Wednesday

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

• Paddleboarding dogs are saving platypuses

• Sunset of the day

• How to save money on vision plans

• Study finds going green is attractive

• The easiest way to monetize your website

Did You Know

Washing clothes in cold water can reduce energy use by up to __%.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

Paddleboarding Dogs Are Saving Platypuses

What do you get when you mix paddleboards, eager pups, and a little science? A heartwarming effort to protect one of Australia’s most mysterious animals: the platypus.

At Healesville Sanctuary, dogs like Moss (a yellow Lab) and Kip (a Kelpie mix) are trained to sniff out platypus burrows. Since platypuses are shy and mostly active at night, they’re hard to study without stressing them out. But dogs can detect them gently, with just their noses and some tail wags.

Wearing bright safety vests, these pups balance on paddleboards while pointing their snouts toward hidden burrows. Researchers follow their lead.

It’s a win for wildlife and a joyful job for the dogs. Turns out, helping the planet can look a lot like play.

Sunset of the Day

The Canopy reader Kelly shared this photo from a summer visit to the Great Smoky Mountains, taken just an hour after sunrise at Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome). The light cuts clean across the sky, casting soft shadows over the layers of ridgelines. It’s not quite sunset, but the stillness and beauty speak the same language.

Thanks to Kelly for sending this in. If you’ve captured a moment that made you stop and breathe a little deeper, we’d love to see it too!

Vision Plans Starting at $13 a Month

Take control of your vision care costs with a VSP® Individual Vision Plan. Plans include a comprehensive eye exam and up to 30% savings on lens enhancements, like anti-glare. VSP members save an average of more than $350* a year on their vision care.

See plans.

Savings based on state and national averages for eye exams and most commonly purchased brands and lens enhancements. This number represents average savings for VSP members at in-network providers. Your actual savings will depend on the eyewear you choose, your plan, the eye doctor you visit, your copays, and your premium. Source: VSP book-of-business paid claims data for Aug-Jan of each prior year.

Thank you to VSP Vision Care for sponsoring The Canopy.

Study Finds Going Green Is Attractive

Looking for love? You might want to check your recycling habits first.

A recent survey of 2,000 U.S. adults found that 69% of singles said climate consciousness makes someone more attractive. In fact, over half said they’d consider ending things if their partner didn’t believe in climate change. Even small habits, like not composting or overusing plastic, have become dealbreakers for some daters.

But here’s the good news: changing your habits actually helps. About one-third of those who were “eco-shamed” by a partner said it inspired them to become more sustainable. That might mean switching to plant-based meals, rethinking fast fashion, or just taking reusable bags to the store.

Caring about the planet signals compassion, responsibility, and openness to growth. And in today’s dating world, that might be even more attractive than your favorite playlist.

Thank you to Google AdSense for sponsoring The Canopy.

Quick Picks:

From pantry upgrades to cozy DIYs—and smarter shopping—check out this week’s top eco-friendly finds:

• 🌱 Learn how to make your own dairy-free vegan Parmesan

• 🔥 Turn an old sweater sleeve into an upcycled water bottle cover

• 🛍 Master second-hand shopping with these simple tips

Reflections:

🌎 Did You Know: Washing clothes in cold water can reduce energy use by up to 90%! Most energy used in washing machines goes to heating the water.

🌅 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!