Issue Nº 503

Thursday

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

• What to do with your old tech

• A self-eating plastic

• How to break free from negative thoughts

• How space science combats climate change

• Feel-good gummies

True or False?

If food waste were a country it would be the third-largest greenhouse gas emitter after the U.S. and China.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

What to Do With Your Old Electronic Devices

We all have a mountain of broken or outdated electronic devices at home, whether it’s cameras, smartphones, games consoles, or TVs. Rather than allowing them to keep gathering dust - or worse, putting them in the trash, where their chemicals will poison the earth - spend an afternoon sorting through your junk drawer. Here’s what to do:

1. Pass Them On

If your old devices still work, think: is there anyone in your family who could benefit from a smartphone? Maybe a friend who’s into photography would love your old camera? If no one comes to mind, consider giving your devices away on a site like Freecycle, selling them on eBay, or donating them to charity. 

2. Get Your Screwdriver Ready 

If your devices don’t work, you can still sell them for parts, but will make more money if you repair them first. Think you can handle it yourself, or want a challenge? Check out iFixit, a library of information about how to fix almost anything. Otherwise, look for a repair cafe or shop in your area, where you can have your devices fixed by a neighborhood expert.

3. Trade Them In

Instead of selling, consider trading in your old electronics to places like Amazon, Best Buy, and Samsung. The downside here is that you might end up earning less, and could receive store credit instead of cash.

4. Recycle

The original manufacturer of your device, like Apple or Samsung, might have a program in place to recycle your old tech. Otherwise, go through your local municipality to see what services they offer.

Could This Self-Destructing Plastic Help End Our Pollution Crisis?

Scientists have just created a living plastic that can biodegrade within a month. The material was inspired by plastic-eating enzymes, which arise naturally from a species of bacteria and were first discovered in 2016. The scientists have managed to embed the spores of a synthetic bacteria into plastic, so that when it begins to break down, the enzymes can run free and finish off the job. This means that unlike other pieces of plastic, it won’t last for hundreds of years, polluting the natural world. While it’s still in the lab, the scientists hope this alternative, environmentally-friendly material could be available within a few years. 

Break Free From Negative Thoughts by Taking This Quiz

Do you ever feel like your mind is on a hamster wheel of negativity? Worry, self-doubt, and harsh inner criticism can hold you back from experiencing life to the fullest. You're not alone. Millions of people struggle with negative thought patterns, but there is a way to break free. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist from a network of 32,000, skilled in helping clients identify and change unhelpful thinking styles. Through personalized therapy, you can learn to silence your inner critic, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and finally experience the peace of mind you deserve. Take their free 5-minute assessment and get matched with a therapist who understands your unique challenges. Start talking anytime, anywhere, with phone, video, or text options. Plus, get 30% off your first three months of therapy and a risk-free experience with their money-back guarantee.

Transform Your Life

Moonshots: How Space Science Can Help Us Fight Climate Change

Forget aliens and black holes - exploring outer space can actually help us solve problems much closer to home. Space science - which covers a broad range of disciplines, from geology to astrophysics - can give us insights into what’s happening on Earth, and how to combat the biggest threat it faces: climate change.

How so? First off, because satellites in our skies can track the temperature of our atmospheres, giving us crucial intel about the speed at which our planet is warming. They can also monitor forest fires, so firefighters know where to go, and in the 2019 wildfires in eastern Australia were also able to track the spread of toxic gasses.

Next, because looking at other planets’ atmospheres can teach us a lot about the fate of our own. Take Venus for example - its atmosphere is so noxious that nothing can survive there, and it’s posited that this is the result of a runaway greenhouse effect, after too much carbon dioxide was released. Sound familiar? 

Finally, innovative solutions to the climate crisis could arise from space science. One really out-there idea is space-based renewable energy, where solar power is collected in space and beamed back to earth. The first tests for this ran last year, but with the level of technology and exorbitant costs involved, it’s likely to remain science fiction for now.

Thank you to Mood for sponsoring The Canopy.

Reflections:

• 🌎 True or False: True, if food waste were a country it would be the third-largest greenhouse gas emitter after the U.S. and China.

• 🌅 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!