Thursday

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

• Go green on vacation with these easy tips

• The secret history of our natural world

• A climate win almost nobody talks about

• Why this city gives out free chickens

Did You Know

One tree can absorb as much carbon in a year as a car produces in ____ miles of driving.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

Go Green on Vacation With These Easy Tips

Traveling is an amazing way to experience new places, but it can take a toll on the environment. The good news? You don’t have to give up adventure to make a difference. A few simple swaps can make your trips more eco-friendly without extra effort.

Start by choosing eco-friendly places to stay. Many hotels and lodges now use solar power, ban single-use plastics, and support local communities. Look for certifications like Green Key or EarthCheck if you want to be sure your stay is sustainable.

For transportation, try trains or buses when possible. They create way less pollution than flying. If flying is your only option, try to book direct flights (they use less fuel!) and consider offsetting your carbon footprint through programs that support reforestation or clean energy.

Once you arrive, explore like a local: walk, rent a bike, or use public transit. Not only is this better for the planet, but it’s also a great way to experience a new city.

Sustainable travel isn’t about big changes. It’s just about making small, thoughtful choices. And the best part? Those choices often lead to even more memorable, meaningful adventures.

The Secret History of Our Natural World

Nature leaves behind clues, even when forests and wetlands have disappeared. From plant life to place names, these hidden signs can help us understand what once thrived in an area and how we can restore it.

In many places, certain plants signal that forests once stood there. For example, bluebells are often a sign of ancient woodlands. Even when trees are gone, their seeds may still be buried in the soil, waiting for the right conditions to grow again.

Place names also hold valuable hints. In many English-speaking areas, names like “Oakley” or “Birchwood” suggest that oak and birch forests once covered the land. These names offer a glimpse into the past and can help conservationists decide where to replant trees or protect wild spaces.

By learning to read the landscape, we can better understand nature’s past and find ways to bring it back. Whether through rewilding efforts or simply appreciating the history beneath our feet, reconnecting with lost habitats can shape a more sustainable future.

The Climate Win Almost No One Talks About

$13 donated to charities fixing factory farming prevents as much CO₂ as not driving a car for 4 months AND helps 36 animals.That makes fighting factory farming one of the most impactful climate actions you can take.

FarmKind works with independent experts to recommend high-impact charities so you can trust your gift is making a real difference. We never take a cut of your donations. 

Double your impact: In the next 72 hours, we will match your gift $1 for $1. Click to double your donation​ now.

Thank you to FarmKind for sponsoring The Canopy.

Why This City Gives Out Free Chickens

In Antwerp, a historic city in northern Belgium, residents are tackling food waste with a little help from chickens. The city started offering free hens to locals who wanted to cut back on kitchen scraps and try their hand at fresh eggs.

Each chicken eats kitchen scraps that would otherwise end up in the trash. In return, they lay fresh eggs, an extra perk that helps keep people involved. In just one year, families with chickens reduced food waste by about 110,000 pounds total and gathered hundreds of thousands of eggs along the way.

New chicken-keepers get help with everything from coop setups to feeding tips. Plus, neighborhood workshops bring folks together to swap advice and share stories about life with hens.

It demonstrates that sometimes the best ideas are the simplest, and that community solutions don’t need to be high-tech to make a real difference.

Quick Picks:

From soothing teas to stunning nature moments, check out this week’s top eco-friendly finds:

• 🍵 Easy recipes to brew fresh, natural teas at home

• 🐄 How Fighting factory farming makes a big climate impact

• 🌌 What the Northern Lights reveal about life on Earth

• 📸 Breathtaking nature photos that capture the beauty of the wild

Final Thoughts:

Few actions make a bigger climate impact than fixing factory farming. A $13 donation to FarmKind helps prevent as much CO₂ as not driving for four months—and helps 36 animals along the way.

For the next 72 hours, every gift is matched $1 for $1. Double your impact today.

Reflections:

🌎 Did You Know: One tree can absorb as much carbon in a year as a car produces in 10,000 miles of driving.

🌅 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!