Tuesday

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

• North Atlantic whales show signs of hope

• What is cat litter made of?

• Your November farmers’ market guide

• How to master ChatGPT for work

Did You Know

Sealing gaps around windows and doors can cut heating costs by up to __%.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

North Atlantic Whales Show Signs of Hope

One of the world’s most endangered species, the North Atlantic right whale, is finally showing signs of recovery. A new report from the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium estimates the population at 384 whales in 2024, eight more than the year before! Scientists at the New England Aquarium say the species has seen “slow growth” over the last four years, marking a hopeful shift after decades of decline.

Researchers credit fewer injuries and deaths this year, but warn that the progress is fragile. Entanglements with fishing gear and vessel strikes remain major threats, and each individual whale matters in such a small population.

Despite the challenges, conservationists remain hopeful. With continued monitoring, collaboration, and stronger protections, the gentle giants of the Atlantic may finally be edging away from extinction and toward recovery.

Is it Sustainable to Throw Cat Litter Away?

Even if you don’t have a cat, you’ve probably seen those giant bags of litter stacked in the pet aisle and wondered: Where does it all go? The short answer: mostly to landfills.

Traditional clay litter, which many cat owners still use, comes from strip mining and doesn’t break down once it’s tossed. That means every scoop of used litter basically lives on forever underground.

Still, there’s progress. A growing wave of sustainable litters uses renewable materials like coconut and cassava that are lighter on the planet and easier to process. It’s a small shift that shows how even something as ordinary as cleaning up after a pet connects to the bigger picture of what we throw away, and what stays behind.

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.

Your November Farmers’ Market Guide

There’s no better time to shop local than fall, when farmers’ markets overflow with apples, squash, and hearty greens begging to be turned into something cozy. Cooking seasonally isn’t about going gourmet; it’s about slowing down, saving money, and using fresh ingredients.

In November, keep an eye out for crisp apples, pears, and cranberries, plus root vegetables like carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes. Leafy greens such as kale and Brussels sprouts are at their peak, too. Most of these ingredients can be roasted; just add olive oil, salt, and a dash of spice for easy, flavorful meals all week long.

Pair your produce with pantry staples like brown rice, quinoa, or a simple maple-Dijon vinaigrette, and you’ve got instant comfort food. Eating with the season not only makes dinner taste better, it also supports local growers and keeps your fall kitchen feeling fresh and sustainable.

Thank you to Mindstream for sponsoring The Canopy.

Quick Picks:

From low-waste feasts to scenic escapes, check out this week’s top eco-friendly finds:

• 🧡 Host a zero-waste Thanksgiving with these 9 simple tips

• 🥧 Try these plant-based Thanksgiving recipes

• 🚣 Paddle through 10 of the most picturesque places to see by kayak

Reflections:

🌎 Did You Know: Sealing gaps around windows and doors can cut heating costs by up to 20%.

🌅 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!