Tuesday

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

• This distillery wants to rethink the whisky bottle

• Sunset of the day in Colorado

• Is cat litter safe?

• Why scrapbooking is a cozy, screen-free hobby

• Get the freshest meat delivered to your door

Did You Know

Opening your windows for __ minutes a day in winter helps improve indoor air quality.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

This Distillery Wants to Rethink the Whiskey Bottle

Glass bottles are iconic in the whiskey world, but they also come with a hefty environmental cost. Making glass requires extreme heat and energy, and heavy bottles add emissions every time they’re shipped. That’s why Scotland’s Stirling Distillery is exploring a surprising alternative: aluminum bottles.

Aluminum is lighter, easier to recycle, and already widely used for beverages. The challenge is chemistry. Whisky contains natural acids that can react with aluminum, potentially altering flavor, or worse, allowing metal to leach into the liquid. Researchers at Heriot-Watt University tested the idea and found that while taste testers couldn’t tell the difference between whisky stored in glass or aluminum, unlined aluminum could raise safety concerns over time.

The key issue is lining. Most aluminum food containers rely on protective coatings to prevent metal contact, but many traditional liners use plastics like BPA, which come with their own health and environmental drawbacks. Finding a liner that’s safe, durable, and compatible with long-aged spirits is still an open question.

Stirling Distillery hopes to solve it before its first whiskey is bottled in 2027. It’s a reminder that making sustainability gains often means rethinking even the most time-honored traditions.

Sunset of the Day in Colorado

This stunning photo isn’t just a sunset: it’s a moonset. Captured by a Canopy reader at the top of Wilkerson Pass, Colorado, on January 3, the soft golden moon hovers above snow-dusted peaks glowing pink in the fading light.

The sweeping landscape stretches from shadowed pine forests to the pastel skies of dusk, reminding us that nature’s beauty doesn’t only face west.

Thanks to our reader for sending in this breathtaking view from Colorado. Have a sunset or snapshot you’d love to share? We’d love to see it. Send it our way for a chance to be featured in The Canopy.

This Cat Litter Is Made From Plants

Clay cat litter is common in the U.S., but the dust it releases can raise health concerns for both people and pets. Traditional clay contains crystalline silica, a substance the CDC and OSHA classify as a known human carcinogen when inhaled in significant or repeated amounts. Scooping or pouring can release fine dust that lingers in the air, and cats breathe it in every time they dig.

Tailfeather offers a cleaner, safer alternative. Their plant-based, clumping litter is made from coconut and cassava, materials that naturally absorb liquid, reduce dust, and feel soft under paws. Coconut husk can hold up to nine times its weight, making Tailfeather lightweight, low-tracking, and easy to maintain.

It’s fully biodegradable, 100% plastic-free (including the packaging), and delivered to your door. Each bag lasts up to 8 weeks, double many traditional litters.

For the next 24 hours, Canopy readers get a $15 credit on your first order with code Canopy15.

Try Tailfeather for your cat and for the environment today.

Thank you to Tailfeather for sponsoring The Canopy.

Why Scrapbooking Is a Cozy, Screen-Free Hobby

Scrapbooking is a simple, hands-on hobby that combines creativity, reflection, and a break from screens. At its core, it’s about turning everyday moments like photos, notes, or small keepsakes into something you can revisit and enjoy over time. Many people find it calming because there’s no “right” way to do it, which makes it especially appealing for anyone who wants a creative outlet without pressure.

Beyond memory keeping, scrapbooking can support mindfulness. Sorting through photos or jotting down short reflections encourages slowing down and noticing moments that might otherwise blur together. It’s also a flexible hobby: it can be done in short sessions, over a weekend, or gradually throughout the year.

Getting started doesn’t require much. A blank notebook or sketchbook works just as well as a traditional scrapbook. Print photos in small batches, gather ticket stubs or handwritten notes, and arrange everything in whatever order feels natural. Glue, washi tape, or even paper clips can hold pages together.

For a more eco-friendly approach, reuse materials already at home, like old envelopes, packaging paper, magazine scraps, or pressed leaves and flowers. Choosing recycled paper, refillable pens, and minimal supplies keeps the process simple and low-impact.

Ultimately, scrapbooking offers a way to reflect, create, and unplug, without needing to be perfect.

Feed Your Family with the Finest American Meat and Seafood

Nourish your family with the finest all-American, all-natural meat and seafood from Good Chop. Choose from an extensive menu of over 80 top-quality items, including wild-caught salmon, free-range chicken, and beautifully marbled Angus beef, all responsibly raised or sustainably sourced and delivered to your door.

Their products are free of antibiotics and added hormones, vacuum-sealed, and flash- frozen to maintain peak freshness and quality. With customizable subscription plans starting at just $3.32 per meal, Good Chop makes it easy to enjoy delicious, nutritious meals every day. Plus, with a 100% money-back guarantee, you can trust you’re serving the best.

Join today for free wings with every order + $100 off!

Thank you to Good Chop for sponsoring The Canopy.

Quick Picks:

From dazzling skies to everyday eco wins, here are today’s trending eco-finds:

• 🌌 Stunning Aurora Borealis photos from Scotland

• 🔋 How to properly recycle old batteries

• 🧼 DIY green cleaning projects for every room

Reflections:

🌎 Did You Know: Opening your windows for 10 minutes a day in winter helps improve indoor air quality. Even short bursts of fresh air help reduce buildup of indoor pollutants.

🌅 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!