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🌳 How old sneakers are being reused
Monday 12/15: Sponsored by Relatable and Omaha Steaks - Learning sewing, sunset, and the underconsumption trend
In partnership with
Monday
“The Earth does not belong to us; we belong to the Earth.”
Chief Noah Sealth
In today’s issue, we’ll take a look at:
Repurposing worn sneakers
Sunset of the day on the water
A perfect secret Santa gift
The home trend replacing minimalism
Where to find the highest quality steaks
True or False?
Candles made from soy or beeswax burn cleaner than traditional paraffin candles.
Scroll to the bottom for the answer.
Repurposing Worn Sneakers
In downtown Oakland, California, a new kind of classroom is taking shape: one built on creativity, community, and sustainability. At SoleSpace Lab, local teens are learning how to sew, design, and restore sneakers from scratch.
Founded by Jeff Perlstein, the lab offers classes and internships that teach both craft and consciousness. Students learn the full life cycle of footwear, from production to disposal, while customizing and upcycling donated shoes. The goal is simple but powerful: give young people hands-on skills and a deeper understanding of how fashion impacts the planet.
Over six weeks, students from local high schools practiced patience and precision as they stitched, cut, and rebuilt sneakers by hand. Their final projects (custom-made shoes) show what can happen when creativity meets purpose.
For Perlstein, the mission goes beyond sneakers. “Oakland has always been a hub of creativity and social impact,” he says. “This is about investing in both.”
Sunset of the Day on the Water
The Canopy reader Leighy sent in this golden-hour moment from the back of a boat. The kind of summer evening that makes you want to stretch time just a little longer.
Thanks, Leighy, for bringing us along for the ride. Have your own view to share? Send it our way for a chance to be featured.
Image courtesy of The Canopy reader, Leighy.
The best Secret Santa gift? A Pop-Tart heating pad.
For the friend who loves cozy comfort and a touch of nostalgia, the Happy Helpers Pop-Tart Heating Pad is a sweet standout on any holiday gift list. Designed to look just like the iconic Strawberry Frosted Pop-Tart, this microwaveable cutie delivers warm, soothing relief for period cramps, sore muscles, or chilly winter days.
Perfect for your bestie, parent, sibling, or anyone who could use a little extra warmth this season. Equal parts comforting and charming, this Pop-Tart is guaranteed to be the most delightfully unexpected hit of your Secret Santa exchange!
Thank you to Relatable for sponsoring The Canopy.
The Home Trend Replacing Minimalism
The latest home trend making waves isn’t about buying new. It’s about appreciating what you already have. Known as “underconsumption core,” this movement challenges the cycle of constant buying and redecorating, encouraging people to make their homes functional, cozy, and sustainable, without excess.
It starts with taking stock. Sort your belongings into categories to see what you truly use and what’s just taking up space. From there, decorate slowly. Wait a week before purchasing that new lamp or art print to make sure it’s not just an impulse buy. Investing in long-lasting, versatile furniture pieces made from solid materials also helps reduce waste over time.
A few other small shifts go a long way: try the “one in, one out” rule for new purchases and add life to your home with propagated or thrifted plants. The heart of underconsumption is about intention. A slower, simpler home doesn’t just feel calmer; it’s gentler on your wallet and the planet, too.
More Taste and Quality – 100% Guaranteed
Hand-selected for quality and hand-carved by master butchers with over 900 years of combined experience, Omaha Steaks delivers heartland quality and unmatched value straight to Canopy readers’ doors for free on any shipment of $99 or more!
From ocean-fresh, flash-frozen seafood to slowly air-chilled chicken and grass-fed, grain-finished beef (and everything in between), Omaha Steaks – America’s Original Butcher – guarantees absolute consistency in every single bite, every single time.
In fact, they’re so confident you’ll love it, they back every single product with their 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. If you aren't satisfied with your purchase from Omaha Steaks, for any reason, they will replace your order or refund your money, whichever you prefer. They’ve upheld this family promise for five generations and counting.
Thank you to Omaha Steaks for sponsoring The Canopy.
Quick Picks:
From beauty hacks to wardrobe wins, check out this week’s top eco-friendly finds:
Reflections:
🌎 True or False: True. They produce less soot and are often toxin-free.
🌅 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!