Monday

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

• Earth-friendly acts the whole family can do for Mother’s Day

• How to save big on auto insurance

• Sunset of the day at Ottawa River, Ontario

• How mother bears are protecting their cubs

• An alternative to alcohol

Did You Know

Sea otters use ___ to wrap themselves and keep from floating away while they sleep.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

Earth-Friendly Acts the Whole Family Can Do for Mother’s Day

With Mother’s Day this weekend, it’s the perfect time to slow down and reconnect with each other, and with the planet. Whether you’re planning something big or keeping it cozy, weaving in a few eco-friendly activities can make the day feel extra thoughtful and grounded.

Try a garden day together—whether that’s planting flowers in the yard, repotting herbs for the kitchen, or visiting a local nursery to pick out a new plant. If you’re near a park or trail, a nature walk can be a simple way to enjoy the outdoors and spot spring in bloom.

You can also plan a make-at-home brunch with local ingredients or try a family DIY like pressing flowers or making a beeswax wrap. Even setting the table with real napkins, reusable dishes, and a jar of backyard clippings adds a sweet, sustainable touch.

These little rituals invite everyone to celebrate care, including care for moms, and care for the planet we all call home.

Auto Insurance Costs to Reach Record Highs in 2025

How’s your insurance looking? U.S. consumers are set to face record-high auto insurance costs in 2025, according to a recent report. The average annual premium for full coverage is expected to hit $2,101, or approximately $175 per month, marking the seventh consecutive year of rate increases. To mitigate costs, drivers are encouraged to regularly shop for insurance and explore discounts.

View Money’s Best Car Insurance list to shop around and see if you can save.

Thank you to Money.com for sponsoring The Canopy.

Sunset of the Day at Ottawa River, Ontario

This golden moment comes to us from The Canopy reader Cynthia, who captured the sun dipping below the horizon along the Ottawa River in Ontario. The stillness of the water and the warm light painting the sky make this scene feel especially peaceful.

Cynthia’s photo reminds us how even a quiet evening walk can offer a chance to pause, reflect, and reconnect with nature. It’s a lovely snapshot of the simple beauty that surrounds us—if we take a moment to look.

Have a sunset that stopped you in your tracks? Send it our way—we love seeing the world through your lens!

How Mother Bears Are Protecting Their Cubs

In the forests of Sweden, some very smart mama bears are rewriting the rules of survival by simply spending more time with their cubs. New research shows that more brown bears are staying in family mode longer, keeping their cubs close for two and a half years instead of the usual year and a half.

The reason? Hunters in Sweden aren’t allowed to shoot bears with cubs. So these mothers are leaning into a natural protection plan that keeps them safer, too. Between 2005 and 2015, this behavior grew fivefold, rising from 7% to 36% of mother bears.

It’s not the fastest path to raising more cubs, but it’s working. Mothers who extend this time together are living longer and giving their young a stronger start.

It’s a quiet, powerful reminder of how nurturing instincts—and a bit of adaptability—can go a long way. Even in the wild, staying close to family can make all the difference.

Looking for an Alcohol Alternative?

Say goodbye to alcohol, and say hello to America’s first USDA organic THC edibles. Cornbread Hemp is well-known to provide exceptional and safe hemp products, and these edibles are now their best-selling product. Formulated with a 1:1 ratio of THC to CBD (10mg of each), each gummy provides a balanced feeling of happiness without feeling overwhelmed or couch-locked.

Treat yourself today and unwind without the hangover!

Thank you to Cornbread Hemp for sponsoring The Canopy.

Quick Picks:

From sweet squirrel moms to sustainable celebrations, check out this week’s top eco-friendly finds:

• 🐿️ See a mom squirrel move her babies—These heartwarming photos capture one determined mama in action.

• 💍 Make wedding season more eco-friendly—Smart tips to celebrate love while caring for the planet.

• 🍞 Try this pumpkin butter toast recipe—Savory, sweet, and easy to make—your new go-to snack.

• 💐 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.

• 🚗 Why car insurance is set to reach record highs in 2025- here’s how you can bring your insurance costs down

• 🥳 This alternative to alcohol can help you relax and have fun but without the hangover

Reflections:

🌎 Did You Know: Sea otters use kelp to wrap themselves and keep from floating away while they sleep. It’s adorable—and part of a balanced marine ecosystem.

🌅 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!