Issue Nº 503

Wednesday

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

• How a wind turbine became a tiny home

• How is cat litter made?

• Endangered species corner: The Hawaiian Crow

• A simple way you can plan for your future

• How to wash your electric blanket safely and loading the dishwasher correctly

Did You Know

A single reusable water bottle can save an average of ____ plastic bottles per person each year.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

How a Wind Turbine Became a Tiny Home

What happens to wind turbines when they’re too old to keep spinning? Instead of tossing them away, designers have found a new purpose: turning them into tiny homes! A team in the Netherlands recently built a fully functional house using a retired wind turbine, showing how old energy structures can be transformed into cozy, eco-friendly living spaces.

The tiny home, created by Superuse Studios, was built inside a turbine’s nacelle—the part that once held the generator. It may look futuristic, but inside, it’s just like any other home. It has a kitchen, bathroom, sleeping area, and even solar panels for electricity. A special feature allows it to share power with an electric car, making it even more sustainable.

With thousands of turbines set to be retired, experts believe up to 2,000 of these homes could be built each year. While it’s just a prototype for now, this idea shows how creative recycling can help solve two big challenges: housing shortages and waste. Could this be the future of sustainable living? It’s definitely a step in the right direction!

How is Cat Litter Made?

Most cat litter on the market is made from either clay or silica, both of which require environmentally damaging mining processes.

Strip mining, the primary method for extracting sodium bentonite clay, harms ecosystems by removing topsoil, destroying habitats, and polluting waterways. Silica-based litters also require intensive energy to produce, contributing to carbon emissions.

Once used, cat litter ends up in landfills, where clay-based litter does not decompose. Traditional litter is not biodegradable and can take decades to break down, adding to the growing waste crisis. Silica-based litters also remains in landfills indefinitely.

Fortunately, there are eco-friendly alternatives to traditional litter. Plant-based options offer biodegradable solutions that reduce landfill waste and mining impact.

5 Billion Pounds of Cat Litter Ends Up in Landfills Each Year

Most traditional cat litters are made from strip-mined clay or silica. Both end up in landfills when thrown away and are not biodegradable.

A new natural cat litter called Tailfeather is changing this with their eco-friendly, plant-based, clumping cat litter made from coconut and cassava.

Why coconut? The husk of the coconut absorbs liquid up to 9 times its weight! This makes for a soft, luxurious litter that cats love and is 70% lighter than traditional litter, but also doesn't track and bounce out of the box.

It's fully biodegradable and 100% plastic-free, including the packaging. Tailfeather is delivered conveniently to your door, and each package lasts for 8 weeks, double the amount of other litters.

For the next 24 hours, Canopy readers get a $15 credit on your first order with code Canopy15.

Try Tailfeather for your cat and the environment today.

Thank you to Tailfeather for sponsoring The Canopy.

Endangered Species Corner: The Hawaiian Crow

For the first time in over two decades, Hawaiian crows have returned to the wild. Five birds were released into Maui’s forests as part of a conservation effort to revive the species, which had been extinct in the wild since 2002. These rare birds play an essential role in Hawaii’s ecosystem, helping to disperse native seeds and maintain healthy forests.

Raised in conservation centers, the crows spent months preparing for life in the wild. They were trained to recognize predators like mongooses and rats—one of the biggest threats to their survival. Scientists carefully selected the release site to provide plenty of food and natural shelter, giving them the best chance to thrive.

This project is a collaboration between conservation groups, including the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. With over 100 Hawaiian crows now in managed care, experts are hopeful that this release marks a turning point in bringing the species back.

The journey isn’t over, but for these five crows, it’s a new beginning—one that could help shape the future of Hawaii’s native wildlife.

Estate Planning Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected.

Trust & Will makes it easy, affordable, and stress-free to create a personalized, legally valid estate plan in as little as 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking to create a will, trust, or set up healthcare directives, Trust & Will guides you through every step.

Their easy, step-by-step process allows you to complete your plan at your own pace, all from the comfort of home.

Get started today with Trust & Will for just $199. Don’t wait to protect your legacy and your family. Create your estate plan now and take control of your future.

Thank you to Trust & Will for sponsoring The Canopy.

Quick Picks

From home care tips to a futuristic tiny home, check out this week’s top eco-friendly finds:

• 🛏️ Wash Your Electric Blanket Safely—Keep it clean and cozy without damaging the wiring.

• 🏡 See the Wind Turbine Tiny Home—A self-sustaining house powered by the wind in a sleek, modern design.

• 🥥 Try the cat litter that is made from coconut.

• 📜 Think You Don’t Need an Estate Plan? You might want to read this.

• 🍽️ Are You Loading Your Dishwasher Wrong? Avoid these common mistakes to save water and get cleaner dishes.

Reflections:

🌎 Did You Know: A single reusable water bottle can save an average of 167 plastic bottles per person each year!

🌅 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!