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"It is our responsibility to leave this planet cleaner and greener. That must be our legacy.”
– John Lewis"
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In today's issue, we'll take a look at:
- Portugal's renewable energy achievements
- An energy-saving showdown
- Natural ingredients that are great for skin + a new skincare routine
- Energy monitors to consider for your home
- How cork ends up in bottles + an investment you can sip on
- Topic 4 (optional)
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Did You Know?
As of 2021, there is now enough installed solar power capacity to power over ______ American homes!
Scroll to the bottom for the answer.
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Portugal’s Record High of Renewable Energy
Portugal is making waves in renewable energy, hitting a record of 61% renewable energy in its electricity mix in 2023. That's a significant leap from 49% the previous year! Thanks to a perfect storm of heavy rains, strong winds, and glorious sunshine, Portugal is not just breaking records, it's using mother nature’s gifts to set an example for the rest of the world.
With an ambitious eye on the future, Portugal aims to ramp up its renewable game to 85% by 2030. And in a year marked by soaring gas prices and energy challenges, this country is showing the world how it's done. Wind power is blowing strong, accounting for a whopping quarter of all electricity, while hydropower's making waves with 23%. Solar and biomass aren't far behind, lighting the way forward.
As the world gears up to triple renewable energy by 2030, Portugal's already sprinting ahead, with less reliance on natural gas and more investments in renewables. Let's take a leaf out of Portugal's book and dream big, green, and renewable. Here's to a brighter, cleaner future for all!
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Germany's Energy-Saving Showdown
Germany is also taking on sustainability but in a very unique way, with an energy-saving game that has turned into a nationwide contest of creativity and thriftiness! With gas supplies from Russia dwindling, the Germans are not just sitting back; they're getting innovative, and dare we say, a bit competitive, in their quest to slash energy use.
Picture this: streets dimly lit by LEDs, households turning down the thermostat in favor of thermal underwear, and social media brimming with tales of energy-saving escapades. From outdoor grills finding new life inside apartments (please, don't try this at home!) to bread being toasted instead of baked, the energy crisis has sparked a wave of ingenious, and sometimes humorous, solutions.
Across Germany, residents are now flaunting frugality like never before, turning the act of saving energy into a badge of honor. Imagine cozying up to a 115-year-old masonry heater instead of the modern furnace, or insulating attics for the first time in over a century to keep the warmth in. That's the level of commitment we're seeing!
But it's not all about the immediate fixes. Some Germans are looking long-term, swapping old wooden fences and furniture for sustainable heating options and better-insulated homes. It's a clear sign that when faced with adversity, a little competition can lead to a lot of innovation.
So, what can we learn from Germany's energy-saving challenge? Maybe it's time we start our own friendly competition. Who can save the most energy this month?
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Skin-Boosting Ingredients From Nature
Nature has bestowed us with a treasure trove of ingredients that are not only nourishing for our bodies but also incredibly beneficial for our skin. Here are some natural ingredients that can work wonders for your skin:
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Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing and hydrating properties, aloe vera is a versatile ingredient that helps calm irritated skin, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. It's a perfect remedy for sunburns and sensitive skin.
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Honey: Rich in antioxidants and antimicrobial properties, honey is a natural humectant that helps lock in moisture, leaving the skin soft, supple, and glowing. It also has healing properties, making it ideal for treating acne and wounds.
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Coconut Oil: This multi-tasking ingredient is deeply moisturizing and nourishing for the skin. It contains fatty acids that help repair the skin barrier, soothe dryness, and prevent moisture loss. Coconut oil is also gentle enough for sensitive skin.
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Green Tea: Packed with antioxidants, green tea helps protect the skin from environmental damage and premature aging. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritation and reduce redness, making it suitable for acne-prone skin.
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Jojoba Oil: Similar to the skin's natural oils, jojoba oil is easily absorbed and helps balance oil production, making it suitable for all skin types. It hydrates, softens, and smooths the skin while providing antioxidant protection.
Incorporating these natural ingredients into your skincare routine can help nourish, protect, and rejuvenate your skin, leaving it looking radiant and healthy.
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The Best Addition To Your Bathroom Counter
It's time to upgrade your everyday routine with high-quality, effective, and simple skin care products.
Whether you’re new to skincare or fed up with complicated sets that nobody can keep up with, Tiege Hanley has got you covered.
With this 4-piece skin care system, you'll get great skin without the hassle. Each box contains a daily face wash, exfoliating facial scrub, moisturizer for day and night, and an instruction card so you know exactly what each product is and how to use it.
Discover why over 10,000 Tiege Hanley customers have given their kit a 5-star rating. Use this exclusive link to receive 30% off your first box, plus a free gift, then 20% off for life.
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Thanks to Tiege Hanley for sponsoring The Canopy.
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3 Energy Monitors that Help You Reduce Energy at Home
Are you ready to level up your own energy-saving game? What if we told you there's a gadget out there that could help you push your energy efficiency to the next level? Enter the home energy monitor—a nifty device that's all about giving you the power (quite literally) to understand and reduce your home's energy use.
These handy little monitors, roughly the size of a large smartphone, cozy up inside your electrical panel to keep tabs on your energy consumption. Through the magic of WiFi, they dish out real-time data on your overall energy usage and even pinpoint which appliances are the energy hogs of your home. This means you can make informed decisions, like finally replacing that ancient dryer, to cut down on your energy use.
But wait, there's more! With a connected app, you can monitor your energy usage on the go, check if you left the iron on, or see how much juice your solar panels produce. Installation is a breeze, though it's advised to leave the electrical panel work to the pros.
Now, for the low down on which monitors rank best: the Sense Energy Monitor takes the crown for its user-friendly interface and insightful tracking features, allowing you to set energy goals and learn your usage patterns. On a budget? The Emporia Energy Smart Home Energy Monitor has got your back, offering real-time monitoring without breaking the bank. And for a quick fix, the Kasa Smart Plug Ultra Mini lets you control individual appliances right from your phone.
Why does this matter for Mother Earth? Well, by identifying and curbing our energy vampires at home, we're doing our part to conserve resources and reduce pollution. So, let's get smart about our energy use and make a positive impact on the planet, one watt at a time!
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How Cork Ends Up In Our Wine Bottles
Cork stoppers, a traditional choice for sealing wine bottles, undergo a fascinating process before they make their way to your favorite bottle of wine. Here's an overview of how cork stoppers are made:
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Harvesting: Cork is derived from the bark of cork oak trees, primarily found in the Mediterranean region. The bark is carefully harvested from mature trees every 9 to 12 years, a process that doesn't harm the tree and allows it to regenerate.
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Boiling and Cutting: Once harvested, the cork bark is boiled to sanitize it and soften the fibers. It is then cut into manageable pieces, and the outer, lower-quality layers are removed.
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Punching: The cleaned cork sheets are punched into cylindrical shapes using specialized machines. These cylinders are known as cork blanks and form the basis for cork stoppers.
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Shaping and Treatment: The cork blanks undergo further shaping and treatment processes to ensure uniform size and quality. They may be steamed and compressed to improve elasticity and density.
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Quality Control: Each cork stopper is meticulously inspected for imperfections, such as cracks or irregularities, to ensure a tight seal and prevent wine spoilage.
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Packaging: Finally, the finished cork stoppers are packaged and distributed to wineries, where they are inserted into bottles by corking machines before sealing in the wine.
From the sustainable harvesting of cork oak trees to the precise manufacturing process, cork stoppers play a crucial role in preserving the quality and flavor of your favorite wines.
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An Investment You Can Sip On
Let’s talk about a little-known secret that’s upending the whiskey supply chain.
Some of the most prominent names in the industry are outsourcing a critical (and lucrative) piece of the value chain: the whiskey aging process.
Many brand name operators are moving their casks off balance sheet, which has blown the distillery door wide open for investors who want a piece of the action. How does it work? We’re glad you asked.
Take this recent real-life deal structured by Vinovest:
In December 2022 Vinovest acquired four pallets of bourbon whiskey casks. A year later Vinovest sold this whiskey at $1,850 per cask resulting in a 23.3% return for clients over 1 year. This is Vinovest’s third whiskey exit. Quite a track record.
TLDR: Investors, in exchange for their capital and patience, can earn a handsome return for owning full casks of whiskey during the aging process.
Will you seize the opportunity to profit off the American whiskey industry?
Explore Vinovest and take a call with a whiskey specialist today.
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Thanks to Vinovest for sponsoring The Canopy/
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Reflections:
- Did You Know: 23 million!
- Sunset Of The Day: The sun can provide us with some of the most beautiful photography out there. With its vibrant orange, red, and golden hues, it's truly is nothing like we've ever seen before. This is why we are eager to see some of our reader's best sunrise/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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