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🌳 Decluttering tips to carry into 2026
Monday 1/12: Sponsored by Babbel and Noom - New Year decluttering, sunset of the day, and 3D printed neighorhood
Monday
“Progress, not perfection.”
In today’s issue, we’ll take a look at:
Decluttering tips to carry into 2026
Sunset of the Day in Orange Beach, Alabama
California tests 3D-printed homes built for fires and floods
How to build lasting habits
True or False?
Decluttering is bad for the planet because it creates waste.
Scroll to the bottom for the answer.
Decluttering Tips to Carry Into 2026
A clutter-free home rarely comes from one big cleanout. It’s usually built through small, repeatable habits that stop things from piling up in the first place. One of the most effective is the one-in, one-out rule: every time something new enters your home, something else leaves. It keeps your storage from quietly overflowing and forces a quick pause before impulse purchases.
Other habits help make decluttering feel lighter and more doable. Keeping a visible donation basket makes letting go a routine. Breaking projects into small zones (one drawer, one shelf, one category) prevents burnout and half-finished piles. And putting items away immediately, rather than “just for now,” saves time and stress later.
A gentle mindset matters too. Decluttering works best when it’s consistent, not punishing. Short, regular sessions, like 20 minutes tied to daily routines, add up over time. And if frustration creeps in, stepping away is part of the process, not failure.
Less clutter isn’t about perfection. It’s about systems that make space easier to maintain, day after day.
Sunset of the Day in Orange Beach, Alabama
The Canopy reader Leanne shared this stunning first sunset of 2026 from Orange Beach, Alabama. It’s the kind of moment that feels unforgettable, a perfect way to start a new year by the water.
Thanks to Leanne for sending in this beautiful beach 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.
Image courtesy of The Canopy reader, Leanne.
Grow Into a New Language in 2026
A new year is an invitation to grow in meaningful ways. With Babbel, just 10 minutes a day is all it takes to start speaking a new language and build a habit that truly lasts. Explore bite-sized lessons, insightful podcasts, and interactive speaking practice designed to fit naturally into your life. Right now, get 65% off a Lifetime subscription and enjoy instant access to every lesson in every language. Step into 2026 with curiosity and confidence.
Thank you to Babbel for sponsoring The Canopy.
California Tests 3D-Printed Homes Built for Fires and Floods
In Olivehurst, just north of Sacramento, a small block of five homes is testing a big idea: can 3D-printed housing help solve California’s affordability crisis while standing up to climate extremes? The project, called Corduroy Castles, is nearly complete, with the first 1,000-square-foot home printed layer by layer in under a month.
The homes are made from printed concrete, which makes them unusually durable. According to the developers, the walls are fire-resistant, weather-resistant, and even bulletproof, offering clear advantages in a state facing more intense wildfires and storms. The thick concrete structure may also help keep indoor temperatures more stable, reducing heating and cooling needs.
Speed and cost are other parts of the appeal. Fewer workers are needed, and construction takes weeks instead of months. Homes are expected to list between $350,000 and $375,000: still expensive, but below many local market prices. If the model scales as planned, developers hope it could lead to much larger 3D-printed communities across California.
For now, Corduroy Castles is small. But it offers a glimpse of how housing, climate resilience, and new technology might come together in practical ways.
End the Cycle of Dieting—Noom Helps You Build Lasting Habits!
Tired of quick fixes that don’t work? Noom offers a proven, psychology-backed approach that helps you lose weight for good. With personalized coaching, daily support, and habit-building tools, Noom empowers you to make healthier choices and build lasting habits.
Noom’s program isn’t about restrictive diets—it’s about understanding your behavior and changing your habits. By combining psychology with technology and expert coaching, Noom helps you make smarter choices, stay motivated, and see real results.
What You Get with Noom:
Personalized Plan tailored to your goals
Coaching & Support to keep you motivated
Food Logging with 1M+ items to track your progress
Healthy Recipes to make eating well easy
Interactive Lessons to teach you about weight loss, mindful eating, and more
Activity & Health Tracking with device syncing
Community Support from others on the same journey
Maintenance Mode for maintaining your goal weight
Ready for lasting change? Take our 5-minute quiz to get your personalized plan and start your journey toward sustainable weight loss.
1. Based on a sample of 4,602 Noomers.
Thank you to Noom for sponsoring The Canopy.
Quick Picks:
From creative reuse to feel-good reads, here are today’s trending eco-finds:
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!