Wednesday

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

• How trains could help power our future

• What are forever chemicals?

• The smart way to use electric blankets

• The best shoes to get running outdoors

• How to get involved for International Polar Bear Day

Did You Know

Polar bears rely almost entirely on ____ to hunt.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

How Trains Could Help Power Our Future

Switzerland is testing a brilliant new way to generate clean energy—by installing solar panels directly onto train tracks. A startup called Sun-Ways is leading the project, using a specially designed train to lay solar panels between railway tracks. These panels could provide enough electricity to power thousands of homes without using extra land.

Unlike traditional solar farms, these panels are removable—so they won’t interfere with train maintenance. The system is designed to handle heavy train traffic and even includes self-cleaning technology to keep the panels free of dust and debris. The best part? This setup uses space that already exists, making it a smart and efficient way to produce energy.

If expanded across Switzerland’s 5,300 kilometers of railway, this project could generate enough solar power to supply energy to 300,000 homes per year. It’s a big step toward renewable energy—one that could inspire other countries to turn their railways into clean energy sources too.

One day, we could be living in a world where trains don’t just run on energy, they create it.

Stressed Out By PFAS?

Avoiding PFAS "forever chemicals" might seem daunting, but The Filtery's mini-course breaks down the science with ease.

In just 5 days, you’ll gain confidence through targeted email-based lessons focused on minimizing exposure. From understanding misleading ads to recognizing PFAS hotspots, you’ll learn how to mitigate risks from water, food, air, and home products with expert guidance. Instantly access your first lesson and begin a safer home journey.

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Thank you to The Filtery for sponsoring The Canopy.

The Smart Way to Use Electric Blankets

When winter sets in, staying warm is a priority. Electric blankets offer an easy way to get cozy fast, but many wonder if they’re an energy-saving alternative or an electricity drain. The good news? They often use far less energy than traditional heating methods—but only if used wisely.

Most electric blankets consume between 60 and 200 watts per hour, depending on size and heat settings. That’s a fraction of the energy used by space heaters, which can burn through 750 to 1,500 watts per hour. If you’re heating just yourself (instead of an entire room), an electric blanket can be a more energy-efficient and budget-friendly choice.

To maximize efficiency, look for blankets with auto shut-off features, adjust the temperature settings, and layer with other blankets to retain warmth. If sustainability is a concern, opt for models made with eco-friendly, biodegradable, or recycled materials.

At the end of the day, using an electric blanket strategically—rather than blasting the heat all night—can help reduce energy waste while keeping you warm and comfortable.

Where to Find the Best Deals on Hoka Shoes

Are you a runner? More specifically, a road runner? Hoka was built for that. Meaning “to fly” in Maori, Hoka was founded in 2009 so that runners could get the ultimate experience with optimum cushioning and stability.

Less than 15 years after its founding, Hoka is bringing in revenues topping a billion dollars a year, so it’s clear that people are loving this brand. But with quality comes high prices, and Hoka is no doubt in the high end price-wise. So we’ve rounded up the best stores to find the best deals for Hoka.

Here are the top 8 stores where you can find great deals on Hoka.

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

How to Get Involved for International Polar Bear Day

Every year on February 27th, International Polar Bear Day celebrates these incredible Arctic animals and the people working to protect them. Right now, polar bear moms are in their dens, keeping their newborn cubs safe and warm until they’re ready to face the outside world. With conservation efforts and simple everyday actions, we can help ensure these cubs grow up strong.

Scientists are finding new ways to protect denning sites, ensuring mothers and cubs aren’t disturbed during this critical time. Technologies like thermal imaging help detect dens under the snow, keeping them safe from human activity. Meanwhile, Arctic conservation groups are working to preserve sea ice, giving polar bears the space they need to hunt and thrive.

Want to help? Small actions make a big impact—lowering energy use, reducing plastic waste, and supporting organizations like Polar Bears International all contribute to protecting their habitat. Even sharing their story helps raise awareness about the challenges they face.

With global efforts and simple lifestyle shifts, polar bears have a fighting chance—and their future is in our hands.

Reflections:

🌎 Did You Know: Polar bears rely almost entirely on sea ice to hunt. They wait by holes in the ice to catch seals, their main food source.

🌅 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!