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🌳 How a chocolate lab is protecting wildlife
Tuesday 1/7: Sponsored by 1440 and Tovala - Upcycle leftover cake, dogs identify endangered species, sunset of the day
Issue NÂş 503
Tuesday
“Every small act of kindness toward the Earth creates a ripple effect of change.”

In today’s issue, we’ll take a look at:
How dogs are helping save endangered species
Creative ways to use leftover New Year’s cake
Why staying informed helps you make greener choices
Sunset of the Day
A simple and quick way to eat better
Did You Know?
Over _______ tons of holiday food is wasted every year?
Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

How Dogs Are Helping Save Endangered Species
At Mequon Nature Preserve in Wisconsin, conservation is a team effort—and that team includes a chocolate lab named Tilia. Tilia isn’t your average pup; she’s a highly trained conservation dog with a powerful nose that’s making a big difference for wildlife and the environment.
With up to 200 million scent sensors (compared to a human’s 5 million), Tilia can detect invasive species like wild parsnip in its earliest stages, long before humans could spot it. Catching these plants early is crucial, as invasive species can spread rapidly, harming local ecosystems and costing the U.S. an estimated $120 billion annually.
But Tilia’s work doesn’t stop there. She also helps locate endangered species, including Blue-Spotted Salamanders, Eastern Tiger Salamanders, and Wood Turtles, giving conservationists critical data to protect them. And while Tilia’s work is serious, she’s rewarded for every successful find with plenty of treats and playtime.
Training for dogs like Tilia starts young, with basic scent-detection exercises that gradually grow more complex. Now, nearly seven years into her career, Tilia has become an invaluable partner for the preserve. She’s even inspired a new generation of conservation dogs, including Timber, another chocolate lab currently training to follow in her pawprints.
Dogs like Tilia are proving that sometimes the best tools for conservation are four-legged and furry. Their unmatched ability to detect scents and their eagerness to work makes them an incredible asset in protecting ecosystems and preserving endangered species. Who wouldn’t want a coworker like Tilia?


Creative Ways to Use Leftover New Year’s Cake
Still have leftover cake from your New Year’s celebration? Don’t let those delicious crumbs go to waste! With a little creativity, you can turn leftover cake into exciting new treats that reduce food waste and keep the party going. Here are some fun and simple ideas.
Make Cake Pops: Transform crumbled cake into bite-sized indulgences. Mix the crumbs with a bit of frosting, roll into balls, and coat with melted chocolate. These are perfect for snacking, sharing, or even freezing for later.
Turn It Into a Trifle: Layer cake pieces with whipped cream, pudding, and fruit to create a decadent dessert. Trifles are super versatile—mix and match ingredients to suit your taste (or whatever you have on hand).
Use It in Milkshakes: Blend chunks of cake with ice cream, milk, and your favorite toppings for a rich, creamy milkshake. Add a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce to take it to the next level.
Bake Cake Croutons: Slice leftover cake into small cubes, bake until crisp, and use them as toppings for ice cream or yogurt. These “croutons” add a fun, sweet crunch to your desserts.
Repurpose It Into Cake Bread Pudding: Combine cake chunks with eggs, milk, sugar, and spices, then bake for a twist on classic bread pudding. It’s a cozy, comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly winter evenings.
Freeze for Future Desserts: If you’re not ready to tackle leftover cake right away, freeze it. Wrap pieces tightly and save them for when you’re ready to experiment with these ideas.
Reducing food waste is as simple as finding new ways to enjoy what you already have. These ideas help you get creative in the kitchen while making the most of every bite. Do you plan to repurpose your leftover cake?


5 Reasons Staying Informed is Key to Making Greener Choices
Better Products – Learn which brands prioritize sustainability to support eco-friendly businesses.
Smarter Habits – Stay updated on tips for reducing waste and conserving energy.
Eco-Innovations – Discover new green technologies and ideas to implement at home.
Informed Advocacy – Knowledge empowers you to champion environmental causes effectively.
Greater Impact – Every informed choice, from food to fashion, adds up to a healthier planet.
Staying informed helps you align your actions with your values, ensuring every step you take is a step toward sustainability. Knowledge fuels greener living!


Get Unbiased News for Free
In today's world, where news is often tainted with bias, 1440 is your reliable source of truth and neutrality. Our daily newsletter covers topics like politics, sports, business, and world affairs. Join over 3.5 million readers and subscribe today.
Thank you to 1440 for sponsoring The Canopy.

Sunset of the Day
Today’s sunset comes from Christine, who captured this serene view of a sunlit pool. The golden light reflects beautifully on the water, creating a peaceful moment.
Thank you, Christine, for sharing this tranquil snapshot with us! Have a sunset you’d like to share? Send it our way—we love seeing your favorite views of the day.


Eating Better Without the Work? That’s Tovala.
“What’s for dinner?” That’s a question you never (ever) have to answer again. Tovala is the meal delivery service with its own smart oven and a rotating menu of chef-crafted meals to choose from every week, all delivered fresh to your door and ready in minutes.
Tovala lets you eat well without spending all your time in the kitchen. Sign up now and enjoy:
35+ meals on our weekly rotating menu: from low-cal to high-protein to comfort food faves—we got you
Just 1 minute of prep (that’s it!)
Freshly cooked meals (never microwaved) using precision cook cycles
No sacrifice to quality, taste, or your time!
Eating better has never been so easy. Get your Tovala Smart Oven today!
Thank you to Tovala for sponsoring The Canopy.

Quick Picks:
Discover simple and sustainable DIY ideas this week—from homemade soap and natural drain cleaners to creating your own floral perfume:
🧼 Make Your Own Soap: Try this easy recipe for homemade liquid hand soap. Using simple, eco-friendly ingredients, it’s a great way to reduce waste and keep your hands clean!
đźšż Freshen Your Drain: Say goodbye to clogs with this baking soda and vinegar method. This quick, natural solution clears drains and eliminates odors without harsh chemicals.
🌸 DIY Floral Perfume: Craft a custom scent with this guide to DIY perfume using fresh flowers. It’s a sustainable, personalized way to enjoy the beauty of nature every day!

Reflections:
🌎 Did You Know: Over 300,000 tons of holiday food is wasted every year.
🌅 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 in next Wednesday's newsletter