Issue Nº 503

Monday

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

• Easy ways to reduce food waste at home

• How do eco-friendly cleaning products help you, and the Planet? Find out!

• A gift for your eco-friendly friend who seemingly has everything

• Try these simple fridge hacks that help the Earth

True or False?

Most eco-friendly cleaning products are just as effective as traditional ones.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

Can You Reduce Food Waste at Home? Absolutely!

In addition to food waste being bad for your wallet, it’s also a huge environmental problem. Globally, about one-third of all food produced is wasted, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. The good news? With a few easy changes, you can cut down on waste and make a positive impact right at home.

Plan Ahead:

Meal planning is a game-changer. Before grocery shopping, take stock of what you already have and plan meals around those items. This reduces impulse buys and ensures nothing goes to waste in the back of your fridge.

Store Food Smartly:

Storing food properly can extend its life. For example, keep potatoes and onions in a cool, dark place, and store fresh herbs with stems in water, like flowers. Investing in reusable storage bags or containers can also help keep items fresh longer.

Love Your Leftovers:

Get creative with leftovers! Turn last night’s roast veggies into a hearty soup or use fruit that’s about to turn for smoothies or baking. Leftovers are a chance to get inventive and reduce waste.

Compost What You Can’t Use:

Even with careful planning, scraps like banana peels and coffee grounds happen. Composting is a great way to turn these into nutrient-rich soil for your plants, instead of sending them to landfills.

Reducing food waste helps you save money while also respecting the resources and energy it takes to grow, transport, and prepare our food. What steps will you take to cut back on waste at home?

Why Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products Are Good for You—and the Planet

Switching to eco-friendly cleaning products isn’t just about being green; it’s about creating a healthier home and planet. Here’s why making the swap matters:

1. Cleaner Waterways - Traditional cleaners contain chemicals like phosphates that harm aquatic life when they flow into rivers and oceans. Green products use biodegradable ingredients that break down safely, keeping our water clean.

2. Fresher Air, Healthier Homes - Ever feel dizzy after scrubbing with harsh cleaners? That’s VOCs (volatile organic compounds) at work, polluting your indoor air. Eco-friendly options are VOC-free, making the air you breathe safer for everyone.

3. Less Plastic Waste - Many green brands skip single-use plastic with refillable bottles or recyclable packaging. Bonus: Concentrated formulas save shelf space and the planet. To go even further, ditch disposable paper towels for reusable options like microfiber cloths, old T-shirts, or washable kitchen towels. These alternatives are not only more sustainable but also save you money in the long run.

4. Better for the Planet’s Resources - Green cleaners are often plant-based, cutting out petroleum-based chemicals and supporting renewable farming practices. A win for the earth’s resources!

Choosing eco-friendly products doesn’t just make cleaning safer and easier—it’s a small act that adds up to a big difference for our planet. Ready to go green? Start with your next cleaner.

For Your Eco-Friendly Friend Who Seemingly Has Everything

Force of Nature is the gift that’ll make any eco-conscious heart skip a beat. It’s an appliance that transforms salt, water, and vinegar into a powerful multi-surface cleaner, deodorizer, and EPA-registered disinfectant. Think bleach-level cleaning power but without the chemicals, single-use plastics, or side-eye from Mother Nature.

Perfect for the sustainability enthusiast who’s already stocked up on reusable water bottles, silicone storage bags, and compost bins, Force of Nature is the gift that keeps giving—to your loved ones and the planet.

The Canopy is loving Force of Nature's exclusive Glass Bottle Bundle for the holidays. The bundle includes:

• Their DIY cleaning appliance that creates 10x fewer emissions than traditional bottled cleaner

• 25 little capsules containing salt, water & vinegar - each makes 1 bottle of multi-purpose cleaner & EPA registered disinfectant

• A sleek, reusable glass spray bottle (goodbye, single-use plastic bottles!)

• 9 reusable, biodegradable cleaning cloths to replace 40+ rolls of paper towels

This week only, you can get the Glass Bottle Bundle with free shipping by 12/25! Plus, we've snagged you a great discount - use code CHEER60 for $60 off the Glass Bottle Bundle through December 20.

Thank you to Force of Nature for sponsoring The Canopy.

Simple Fridge Hacks That Help the Earth

Did you know organizing your fridge can cut food waste and lower carbon emissions? A tidy fridge keeps food fresh longer, helps you use what you have, and reduces waste that contributes to greenhouse gases. Here’s how to get started:

Keep It Cool: Set your fridge between 35°F and 38°F (1°C and 3°C) to keep food fresh without overusing energy. Avoid overloading it—air needs to circulate to maintain a consistent temperature.

Use the Right Zones: Different fridge sections are designed for specific foods. Store fruits and vegetables in crisper drawers (adjusting humidity settings if available), dairy and eggs on the middle shelf, and meat on the bottom shelf to avoid cross-contamination. Keeping items in the right spots can extend their shelf life.

Follow “First In, First Out”: Place newer items at the back and move older ones to the front so they’re used up first. This simple habit ensures food doesn’t go unnoticed and spoil.

Label and Group Items: Group similar foods—like sauces, condiments, or snacks—together and label leftovers with the date they were made. Clear containers help you see what’s inside and reduce the chance of forgotten items.

Plan for Freezer Space: If you notice food nearing its expiration date, freeze it for later. Frozen items last longer and reduce the chances of tossing perfectly good food.

By organizing your fridge thoughtfully, you’re saving money, cutting waste, and reducing methane emissions from landfills. Plus, every bit of food you save means fewer resources are wasted along the supply chain. What changes will you make to your fridge this week?

Final Thoughts:

This week only, you can get Force of Nature’s Glass Bottle Bundle with free shipping by 12/25! Plus, we've snagged you a great discount - use code CHEER60 for $60 off the Glass Bottle Bundle through December 20.

Reflections:

🌎 Did You Know: True! Many green cleaners clean just as well (or better) without harmful chemicals.

🌅 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