Monday

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

• A German city sets a green standard

• Sunset of the day in Lake Michigan

• Where to find therapy that actually works

• Sustainable grocery habits that save money

• The secret ingredient to good sleep

True or False?

Buying sustainable products is more important than reducing how much you buy.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

A German City Sets a Green Standard

When sustainability works, it usually doesn’t come from one flashy project. It comes from a lot of smart, connected choices over time. That’s what helped the German city Heilbronn earn the title of Europe’s Green Capital for 2027, along with about $650,000 in funding to keep its momentum going. Judges highlighted the city’s long-term approach, which ties together clean air, water management, climate resilience, quieter streets, and waste reduction instead of treating each issue separately.

One of Heilbronn’s standout moves was turning old industrial land along the Neckar River into green spaces with bike paths and native plants: areas that now filter pollution while giving residents places to walk, ride, and gather. The city also tested car-free school zones during pickup and drop-off, cutting air pollution around schools and helping families rethink short car trips.

Smaller cities were recognized, too. Assen improved recycling systems and built bike highways, while Siena reached a remarkable 99% recycling rate. Together, these wins show that greener cities aren’t about perfection. They’re about practical changes that make everyday life a little healthier, quieter, and more connected to the environment.

Sunset of the Day at Lake Michigan

The Canopy reader Josephine snapped this radiant moment over Lake Michigan in the summer of 2024, where the sky lit up in bold streaks of pink, orange, and violet. The water mirrored every color, turning the lake into a canvas of soft ripples and electric hues.

Thank you to Josephine for capturing this glowing end-of-day view. Have a sunset or snapshot you’d love to share? We’d love to see it. Send it our way for a chance to be featured in The Canopy!

Thank you to BetterHelp for sponsoring The Canopy.

Sustainable Grocery Habits that Save Money

With grocery prices still feeling stubbornly high, small, sustainable habits can add up to real savings. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that 30% to 40% of food in the U.S. goes to waste, much of it from forgotten leftovers, duplicate purchases, or food tossed too early. Using more of what’s already in the kitchen is one of the easiest ways to lower both grocery bills and landfill waste.

Meal planning and taking inventory before shopping help avoid overbuying, while sticking to a list reduces impulse purchases. Shopping in person makes it easier to spot discounts and “imperfect” produce that’s still perfectly good. Buying in bulk works best for staples you use often, and shopping local can mean fresher food that lasts longer.

Freezers are another quiet money-saver, extending the life of cooked meals, herbs, and produce. You can also save money by understanding food date labels. “Best by” dates refer to quality, not safety, meaning many foods are still perfectly fine to eat after that date if they’ve been stored properly.

The Key To Quality Sleep

As the days shorten and the nights grow longer, nothing matters more than restorative rest! Cornbread Hemp’s USDA organic Sleep Gummies are designed to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. The best part? They’re made without melatonin, so you can skip the weird dreams and the next-day grogginess.

Each gummy combines full-spectrum hemp with calming botanicals, including valerian root, chamomile,and lavender. They work naturally to help relax your body and quiet your mind, promoting a restful sleep cycle. Because good days start with great nights!

Save 30% off your first order with code GOODFEELS.

Thank you to Cornbread Hemp for sponsoring The Canopy.

Final Thoughts:

From nature curiosities to creative reuse, here are today’s trending eco-finds:

• 🦌 Surprising facts about reindeer you didn’t know

• 🎨 Eco-friendly craft projects made from reused materials

Reflections:

🌎 True or False: False. Reducing consumption is always more impactful than “green” spending.

🌅 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!