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🌳 Something Nice: Nightly walks, bodega cat law, dog of the day, and local coffee shops

Sunday 3/8 Something Nice: Sponsored by Honeycomb

March 08, 2026

Sunday

Welcome to Something Nice, our Sunday dose of good news. Check out our favorite feel-good stories from this week, brought to you by the team behind The Canopy.

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

On This Day In History…

  • 1817: The New York Stock Exchange is founded.

  • 1917: The first International Women’s Day is celebrated.

Why Nightly Walks Are An Italian Tradition

There’s something quietly brilliant about the Italian tradition of passeggiata. After dinner, people step outside and walk. Not to burn calories. Not to close rings. Just to shift gears.

And science backs up what instinct already knows. A slow 10- to 15-minute walk after eating can support digestion and help regulate blood sugar. It may even be more effective than squeezing in the same walk earlier in the day. Over time, that small habit can support metabolic health and better sleep.

But the real magic might be neurological. Gentle movement helps release the physical tension that builds from sitting and screens. It sends a clear message to the nervous system: the workday is over.

No playlist optimization required. No step goals. Just a short loop around the block. Sometimes a better night starts with simply stepping outside.

The Law That Could Protect Bodega Cats

Bodegas in New York are more than just corner stores, they’re cultural landmarks. And for many, the heartbeat of the bodega is the cat. Known for keeping the premises free of rats, these feline residents have become beloved fixtures. But as cute as they are, their role is more critical than most realize.

In 2020, photographer Dan Rimada started documenting these iconic cats and soon discovered a legal challenge. Under New York’s health codes, cats in food establishments are a violation, one that could result in fines. Despite this, many bodega owners accept the small fine as the price of preventing a much bigger issue: rats.

Rimada, realizing the vital work these cats do, has rallied to get them recognized as service animals, aiming for legal protections through proposed state bills. If successful, these laws would ensure proper care for bodega cats while allowing them to continue their essential work.

The fight continues, but Rimada is determined: as long as New York has bodegas, it will have its cats.

This Toilet Paper Might Just Save the Planet

Every 24 hours, 27,000 trees are cut down… just to make toilet paper. We think that’s far too many, and honeycomb agrees, which is why they created luxury 3-ply made from bamboo. It feels just like regular high-end toilet paper, but doesn’t harm trees.

You might be wondering: Why bamboo? It grows insanely fast - nearly 100x faster than the average tree - making it a sustainable option to save forests. Bamboo also has uniquely short fibers, which are perfect for creating soft toilet tissue you can feel good about. It’s biodegradable, 100% plastic-free, and honeycomb delivers straight to you.

The best part? For the next 24 hours, honeycomb is giving The Canopy readers 30% off your first order with code CAN30.

Thank you to Honeycomb for sponsoring The Canopy.

Dog of the Day, Belly

Meet Belly, the adorable Australian Labradoodle! She may be just a puppy, but she's already winning hearts with her playful energy and affectionate nature. Belly loves to play with her toys, chase balls, and give the best cuddles. Her personality is as big as her heart, and we can’t get enough of her cuteness.

Thank you to Daily Dig reader Brooklyn for sharing Belly with us. Have a dog you'd love to see as our Dog of the Day? Send in your pup’s picture and name, and they could be next!

How Local Coffee Shops Embrace Sustainability

Small coffee shops are doing big things when it comes to sustainability, and it’s all happening in your neighborhood café. These local spots are focused on sourcing beans from nearby farmers, reducing their environmental impact, and giving back to the community. By supporting local coffee growers, they’re not only reducing transportation emissions but also helping build a more sustainable food system.

In addition to using local beans, many coffee shops are working hard to reduce waste. You’ll find compostable cups, lids, and straws, and if you bring your own reusable cup, some places even offer refill incentives. It’s a small act that makes a big difference in keeping single-use plastics out of landfills. And when it comes to community composting, these cafés are turning coffee grounds into compost, enriching local gardens and helping the environment thrive.

So the next time you grab your coffee, remember that by choosing a local café, you’re not just treating yourself to a great brew. You’re also supporting sustainability and making a positive impact on the planet. It’s a win for you, your community, and the Earth.

Reflections:

🌅 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!