Friday

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

• A second life for worn-out sneakers

• Will 2026 change future winter olympics?

• Help protect our national parks

• Make Friday night a weekly reset

• How cranberry supports bladder health

True or False?

Closing doors to unused rooms during the winter prevents heat loss.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

A Second Life for Worn-Out Sneakers

Most of us replace our sneakers after eight to 12 months. They’re scuffed, worn down, maybe a little muddy, and they end up in the trash. In the U.S. alone, more than 300 million shoes are thrown away every year, where they can sit in landfills for decades. At the same time, more than 300 million people worldwide don’t have access to affordable shoes.

That gap is exactly what Sneakers4Good is trying to address. The program collects gently used athletic shoes through running events, gyms, and specialty stores, then redistributes them through small business partners in more than 20 developing countries. Instead of becoming waste, those sneakers are resold in local markets across places like Haiti, Cambodia, and Guatemala, supporting over 4,000 families.

It’s a hopeful reminder that something we see as “done” can still be useful. The next time you rotate out a pair of running shoes, consider where they could go next. A simple donation can keep waste out of landfills and put real support into someone else’s hands.

Will 2026 Change Future Winter Olympics?

Now that the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics have wrapped up, the conversation is shifting from medals to meaning. Organizers promised a more sustainable model from the start, spreading events across Milan and established mountain towns like Cortina d’Ampezzo to rely on existing venues and limit large-scale new construction.

In Cortina, upgrades to roads, ski lifts, and public spaces are designed to serve residents and visitors long after the closing ceremony. A new Sliding Centre will continue hosting international bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge events, while modernized ski slopes and arenas are meant to support year-round tourism. In Milan, the Olympic Village built in the redeveloped Porta Romana district will convert into student housing, addressing long-standing demand in a city filled with major universities. The 16,000-seat Arena Santa Giulia is set to become a flexible space for concerts, sports, and community events.

Still, there’s a bigger backdrop: warming winters and the growing reliance on artificial snow. The true legacy will depend on whether these spaces remain active, accessible, and environmentally responsible. For those who care about how global events shape local communities, this is where the real story begins.

Don’t Miss Your Chance To 3x Your Impact

You don’t want to miss out on this chance to protect our national parks.

The National Park Foundation is the official charitable partner of the National Park Service, working in over 430 national park sites across the country. Show your appreciation for national parks by making a gift to protect precious landscapes and wilderness, historic sites, and places of cultural significance. Your gift can make a world of difference for visitors today and for generations to come.

For the next 48 hours only, every dollar you give to the National Park Foundation will be TRIPLED. $25 → $75 $100 → $300. Can you make a 3x matched donation of any amount before this opportunity is over?

3X your gift!

Thank you to National Park Foundation for sponsoring The Canopy.

Make Friday Night A Weekly Reset

By the time Friday rolls around, many of us are mentally still at work, even if our laptops are closed. Fredagsmys, which translates to “cozy Friday,” is a Swedish ritual built around one simple idea: mark the end of the workweek with comfort and intention. Instead of errands or packed plans, the focus is on slowing down.

To try it, start with a clear transition. Change into comfortable clothes as soon as you get home. Dim overhead lights and switch to warm lamps or candles to cue your brain that the day is winding down. Choose easy, comforting food (takeout, a favorite snack plate, or something nostalgic) so you’re not adding effort to the evening.

Then pick one low-pressure activity and stick to it each week. Watch a familiar show, play a board game, read, or simply sit with someone you care about. Repeating the same cues helps your nervous system recognize safety and rest. Over time, your body may begin to relax before the evening even begins, and Thursday might start feeling lighter, too.

Why Cranberry Alone Isn't Enough (And What Actually Works)

You've probably heard that cranberry juice helps with bladder health. And while cranberries do offer some benefits, they're not the complete answer—especially when it comes to stopping nighttime urination and regaining bladder control.

The real solution involves targeted nutrients that work together to strengthen your bladder, reduce nighttime urgency, and help you finally sleep through the night. It's simple, natural, and backed by science.

Discover what actually works to stop peeing at night.

Thank you to NativePath for sponsoring The Canopy.

Quick Picks:

From small winter joys to easy weekend plans, here are today’s cozy picks:

• 🌸 Easy flowers to start indoors this month

• 🏞️ How to make an impact on our national parks

• 🧁 The viral winter Olympics lava cake to bake

• 🎬 Comfort shows and movies for the weekend

Reflections:

🌎 True or False: True. It helps focus your heating efforts and saves energy by limiting the space that needs to be heated.

🌅 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!