Monday

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

• This artist turns trash into art

• Sunset of the day at Lake Michigan

• How magnesium helps with sleep

• Build a vision board that guides your year

• Tips for navigating an HR job

Did You Know?

The ____ is one of the best tools for reducing food waste.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

This Artist Turns Trash Into Art

Classically trained landscape painter Mariah Reading made a surprising shift after realizing traditional art supplies were adding to the environmental harm she was trying to document. Instead of new canvases, she began collecting litter from national parks (discarded gloves, flip-flops, helmets, and plastic containers) and using them as surfaces for detailed landscape paintings.

While working as an artist-in-residence at parks like Denali, Zion, Guadalupe Mountains, and Acadia, Reading paints directly onto trash she finds in the parks. She then photographs each piece in front of the real landscape it represents, showing both the beauty of these protected places and the trace people leave behind.

Her approach is intentionally zero-waste. Reading has said the materials she uses will never be scarce, underscoring how common trash has become even in remote, protected areas. Beyond her own work, she also leads conservation-focused art workshops through Arts in the Parks programs.

At its core, Reading’s practice blends cleanup, creativity, and advocacy. Her work offers a reminder that caring for public lands can take many forms, including rethinking what we choose to create with and what we leave behind.

Sunset of the Day at Lake Michigan

Sunsets over Lake Michigan just hit different, and this one proves it. Reader Abby shared one of her favorite shots from a summer evening at the water’s edge, where the sky fades from golden yellow to lavender blue.

The silhouettes of swimmers and a peaceful pier make it feel like time is standing still, just long enough to take it all in.

Thanks to Abby for sending in this gorgeous Michigan sunset. 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.

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You’re exhausted… but as soon as your head hits the pillow, your brain won’t turn off.

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Thank you to Organixx for sponsoring The Canopy.

Build a Vision Board That Guides Your Year

A vision board is a visual way to clarify what matters most and keep those priorities top of mind throughout the year. Instead of focusing on what needs to be “fixed,” it highlights what you want more of: whether that’s calm mornings, meaningful work, financial stability, or better health. Research shows that visualizing goals can help the brain form pathways that support follow-through, making intentions feel more real and achievable.

Start by choosing a few areas of life to focus on, like home, work, relationships, or wellbeing. Get specific about what “better” looks like in each category. From there, collect images and words that reflect those goals. This can be done digitally using tools like Pinterest or Canva, or physically with magazines, photos, and paper.

For a more sustainable approach, reuse materials you already have. Old magazines, newspapers, packaging, ticket stubs, scrap paper, or even fabric scraps can become part of your board. Printing photos sparingly or using a corkboard you can update throughout the year also reduces waste.

Place the finished board somewhere you’ll see it often: on a wall, inside a closet door, or as a phone background. Revisit it regularly, adjust it as goals shift, and treat it as a living reminder of what you’re building toward, not a checklist to perfect.

Thank you to I Hate it Here for sponsoring The Canopy.

Quick Picks:

From gentle resets to little everyday comforts, here are today’s cozy eco-finds:

• 🌱 Soft ways to build resilience after hard days

• 🧺 A declutter list to lighten your space

• 🍊 An easy way to make orange juice into a fancy drink

Reflections:

🌎 Did You Know: The freezer is one of the best tools for reducing food waste. Freezing leftovers, bread, herbs, and veggie scraps can extend shelf life.

🌅 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!