but dumping out all your items in the name of spring cleaning isn’t a great way to go about it either!
Here are five tips to make your spring cleaning a green cleaning:
1. Assess Your Assets: Before you decide what stays and what goes, remember that not everything you own will be valuable to others. Take a hard look at your belongings and consider their life beyond your home. Could someone else find joy or use in them? Be honest with yourself to avoid unnecessary waste.
2. Thoughtful Donating: Don’t just dump everything at your local charity shop for them to have to deal with later. Many items might not be suitable for reuse and end up costing charities money to dispose of. Sort through your things with a discerning eye and donate items that can genuinely find a second life with someone else.
3. Recycle Right: It’s easy to toss everything into the recycling bin and hope for the best, but did you know that a significant portion of what we think is recyclable...isn’t? Do a bit of homework on your local recycling guidelines to make sure you’re not accidentally contaminating the recycling stream.
4. Gift What You Don’t Need: Have you explored your local Buy Nothing group? It’s a great way to give items a new home and maybe find something you need without buying new. This gifting economy can help shift our mindset from consumption to community sharing.
5. Mend and Make Do: In our throwaway culture, choosing to repair rather than replace is an act of environmental love. Whether it’s reattaching buttons or patching up jeans, taking the time to mend extends the life of our possessions and reduces waste.
Spring cleaning doesn’t just have to be about clearing out—it can be an opportunity to adopt more sustainable habits that last all year round. Happy cleaning!
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What is 'Green Noise' and How Can It Help You Sleep Better?
Do you ever find yourself tossing and turning, unable to drift off into sleep? Well, Mother Earth might just have a natural solution for you—enter green noise, your new nighttime companion that brings the serenity of nature right to your bedside!
Green noise, similar to the more widely known white noise, takes the soothing symphony of the natural world and wraps it into a comforting auditory blanket designed to help you snooze. Imagine the gentle sounds of waves caressing the shore, a tranquil river flowing steadily, or the whispers of a waterfall—all at a calming low frequency of 500 Hertz.
Clinical psychologist Dr. Shelby Harris notes that this nature-inspired noise is a dream for promoting relaxation, easing us into a deeper, more peaceful sleep. Beyond masking the noises that keep us awake, green noise is a ticket to tranquility!
Experiment with different sounds to discover what works best for you, and may your nights be filled with restful, eco-friendly dreams!
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Forest Bathing To Reduce Stress and Boost Mood
Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku in Japanese, is a practice gaining recognition for its profound effects on mental and physical well-being. It involves immersing oneself in the natural environment of forests, allowing the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest to engage the senses and promote relaxation.
Studies have shown that spending time in forests can reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, and boost mood. The calming effect of nature is attributed to various factors, including the presence of phytoncides - organic compounds emitted by trees - which have been linked to improved immune function and reduced anxiety.
Forest bathing encourages mindfulness and presence in the moment, allowing individuals to disconnect from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with the natural world. Simply walking among trees, listening to the rustle of leaves, and breathing in the fresh air can have profound effects on mental well-being.
To practice forest bathing, find a nearby forest or wooded area and take a leisurely stroll, paying attention to the sensations and surroundings. Leave behind distractions such as phones or cameras, and instead focus on engaging the senses and cultivating a sense of peace and tranquility.
Incorporating forest bathing into your routine can provide a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life, offering a natural remedy for stress and a pathway to a calmer, more balanced state of mind.
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Another Way To 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!
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Thanks to Mood for sponsoring The Canopy.
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Get Rid of Fruit Flies Sustainably
If you’ve ever had uninvited guests buzzing around your overripe fruits, you know how annoying it can be. Yes, we're talking about gnats–those tiny, winged visitors that appear out of nowhere and overstay their welcome. But fear not, because keeping your home gnat-free doesn't have to harm the environment.
The first thing to know is that prevention is always better than cure, and the same goes for gnats. Keep your living spaces dry, especially kitchens and bathrooms, to discourage them from setting up camp. A tidy home with well-managed waste and dry plant soil is your first line of defense. But if these little critters do make an appearance, here are 4 sustainable strategies to show them the door:
- Apple Cider Vinegar Trap: A dash of ACV in a glass, covered with a beeswax wrap and secured with a rubber band. Poke some holes, and it becomes a one-way ticket for gnats.
- Old Fruit Bait: A jar with vinegar and a piece of ripe fruit, topped with a paper cone, turns into an irresistible (and inescapable) trap for fruit flies.
- Wine or Beer: These gnats can't resist the fermented allure. An open bottle or a glass covered with a beeswax wrap (holes included) will trap them where they can't buzz out.
- Vinegar & Dish Soap: A mix of vinegar with a few drops of dish soap works wonders. The soap breaks the surface tension, ensuring that gnats get in but can’t get out.
Embrace these eco-friendly tactics, and you can bid farewell to gnats without harming our planet. Here's to a pest-free home!
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Eco-Friendly Energy Solutions for Lower Utility Bills
In the pursuit of sustainable living and financial savings, adopting eco-friendly energy solutions presents a win-win scenario. By implementing simple yet effective strategies, individuals can significantly reduce their utility bills while minimizing their environmental footprint.
One of the most accessible eco-friendly energy solutions is energy conservation through behavioral changes. Turning off lights when not in use, unplugging electronics, and using energy-efficient appliances can lead to substantial savings on electricity bills.
Investing in renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines is another eco-friendly option. While the initial investment may seem daunting, these systems often pay for themselves over time through reduced energy costs and potential incentives or tax credits.
Improving home insulation and sealing drafts can also enhance energy efficiency, reducing the need for heating and cooling systems. Additionally, upgrading to energy-efficient windows and doors can further minimize energy loss and contribute to long-term savings.
Smart home technology offers innovative solutions for optimizing energy usage, such as programmable thermostats and smart lighting systems that automatically adjust based on occupancy and natural light levels.
By embracing these eco-friendly energy solutions, individuals can not only lower their utility bills but also contribute to a more sustainable future for generations to come. Making conscious choices to reduce energy consumption not only benefits the environment but also results in tangible financial savings.
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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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Reflections:
- Did You Know: Just one!
- 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!
- Feline Film Inspiration: In the wild world of cinema, pets have always left their paw prints on the hearts of filmmakers. From Disney's...
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