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🌳 How to give your clothes a second life

Monday 11/24: Sponsored by Tailfeather and Cornbread Hemp - Vintage looks, recycling clothes, and giving clothes a second life

Monday

“A walk in nature walks the soul back home.”

Mary Davis

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

  • Vintage looks are shaping fall 2025

  • Scientists found a better way to recycle clothes

  • How to give clothes a second life

  • The trick to good sleep during the holidays

True or False?

A single paper receipt can’t be recycled.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

Vintage Looks Are Shaping Fall 2025

Fall 2025 fashion is big on personality and even bigger on sustainability. This year’s most-loved trends (boho layers, faux fur, bold reds, statement skirts, and a touch of maximalism) are easy to find secondhand and built for mixing, not matching. Think long skirts with movement, a pop of red accessory, and vintage jackets full of texture and story.

What’s exciting is how resale is fueling the season’s look. From paisley maxi dresses to sculptural coats, there’s no need to buy new. Online thrift stores make it easier than ever to find high-quality, pre-loved pieces in these exact styles. Even major trends like faux fur and upcycled textiles are leaning on vintage roots.

If you’re shopping new, look for low-impact materials and designers who share how and where their items are made. But often, the most sustainable choice is already out there, waiting to be rediscovered and restyled.

Scientists Found a Better Way to Recycle Clothes

A new recycling method could make tossing out old clothes a thing of the past. Researchers at the University of Nebraska found a way to break down old fabric, even blends like cotton and polyester, without damaging the material. It also removes dyes without using harsh chemicals or creating water waste.

That’s a big deal because the world now uses over 120 million metric tons of fabric a year, and most of it ends up in landfills. Cotton can’t keep up with demand, and synthetic fabrics shed microplastics into the environment. This new tech could help reduce the need for new materials by reusing what we already have.

Even better, the process saves water, reuses dye, and could work with many kinds of fabric. Scientists are even testing ways to turn agricultural waste, like chicken feathers, into textiles. It’s a practical, hopeful step toward making fashion more sustainable and less wasteful.

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.

Thank you to Tailfeather for sponsoring The Canopy.

How To Give Clothes a Second Life

If your closet’s overflowing with clothes you don’t wear anymore, you’re not alone. Most people only wear about 20% of what they own, and much of the rest ends up in landfills. But clearing space doesn’t have to come at the planet’s expense.

Start with what’s still wearable. You can sell it, swap with friends, or use take-back programs. If something’s damaged, try repairing it, either yourself or with a local service.

Get creative with the rest. Turn old shirts into rags or gift wrap, make a quilt from favorite tees, or compost natural fabrics like cotton and linen (just be sure to remove tags and zippers). You can also drop off worn-out items at textile recyclers.

Every garment you reuse, repurpose, or recycle keeps waste out of landfills and gives your clothes one more chance to be useful.

Looking to Kickstart the Holidays with Better Sleep?

Cornbread Hemp has you covered with their all-natural, melatonin-free sleep support. Their gummies are crafted with USDA organic ingredients like full-spectrum hemp extract, valerian root, lavender, and chamomile, ensuring you avoid the groggy hangover often associated with melatonin. Vegan and guilt-free, they seamlessly fit into your bedtime routine, helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Embrace the new year with calm and restful nights, knowing sweet dreams are just a gummy away.

Plus, Cornbread is giving The Canopy readers 30% off your first order when you use code GOODFEELS at checkout.*

*One-time purchases only, cannot be combined with subscription discounts.

Thank you to Cornbread Hemp for sponsoring The Canopy.

Quick Picks:

From outdoor adventures to creative reuse, check out this week’s top eco-friendly finds:

Reflections:

🌎 True or False: True. Most are coated with BPA or BPS, making them non-recyclable.

🌅 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!