Issue Nº 503

Thursday

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

• Meet BeachBot, the robot cleaning up beaches

• Seasonal cleaning tips

• Your 2025 sustainable cleaning routine starts here 

• Celebrate National Bird Day

Did You Know?

Switching to reusable cleaning cloths instead of paper towels can save an average household over ____ paper towels a year.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

Meet BeachBot, The Robot Cleaning Up Beaches

Beaches should be for sandcastles and sunsets—not trash. But cigarette butts, though small, are one of the biggest litter problems. They’re packed with harmful chemicals and tiny plastics that can pollute the ocean and hurt marine life. Shockingly, 4.5 trillion cigarette butts are tossed away each year.

That’s where BeachBot comes in. This smart little robot is designed to help clean up beaches. It spots cigarette butts and other small trash in the sand and picks them up carefully without harming the beach. BeachBot also learns as it goes. If it finds litter it doesn’t recognize, it takes a picture and asks people to help identify it through a simple app.

But BeachBot isn’t just cleaning—it’s teaching us more about the problem. By collecting information on the types of trash it finds, it’s helping researchers and communities understand how to better protect beaches. Already hard at work in Holland, BeachBot is making waves (the good kind!) in the fight against pollution.

The team behind BeachBot isn’t stopping there— they’re building a second robot, MAPP, to work in parks and beaches, mapping trash and collecting even more helpful data.

Why does it matter? Plastic makes up nearly 90% of beach litter and can harm wildlife or destroy coastal ecosystems. Clean beaches are essential for everyone—from the marine animals who live there to the people who rely on them for recreation and tourism.

BeachBot shows how simple ideas and smart technology can make a big difference. Wouldn’t it be amazing to see one cleaning a beach near you?

Seasonal Cleaning: How to Make Each Season More Sustainable

Does seasonal cleaning feel like a never-ending chore? What if it could be a chance to refresh your space while doing something good for the planet? With a few small changes, you can create a cleaner, cozier home and reduce your environmental impact at the same time. Here’s how to make each season’s cleaning routine a little greener—and a lot more rewarding.

• Winter: Stay Cozy and Green

  Make your home warm and inviting while saving energy. Reverse ceiling fans to circulate warm air and lower heating bills. Add air-purifying houseplants and declutter closets to make room for winter gear. Donate unused items to reduce waste and help others.

• Spring: Refresh Without Waste

  Spring cleaning is all about starting fresh, so why not do it sustainably? Donate or recycle unwanted items instead of tossing them. For deep cleaning, swap chemical-laden products for simple, effective options. And when it’s time to tackle windows and surfaces, trade paper towels for reusable microfiber cloths to save money and reduce waste.

• Summer: Conserve and Simplify

  Longer days and warmer weather are perfect for simplifying your routine. Air-dry clothes to save energy and clean fan and AC filters to keep cool efficiently. You can also organize outdoor gear with upcycled storage solutions.

• Fall: Prep for Winter Sustainably

  As the leaves fall, compost yard waste instead of bagging it. Store summer gear and patio furniture properly to make it last for years to come. Inside, skip synthetic air fresheners and freshen up your home with natural, biodegradable cleaners featuring cozy scents like cinnamon or clove.

Whatever the season, reusable cleaning tools and concentrated products are simple swaps that reduce waste and packaging. You can refresh your home and protect the planet. What easy swaps will you make this year?

Your 2025 Sustainable Cleaning Routine Starts Here 🌿

Out with the old, in with the clean. If your goal this year is to cut toxins, reduce waste, and keep your home sparkling fresh, we’ve got just the thing: Force of Nature.

They make a little appliance that uses electricity to transform salt, water, and vinegar into a powerful multi-purpose cleaner and EPA-registered disinfectant that’s as effective as bleach—without the toxins, fumes, or single-use plastics.

So whether you’re tackling counters, bathrooms, or sticky floors, Force of Nature is your all-in-one solution for a healthier, greener home. Start your new year with:

• Cleaner, fresher spaces: Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and hello to family- and pet-friendly cleaning.

• Less waste, more impact: Replace plastic bottles and paper towels with their reusable spray bottles.

• Peace of mind: Know that you're killing 99.9% of germs (including respiratory viruses and the viruses that cause flus) with an EPA-registered disinfectant.

If you want to start your green cleaning journey today, The Canopy has a sweet exclusive deal only available to our readers. Get 40% off all Force of Nature Bundles through January 5 with code NEWME40.

Thank you to Force of Nature for sponsoring The Canopy.

Celebrate National Bird Day: Protecting Our Feathered Friends

Every January 5th, National Bird Day invites us to celebrate the beauty and importance of birds while reflecting on the challenges they face. Whether it’s the cheerful chirping in your backyard or the majesty of a hawk in flight, birds connect us to nature and play a vital role in our ecosystems.

Why Birds Matter:

Birds are more than just beautiful—they’re essential to the planet. They help control pests, pollinate plants, and disperse seeds, supporting biodiversity in countless ways. Unfortunately, nearly 12% of bird species are threatened with extinction due to habitat loss, climate change, and pollution. National Bird Day is a reminder to appreciate their value and take action to protect them.

How You Can Help:

• Create a Bird-Friendly Space - Set up feeders, plant native shrubs, or provide fresh water to give birds a safe place to rest and refuel.

• Reduce Plastic Use - Many birds accidentally ingest plastic or get tangled in waste. Using reusable products can help keep their habitats cleaner.

• Support Conservation Efforts - Donate to bird-focused organizations or participate in citizen science projects like bird counts to contribute to their protection.

• Choose Sustainable Coffee - Shade-grown coffee helps preserve habitats for migratory birds while promoting eco-friendly farming practices.

Don’t forget to take a moment to appreciate the birds in your area, learn more about their needs, and take steps to ensure their survival. Every small action helps protect these incredible creatures for generations to come.

What’s your favorite bird to spot in the wild?

If you want to start your green cleaning journey today, The Canopy has a sweet exclusive deal only available to our readers. Get 40% off all Force of Nature Bundles through January 5 with code NEWME40.

Reflections:

🌎 Did You Know: Switching to reusable cleaning cloths instead of paper towels can save an average household over 2,000 paper towels a 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