Issue Nº 503

Tuesday

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

• The best cleaning cloths? You already own them

• How to make sure your next trip is amazing

• Endangered species corner: Colombian Spectacled Bear

• How you can support small coffee roasters

• See a rediscovered species, the world’s smallest otter, and more…

True or False?

Mushrooms are more closely related to animals than plants.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

The Best Cleaning Cloths? You Already Own Them

Tired of spending money on expensive cleaning cloths? The best cleaning tool might already be in your home. Instead of buying microfiber cloths or paper towels, cutting up old towels, sheets, or T-shirts can create the perfect reusable cleaning rags.

Cotton rags are super absorbent, easy to wash, and free of synthetic fibers that shed microplastics. They’re great for cleaning up spills, wiping down counters, and tackling messes from kids and pets. Plus, they don’t require special care—just toss them in the laundry and let the sun do the disinfecting.

Unlike microfiber cloths, which often require specific cleaners, rags work with simple solutions like castile soap and water. And since they’re made from repurposed fabric, you’re saving money while reducing waste.

Swapping out single-use disposables for reusable rags is an easy step toward a more sustainable home. Give it a try—you might never go back to paper towels again!

Ready for a More Epic Spring Break?

You’ve booked the flights. You’ve planned the itinerary. Now, let’s make sure you actually know what’s going on when you get there.

Babbel’s quick, expert-designed lessons help you speak the language before wheels up, so you can skip the touristy spots, chat with locals, and enjoy your trip. Just 10 minutes a day is all it takes.

Save 60% today and get ready for a next-level travel experience.

Start speaking a new language.

Thank you to Babbel for sponsoring The Canopy.

Endangered Species Corner: Colombian Spectacled Bear

In Colombia’s Western Andes, coffee farmers are doing something incredible—they’re helping save South America’s only native bear, the spectacled bear. Once widely hunted and pushed out of its forest home, this bear is now getting a second chance, thanks to farmers who are setting aside land to protect it.

Instead of expanding their coffee fields, farmers in a program called We Conserve Life are preserving parts of their land to create safe paths for the bears. These “forest corridors” connect different parks and let the bears move freely without running into farmland or roads. To make this work, farmers focus on growing high-quality coffee in smaller areas, earning better prices while helping wildlife.

At first, some farmers weren’t sure if giving up land would make a difference. But when cameras caught bears wandering through these newly protected forests, everything changed. Seeing the bears’ return showed them that their efforts were working.

Now, with over 680 hectares dedicated to conservation, bear sightings are increasing. Farmers are proving that protecting nature and making a living can go hand in hand—one cup of coffee at a time.

Ditch grocery store coffee. Support small roasters instead with Trade

Each week, we settled for whatever coffee was on sale, missing out on true flavor. Then we discovered Trade, a specialty coffee marketplace featuring over 450 handpicked roasts from passionate small-batch roasters worldwide.

Our perfect cup was just a quiz away! Freshly roasted and delivered within 48 hours, Trade has completely transformed our mornings, and we’re so excited to share it with you.

As a Canopy reader, enjoy an exclusive 30% off your first month when you subscribe today.

Take the quiz and find your perfect coffee today.

Thank you to Trade Coffee for sponsoring The Canopy.

Quick Picks

From incredible wildlife discoveries to eco-friendly cleaning hacks, check out this week’s top eco-friendly finds:

• 🦎 See a Rediscovered Species—Scientists have found a species once thought to be lost forever.

• 🦦 Meet the World’s Smallest Otter—This adorable, tiny otter in Nepal is stealing hearts.

• ✈️ Start speaking a new language in 3 weeks- This is the best way to start prepping for your next vacation!

• 🧼 Try These Green Cleaning DIYs—Easy, non-toxic recipes for a sparkling clean home.

• ☕️ Support small local coffee roasters- an easy way to enjoy a better cup of coffee and support a small business!

Reflections:

🌎 True or False: True! Unlike plants, fungi do not photosynthesize and share more genetic traits with animals.

🌅 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!