Friday

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

• A new invention doubles strawberry shelf life

• How walking outside connects us to the world

• The easiest way to start speaking a new language

• A beginner’s guide to growing a sustainable flower garden

• The top spring deals on Hoka shoes

True or False?

Using your dishwasher is usually more water-efficient than washing by hand.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

A New Invention Doubles Strawberry Shelf Life

You know the drill: you buy fresh strawberries, blink, and half of them are covered in mold. But scientists in Brazil may have found a simple, natural way to change that.

They created a thin, edible coating that helps strawberries stay fresher for longer, without changing the taste. The coating is made from pomegranate peels and squid shells (really!) and helps slow down how fast the fruit loses moisture and grows mold.

In tests, strawberries with the coating stayed good for up to eight days, compared to just four for regular ones. The film is safe to eat, doesn’t affect flavor or texture, and might work on other fruits too.

The best part? It’s made from food scraps and only costs about two cents per fruit. That’s a tiny price to pay for fewer soggy strawberries—and less food waste overall.

With up to 50% of produce wasted globally each year, this kind of smart science could be one way to help us throw away less and enjoy our food a little more.

How Walking Outside Connects Us to the World

If your days feel nonstop, it might be worth setting aside just 20 minutes to step outside and walk. Not for exercise or errands, just to move, breathe, and notice the world around you. It’s one of the simplest ways to reconnect with yourself and with nature.

Morning walks in particular can feel surprisingly peaceful. The air is cooler, the streets quieter, and every day scents—like wood smoke, fresh laundry, or damp earth—suddenly stand out. These small moments of presence often get lost in the daily rush.

Walking is also known to lower stress and lift your mood. Some people say their best ideas arrive mid-stride, not at their desk. That’s no coincidence. Walking activates the body’s natural calming response and can gently spark creativity.

It’s also an easy win for the planet. Replacing even a short drive with a walk helps cut down on emissions and adds a little more fresh air to your day.

Whether you're in a quiet neighborhood or a busy city, walking has a way of slowing life down just enough to make it feel more your own.

There’s nothing worse than staring blankly at a waiter while they rattle off the specials in Italian. With Babbel, that won’t be you.

Instead, you’ll confidently order the perfect dish, ask for local recommendations, and maybe even flirt a little in French. (Hey, why not?) Babbel’s expert-designed lessons teach you how real people speak—so you can have actual conversations, not just repeat random words.

Save 60% today and start learning now—your best travel stories are just a few lessons away!

Thank you to Babbel for sponsoring The Canopy.

A Beginner’s Guide to Growing A Sustainable Flower Garden

Spring flower bouquets are a great way to brighten up your home and bring a little color and personality to your space. Growing your own makes them even better, and with a few conscious choices, it can be easier on the planet, too.

Cut flowers like dahlias, cosmos, snapdragons, and sunflowers are perfect for home gardens. They have strong stems, bloom big, and can be planted in batches throughout the season to keep your vases full longer.

If you’re working with a smaller space, try layering bulbs like tulips with deeper-rooted flowers in the same bed. For low-water gardens, field flowers like yarrow and zinnias are colorful and easy to grow with minimal fuss.

Start with compost-rich soil, group plants by their sun and water needs, and look for organic or heirloom seeds when you can.

However your flowers end up (on a table, in a gift, or brightening a corner), these small steps make a big difference.

Top Spring Hoka Deals You Can’t Miss

Hoka shoes deliver the perfect balance of cushioning and support for all-day comfort. Whether you're out running, walking, or working long hours on your feet, Hoka’s lightweight build and arch support keep you feeling great. Don’t miss these top spring discounts—Brad’s Deals has curated a list of the best stores offering unbeatable prices on Hoka shoes.

See the list.

Thank you to Brad’s Deals for sponsoring The Canopy.

Quick Picks:

From stargazing to leftover magic, check out this week’s top eco-friendly finds:

• 🌌 April night sky highlights—Don’t miss the celestial events lighting up this month’s skies—perfect for a quiet evening under the stars.

• 🥧 Make a tart using only leftovers—Turn food scraps into a beautiful, savory dish with this simple, waste-reducing recipe.

• ☀️ Start learning a new language in time for summer—Save 60% today on Babbel’s expert-designed lessons

• 👟 These are the best deals on Hoka shoes—View the full list to get the best discounts

• 💐 Shop our Mother’s Day gift guide here—For when you’re searching for the perfect Mother’s Day gift to show your mom love.

Reflections:

🌎 True or False: True! Modern dishwashers use as little as 3 gallons per cycle, while handwashing can use up to 27 gallons.

🌅 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!