Wednesday

In today’s issue, we’ll take a look at:

• What is solarpunk?

• Sunset of the day in Long Beach, New York

• How to monetize your website

• 6 planet-friendlier fabrics worth knowing about

• Blocking bad ads for good

True or False?

Decluttering is bad for the planet because it creates waste.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

What Is Solarpunk?

Picture a city where plants spill over rooftops, solar panels are as common as sidewalks, and streets are built for people first, not cars. That vision sits at the heart of solarpunk, a growing design and cultural movement that imagines what a hopeful, climate-resilient future could actually look like.

Unlike dystopian sci-fi futures, solarpunk is grounded in practicality. Yes, it’s visually lush: think green roofs, rainwater systems, and renewable energy woven into daily life, but the point isn’t aesthetics alone. The movement asks a simple question: how can we use technology, design, and nature together to support real people, right now?

At its core, solarpunk is community-focused. A building covered in plants isn’t truly solarpunk if it’s unaffordable or disconnected from the people inside it. Shared gardens, decentralized energy, walkable neighborhoods, and resilient local networks matter just as much as solar panels and green walls.

What makes solarpunk feel refreshing is its refusal to lean into climate doom. It doesn’t deny reality, but it responds to it with creativity, cooperation, and care. The future it imagines isn’t perfect or polished. It’s human, a little messy, and built together.

Sunset of the Day in Long Beach, New York

Today’s sunset of the day comes to us from The Canopy reader Ben, who shared this fiery moment from Long Beach, New York. The rocky shoreline adds a bold contrast to the golden light, with crashing waves catching just enough sun to sparkle.

Thanks to Ben for this stunning coastal view. Have a sunset or snapshot you’d love to share? Send it our way for a chance to be featured in The Canopy.

Thank you to Google AdSense for sponsoring The Canopy.

6 Planet-Friendlier Fabrics Worth Knowing About

Fashion has a long environmental footprint, from water-heavy cotton to petroleum-based synthetics. While buying less and wearing clothes longer still matters most, the materials behind our clothing are evolving, and some are far easier on the planet than what’s traditionally used.

• One example is plant-based “leather,” like Piñatex, made from pineapple leaves that would otherwise be discarded. It skips toxic chemicals, uses less water, and gives farm waste a second life.

• Linen, made from flax, is another standout: it needs far less water than cotton, often grows without pesticides, and lasts for years.

• Wool, when responsibly sourced, is renewable, biodegradable, and naturally durable, meaning fewer replacements over time.

• Innovation is also playing a role. Scientists are studying squid proteins that could lead to longer-lasting, recyclable textiles.

• Fibers like lyocell (often sold as Tencel) are made from wood pulp using closed-loop systems that reuse water and avoid toxic chemicals.

• Even better cotton is improving, with certification programs reducing water use and protecting soil and workers.

None of these materials are perfect, but together, they show how smarter fabric choices can help fashion move in a lighter, more sustainable direction.

Thank you to Google AdSense for sponsoring The Canopy.

Reflections:

🌎 True or False: False. It’s better to donate or repurpose unused items than let them sit unused.

🌅 Sunset Of The Day: The sun can provide the most beautiful photography. That's why 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!