Issue Nº 503

Friday

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

• How students are bringing light to refugee schools

• All-American meat and seafood delivered to your door

• Solar energy’s past, present, and bright future

• Making estate planning easy

• How to design a native plant garden, snack hacks, and re-use old devices…

Did You Know?

Enough sunlight hits Earth in one hour to power the entire world’s energy needs for _____.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

Students Bring Light and Learning to Refugee Schools

At Thurgood Marshall Middle School in Rockford, Illinois, seventh graders are learning about science—and changing lives in the process.

Through a project led by We Share Solar, these students are building "solar suitcases”. These are compact, transportable solar power systems designed to bring electricity to schools in Uganda's Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement.

Each suitcase is a hands-on lesson in electrical engineering, teaching students about wiring, volts, and amps. But the impact goes far beyond the classroom. These devices provide electricity for up to five light bulbs and small electronics like radios, transforming the learning environment for over 12,000 students in 40 schools.

For many in the Bidi Bidi settlement—home to 270,000 South Sudanese refugees—reliable light is a game-changer. It extends study hours, powers essential devices, and fosters a safer, more functional school environment. "It really made us realize how much we take for granted," one Illinois student remarked, reflecting on the impact their project could have on others.

We Share Solar has deployed over 1,000 solar suitcases globally, benefiting half a million students and teachers. This project is a reminder that small, practical solutions can create ripples of change, empowering communities while inspiring young minds.

All-American Meat & Seafood, Delivered

Enjoy high-quality meat and seafood delivered straight to your door with Good Chop. Sourced from American farms and fisheries, every order supports local family farms and independent ranchers across the U.S. 

Fully customize your box from over 100 cuts, including 100% grass-fed beef, USDA Prime steaks, wild-caught seafood, organic chicken, and so much more! Each product is vacuum-sealed and flash-frozen at peak freshness, so you can stock your freezer and cook on your schedule—convenience at its best!  Skip the hassle of searching for quality cuts at reasonable prices. Good Chop’s plans start at just $3.32 per portion and are backed by a 100% satisfaction money-back guarantee—love it or get your money back! 

Exclusive for The Canopy Readers: Get free ground beef with every order for the life of membership! Click the link below to claim your offer.

Get free ground beef.

Solar Energy’s Past, Present, and Bright Future

After reading about students building solar suitcases to bring light to schools in Uganda, you might wonder: how did solar power even start? Believe it or not, it all began in 1839, when a 19-year-old scientist, Alexandre-Edmond Becquerel, discovered that sunlight could generate electricity. This was the first glimpse of the potential behind solar energy.

Fast forward to the 1950s, and researchers at Bell Laboratories developed the first practical silicon solar panel. Though it was only 4% efficient, it could generate enough electricity to be useful. By the 1960s, solar panels were powering satellites in space, proving their reliability in extreme conditions.

Despite this early success, solar panels were still too expensive for everyday use. Things changed in the 1970s during the energy crisis when governments invested in renewable energy research. These efforts, combined with advances in technology, drastically lowered the cost of solar power. Today, solar energy is the cheapest source of electricity globally—an incredible leap from its beginnings.

From science labs to outer space to school rooftops, solar panels have transformed how we think about energy. The solar suitcases built by students are part of this legacy, proving that even small actions can make a big difference in creating a brighter, more sustainable future.

Estate Planning Doesn’t Have To Be Complicated

Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected.

Trust & Will makes it easy, affordable, and stress-free to create a personalized, legally valid estate plan in as little as 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking to create a will, trust, or set up healthcare directives, Trust & Will guides you through every step.

Their easy, step-by-step process allows you to complete your plan at your own pace, all from the comfort of home.

Get started today with Trust & Will for just $199. Don’t wait to protect your legacy and your family. Create your estate plan now and take control of your future.

Quick Picks:

This week’s Quick Picks brings ideas for creating a native-plant garden, sustainable snack hacks, and clever ways to repurpose old devices:

• 🌱 Design Your Native-Plant Garden: Beautify your outdoor space while supporting local ecosystems! Free garden plans tailored to your U.S. eco-region make it easy to plant native species that thrive. Get your plan here.

• 🥕 Mason Jar Snack Hacks: Cut down on waste with sustainable snack ideas using mason jars! From layered salads to portable parfaits, these hacks make healthy eating easy and eco-friendly. Watch the tips here.

• 📱 Repurpose Your Old Devices: Don’t toss those old phones or tablets—turn them into something useful! From digital picture frames to home assistants, there are plenty of ways to give them a second life. Check out the ideas here.

Reflections:

🌎 Did You Know: Enough sunlight hits Earth in one hour to power the entire world’s energy needs for a whole 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!