Issue Nº 503

Thursday

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

• Pickling and other ways of preserving food

• Matchmaking sea snails

• Give the gift that cares for you and the Earth

• Vegan leather vs real leather

Did You Know?

__ is warming nearly four times faster than the rest of the planet.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

How to Preserve Food For Years to Come

Rather than letting good food go to waste (and contributing to the 2.5 billion tons of food waste that Americans create every year) why not try the time-tested technique of preserving your food? From cans to pickling, here are some of the best ways to do so - beyond just sticking it in the freezer. 

1. Pickling

The list of food you can pickle includes ginger, carrots, eggs, olives, cucumber, carrot, onion, and so much more! Here, you simply put the food in a jar with brine or vinegar.

2. Fermenting

As well as extending food’s shelf life, fermenting is great for your gut, as the presence of bacteria gives it a boost. It also gives the food a tasty tangy flavor. Why not try making homegrown kimchi or kombucha?

3. Dehydrating

Dehydrated food can last for years, with methods ranging from simply leaving herbs to dry in the sun, to using fancy dehydrating equipment.

4. Canning

Canning is one of the trickier ways of preserving food because you’ll have to be very cautious - there’s a risk of botulism if it’s not done properly. But you’ll be rewarded with a way of preserving healthy food for years - and you’ll have learned a new, time-honored skill!

Sea Snail Speed Dating

In Florida, scientists are committed to rescuing a species of sea snail called the queen conch from extinction in a pretty unusual way - by acting as matchmakers! The creatures currently live in waters where temperatures have rapidly risen, and the heat makes them lethargic and too lazy to reproduce. So, scientists are relocating them to cooler seas where they can meet many more potential partners - after all, there are plenty more snails in the sea! Over 200 conches have been moved in an effort to tackle their falling populations. Extreme heat, poaching, and hurricanes are all factors in their endangered status. 

The Perfect Better-for-You, Better-for-the-Planet Gift

Holidays are filled with gadget gifts, but let’s face it — there’s a limit to how many coffee makers and panini presses you need. This year, give the gift of clean with Force of Nature, the ultimate upgrade in home essentials!

Force of Nature is the little appliance that converts salt, water and vinegar into a powerful multi-purpose cleaner and EPA-registered disinfectant that kills 99.9% of germs. You get sparkling clean surfaces and germ protection as effective as bleach, but without the toxic chemicals and single-use plastic bottles that are harmful to families and the planet. It's Carbon Neutral, Green Seal, and Leaping Bunny certified too!

Force of Nature's new holiday exclusive Glass Bottle Bundle comes with everything you need to be more sustainable:

• An appliance & reusable Glass Spray Bottle

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

• 9 reusable biodegradable cleaning cloths

Lucky for you, The Canopy has gotten you access to Force of Nature's early Black Friday sale! Use code HOLIDAY60 for $60 off the new Glass Bottle Bundle through November 30.

Thank you to Force of Nature for sponsoring The Canopy.

Is Vegan Leather Really Better Than Real Leather?

Leather jackets may be a timelessly cool look, but their animal origin likely makes them a no-go if you’re passionate about animal welfare. Plus, since livestock rearing plays a role in deforestation, leather also impacts the climate. But, while we know that veganism is the far more sustainable option when it comes to food, can the same be said for vegan leather?

The answer largely depends on the kind of vegan leather you choose. While there are some leather alternatives made of plant-based materials like mushrooms, olives, or coconuts, the majority of vegan leather you’ll find on sale is made of plastic, or at least a hybrid of plant and plastic material.   

Thanks to the fashion industry’s greenwashing, many people are completely unaware of the presence of plastic in vegan leather. But it’s for this reason that veganism isn’t synonymous with sustainable when it comes to fashion. Plastic sheds microplastics, which are harmful to human and animal health, and will live forever in the environment. There’s also the fact that while decades-old leather jackets can be found in vintage stores around the country, plastic-based leather simply won’t last as long, creating more waste. 

Ultimately the answer to the question of whether vegan leather is really better is: There is no clear answer! From an ethical standpoint, vegan leather clearly wins, but from an environmental perspective, the answer depends on the type of leather you buy, how it was made, and how long you use it. 

This year, give the gift of clean with Force of Nature, the ultimate upgrade in home essentials. And, exclusive to our readers, The Canopy has gotten you access to Force of Nature's early Black Friday sale! Use code HOLIDAY60 for $60 off the new Glass Bottle Bundle, only through November 30.

Reflections:

• 🌎 Did You Know: The Arctic is warming nearly four times faster than the rest of the planet.

• 🌅 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!