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- 🌳 How leftovers could help replace plastic
🌳 How leftovers could help replace plastic
Friday 4/10: Sponsored by Intrepid Travel and Cash App - Biodegradable packaging, spring cleaning guide, and cut back on gas
In partnership with
Friday
"I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles."
Anne Frank
In today’s issue, we’ll take a look at:
How leftovers could help replace plastic
A thoughtful spring reset for your life
Women-led adventures and vacations
How to save money and use less gas
How to file your taxes for free
True or False?
Spring is the best time to check your home’s insulation and seal any drafts.
Scroll to the bottom for the answer.
How Leftovers Could Help Replace Plastic
What if food scraps didn’t go to waste, but instead became part of the solution? Researchers are finding ways to turn things like fruit peels and vegetable trimmings into biodegradable packaging. Instead of ending up in landfills, these materials can be transformed into films and containers that protect food and then naturally break down after use.
This approach works because many food scraps already contain natural compounds like starch and cellulose, which can be reshaped into materials similar to plastic. It also helps address two challenges at once: reducing food waste and cutting back on single-use plastics. Since about one-third of food globally is wasted, using those leftovers in a more intentional way can make a meaningful difference.
There are still hurdles, like cost and scaling production, but the idea is gaining momentum. By using what already exists instead of growing new materials, this kind of packaging supports a more circular system, where waste becomes a resource. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most impactful solutions are already right in front of us, waiting to be reimagined.
A Thoughtful Spring Reset for Your Life
Spring has a way of inviting a reset. As the days get longer and the air softens, it can feel like the right time to reconnect with nature, your routines, and yourself. After months spent mostly indoors, even small shifts like opening the windows, going for a walk, or noticing what’s growing around you can help bring back a sense of calm and clarity.
This season also offers a natural moment to refresh daily habits. That might look like clearing out your kitchen and leaning into seasonal foods, or gently spending more time amongst nature. Even small choices, like buying local produce or reducing food waste, can help you feel more connected to the rhythms of the season.
Beyond the physical, spring can be a chance to reset your space and your mind. Tidying a few things each day, donating what no longer feels useful, or stepping back to reflect on what actually matters can create a little more breathing room. It doesn’t have to be a full overhaul. Just a few thoughtful shifts that help you move into the season feeling a bit lighter and more grounded.
Adventures led by women, designed to make a difference.
Imagine a vacation that’s not only transformative for you but helps open doors for the local women you meet along the way. That’s what Intrepid’s new Women’s Expeditions in Peru, Cambodia and Bhutan are all about.
Designed specifically for women travellers, these trips offer immersive local experiences that support women-run and owned businesses in each destination. With an expert local leader out front, you could trek the lesser-known Chinchero to Urquillos route in the Peruvian Andes alongside an all-female crew, dive into Cambodia’s street food scene on a women-run tuk tuk tour, or unwind with a traditional herbal hot stone bath at a women-owned farmhouse in Bhutan.
First launched in 2018, Intrepid’s Women’s Expedition range is designed to break down barriers, foster discussion and create meaningful connections for travellers and locals alike.
Thank you to Intrepid Travel for sponsoring The Canopy.
How to Save Money and Use Less Gas
Gas prices can shift quickly, and when they do, everyday routines start to feel it. While some factors are out of our control, there are still small, practical ways to use less fuel and save a bit along the way. Even minor changes in how you drive or plan your trips can make a noticeable difference over time.
One of the easiest places to start is with driving habits. Keeping tires properly inflated, accelerating more gradually, and avoiding high speeds can all improve fuel efficiency. Beyond that, rethinking shorter trips can help too. Walking, biking, or using public transportation, even occasionally, can reduce how often you need to fill up.
These shifts can also open the door to longer-term changes. Trying an e-bike for local errands or combining trips into one outing can make daily routines more efficient and less dependent on gas. It’s not about changing everything overnight, but finding a few adjustments that feel realistic and helpful right now.
File with Cash App Taxes
Now that tax season is here, there's no better time to file with Cash App Taxes. It's fast, 100% free, and it only takes a few minutes. Cash App Taxes is a completely free way to file your federal and state taxes-and get your refund*.
*Learn about Max Refund Guarantee details and eligibility. **Learn about Accurate Calculations Guarantee details and eligibility. Exclusions apply. ***5-day refund estimate is based on filing data from tax year 2024. Refund windows are subject to change for 2025. We do not guarantee when you will receive your refund. Timing estimates are dependent on the timing of your submission of a complete return and when the IRS submits your refund. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Tax Filing Preparation services are provided by Cash App Taxes, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Thank you to Cash App for sponsoring The Canopy.
Quick Picks:
From gentle guidance to small acts of kindness, here are today’s cozy picks:
Reflections:
🌎 True or False: True. It’s easier to detect air leaks and make adjustments before hot summer temperatures arrive.
🌅 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!