Tuesday

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

• Does your self-care match your values

• Take a 2-minute skin quiz to find your green routine

• What “ethical” really means

• Wellness routines that help the environment

True or False?

Butterflies can see colors we can’t, including ultraviolet.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

Choosing Self-Care That Reflects Your Values

Self-care often feels personal, but it’s also connected to the wider world. The products we use each day, including skincare, candles, and even supplements, carry stories about how they’re made and who they support. Looking at them through that lens can be an act of reflection as much as an act of care.

The truth is, many mass-produced “clean” or trendy items come with hidden costs, from wasteful packaging to questionable labor practices. By contrast, smaller mission-driven brands often focus on sustainability and fairness, turning everyday rituals into choices that support something bigger than ourselves.

This isn’t about perfection or adding pressure to your routine. It’s about noticing where your money flows and choosing to let your self-care align with your values. Even small shifts can feel grounding, reminding you that wellness and integrity can go hand in hand.

What Ethical Skincare Actually Looks Like

Activist Skincare is face-care without compromise. Founded by a woman who wanted her skincare routine to be just as effective as clinical products while reflecting her environmental and ethical values, Activist is built for people who care about what they put on their skin—and the systems behind it.

• Clean, clinically effective ingredients (Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid)

• A 4-step system that’s easy, effective, and designed for sensitive skin

• Refillable packaging that cuts plastic waste by up to 75%

• Small-batch, California-made, and woman-owned

Take their 2-minute Skin Quiz to be product matched, and get a free $25 gift card when you buy a Trial & Travel Kit.

Thank you to Activist Skincare for sponsoring The Canopy.

What "Ethical" Really Means in 2025

“Clean.” “Green.” “B Corp.” These words can look reassuring on a package, but they don’t always mean what we think. In 2025, it’s easier than ever for big corporations to lean on labels and certifications as proof of responsibility without changing the wasteful systems behind them.

That doesn’t mean these signals are meaningless, just that they’re incomplete. A certification can’t tell you everything about how workers are treated, where materials are sourced, or what happens to the packaging once you toss it. Sometimes, it’s more about optics than impact.

So what should you look for? Founder transparency, details on production practices, and thoughtful packaging lifecycles often reveal more than any stamp or seal. Brands that are ethical by design rather than by marketing show how integrity can be baked in from the start.

At the end of the day, it’s about pausing to ask: Does this product reflect my values, or just wear the right label?

Healing Shouldn’t Hurt the Planet

Self-care should restore us, and it feels even better when it restores the planet too. The truth is, overstuffed routines and endless products often create more stress (and waste) than calm.

Simplifying your rituals can be a kind of healing on its own. A refillable cleanser, a favorite moisturizer, or just taking time to rest can deliver more peace than chasing the next new thing. Small shifts like choosing low-waste packaging, slowing down purchases, or reusing what you already love, add up to a meaningful impact.

When our routines align with care for the earth, every step feels lighter. Healing yourself and healing the planet don’t have to be separate. They can be the same act of kindness.

Quick Picks

From fairytale cottages to clever reuses, check out this week’s top eco-friendly finds:

• 🧖‍♀️ Try this 4-step sustainable routine for sensitive skin

• 🏡 Tour these storybook-style tiny homes

• 🍝 Make your own homemade pasta with this simple recipe

• 🛍️ Give plastic bags a second life with these 15 ideas

Final Thoughts:

Take their 2-minute Skin Quiz to be product matched, and get a free $25 gift card when you buy a Trial & Travel Kit.

Reflections:

🌎 True or False: True! Their eyes are built differently than ours, with extra types of photoreceptors that allow them to detect UV light. This helps them spot flower patterns invisible to us, which guide them to nectar. In a way, they see a whole layer of the natural world we miss.

🌅 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!