Monday

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

• The NYC street that turned into a green oasis

• Money-saving eco-friendly grocery tips

• Get only the ads you want to see

• Sunset of the day in Santa Fe

• How to make money on your website

True or False?

Aluminum is the most recycled material on Earth.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

How an NYC Street Became a Green Oasis

When COVID-19 shut down New York in 2020, residents in Jackson Heights, Queens, turned a 1.3-mile stretch of 34th Avenue into something new: a people-first green street. What began as a temporary measure has since grown into a permanent, city-backed project with nearly $90 million in funding.

Once dominated by cars, “Paseo Park” now hosts everything from Zumba to food pantries, and offers a car-free zone for over seven schools nearby. Community members helped shape the park’s future by organizing petitions, visioning sessions, and multilingual surveys that emphasized safety, stormwater management, and accessibility.

The transformation hasn’t been without pushback (some residents have raised concerns over traffic and parking), but community momentum remains strong. For many, Paseo Park is more than a street redesign: it's a model for urban resilience and people-powered change.

How to Waste Less Food and Money

Grocery bills are still high, and for many households, food is one of the biggest expenses. Add to that the fact that 30% to 40% of U.S. food ends up in landfills, and it’s clear that small changes in how we shop, store, and cook can make a real difference.

Planning meals around what’s already in your fridge is one of the most effective ways to save money and cut food waste. So is buying in bulk (just what you know you’ll use), sticking to a list, and choosing local or seasonal produce when you can. If you’re buying packaged foods, check expiration labels carefully. Many “best by” dates are just about quality, not safety.

Leftovers, veggie scraps, and even wilting herbs can often be repurposed into broths or sauces. And your freezer is your best friend for saving anything you won’t eat right away.

Thank you to Google AdSense for sponsoring The Canopy.

Sunset of the Day in Santa Fe

The Canopy reader Julie shared this gorgeous Santa Fe, New Mexico sky, where layers of clouds picked up every bit of the evening’s color. Warm oranges and deep purples stretched across the horizon, with birds gliding through just as the light began to fade. A quiet, breathtaking close to the day.

Thanks to Julie for sending this in. If you’ve captured a sunset that made you stop and breathe a little deeper, we’d love to see it too!

Thank you to Google AdSense for sponsoring The Canopy.

Quick Picks:

From seasonal recipes to meaningful blooms, check out this week’s top eco-friendly finds:

• 🍁 Try these 11 squash recipes

• 🍯 How to make your own reusable beeswax food wraps at home

• 🌸 Learn the meanings behind 71 plants, flowers, and herbs

Reflections:

🌎 True or False: True. Aluminum cans can be recycled infinitely without losing quality.

🌅 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!