Monday

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

• A tree planting program that’s actually working

• Sunset of the day in California

• Is your cat litter harming the planet?

• Help save the bees from your windowsill

• The science city you need to visit

Did You Know

___ can absorb more carbon dioxide per square foot than many types of grass.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

A Tree Planting Program That’s Actually Working

Imagine walking down your street and seeing more shade, cleaner air, and even a few songbirds. Thanks to a nationwide tree planting effort, that’s becoming reality in almost every U.S. neighborhood—95% of them, to be exact.

Led by the Arbor Day Foundation, this effort has planted trees in over 76,000 communities since 2022, especially in areas that lacked green space. Many of these trees were added through local planting events or sent directly to residents.

Why does it matter? Trees can naturally cool your home, lower summer temperatures in your neighborhood, and even help cut energy bills. They also improve air quality and support mental well-being. Something as simple as walking down a tree-lined street can make a difference.

The Foundation hopes to plant 500 million more trees by 2027. Their focus is on neighborhoods where trees can have the biggest impact, from reducing stormwater to creating more comfortable places to live.

Want to help? You can join a local planting event, become a member, or simply start by planting one tree in your own yard.

Sunset of the Day in California

This breathtaking view comes to us from The Canopy reader Linda, who captured the sky lighting up in vivid reds and purples from her home on a beach in California. The shimmering coastline and silhouetted palm trees make this a sunset worth pausing for.

It’s a perfect reminder that nature shows off when we take a moment to look.

Have a sunset that took your breath away? Send it our way—we love seeing the world through your lens!

5 Billion Pounds of Cat Litter Ends Up in Landfills Each Year

Most traditional cat litters are made from strip-mined clay or silica. Both end up in landfills when thrown away and are not biodegradable.

A new natural cat litter called Tailfeather is changing this with their eco-friendly, plant-based, clumping cat litter made from coconut and cassava.

Why coconut? The husk of the coconut absorbs liquid up to 9 times its weight! This makes for a soft, luxurious litter that cats love and is 70% lighter than traditional litter, but also doesn't track and bounce out of the box.

It's fully biodegradable and 100% plastic-free, including the packaging. Tailfeather is delivered conveniently to your door, and each package lasts for 8 weeks, double the amount of other 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 the environment today.

Thank you to Tailfeather for sponsoring The Canopy.

Help Save the Bees From Your Windowsill

You don’t need a backyard or a green thumb to make a difference for bees. With pollinators facing habitat loss, climate shifts, and harmful pesticides, small changes from each of us can add up in a big way.

Start by growing a few nectar-rich plants in a windowsill box or hanging basket. Herbs like thyme and lavender are easy to grow and bee-approved. You’ll brighten your space and feed hungry pollinators at the same time.

Don’t have outdoor space? Try setting up a bee watering station with a shallow dish and stones. Or install a small bee hotel on your balcony wall, perfect for solitary bees who need a cozy place to nest.

You can also support bee conservation by choosing responsibly sourced honey, signing petitions against bee-harming pesticides, or buying from brands that support pollinator-friendly initiatives.

Raising awareness online helps, too. Even sharing a helpful post can spark curiosity and action. The bees need allies, and your voice and your choices all count.

Want to help the bees in your own way? Tell us what you’re doing—we love sharing creative solutions from our community!

The Science City You Didn’t Know You Needed to Visit

Did you know that the World Wide Web was born in Geneva, Switzerland? Indeed, the first version of the Internet cropped up at CERN in 1989. Today the world-renowned center is home to the largest particle accelerator and to the CERN Science Gateway – a must-see hub for science enthusiasts that features hands-on exhibits, immersive virtual reality experiences, and live demonstrations.

Plan your visit and explore the cutting-edge world of physics and innovation at the CERN Science Gateway!

Thank you to Geneva Tourism for sponsoring The Canopy.

Quick Picks:

From ancient plant mysteries to zero-waste beauty care, check out this week’s top eco-friendly finds:

• 🌺 Learn about extinct plants—Explore the stories behind historic plants that once thrived, and what led to their disappearance.

• 🐛 Tips for a pest-free organic garden—Keep your plants healthy without chemicals using these simple, natural solutions.

• 🥥 This cat litter is made from coconuts - Learn more about why cats, their humans, and the planet love this cat litter.

• 💐 Shop our Mother’s Day gift guide here—For when you’re searching for the perfect Mother’s Day gift to show your mom love.

• 🧽 How to wash reusable makeup pads—Make your low-waste routine last and save money with easy tips to clean your reusable makeup pads.

• 🇨🇭 The city for science lovers—Discover how Geneva, Switzerland, is the hub for all things science

Reflections:

🌎 Did You Know: Moss can absorb more carbon dioxide per square foot than many types of grass. Mosses are powerful carbon sinks and can thrive in areas where other plants can't.

🌅 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!