Friday

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

• The surprising cure for urban loneliness

• How your grocery list can help the Planet

• Save money on customizable car insurance

• Sunset of the Day – Lake Tahoe Edition

• The data-driven tool to improve your health

Did You Know

Swapping one meat-based meal a week for a plant-based one can save over ____ gallons of water.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

The Surprising Cure for Urban Loneliness

Big cities are full of people, yet loneliness is a growing problem for many who live in them. Research shows that crowded urban areas can make people feel isolated, but nature might be part of the solution. A recent study found that simply seeing trees, hearing birds, or walking near water can reduce feelings of loneliness by up to 28%.

Scientists surveyed over 750 people in the U.K., asking how they felt in different environments. Overcrowded spaces increased loneliness, but when people had access to green areas like parks or gardens, they felt more connected. Even small interactions with nature—like noticing the sky or a few plants—made a difference.

This isn’t the first study to highlight nature’s impact on well-being. “Forest bathing,” a practice that encourages slow, mindful walks in nature, has been shown to lower stress and improve mental health. The takeaway? Even in a busy city, making time for green spaces can be a simple but powerful way to feel more grounded and less alone.

If you live in an urban area, consider small ways to bring more nature into your life—visit a park, add plants to your home, or take a moment to listen to birds. These small steps can have a big impact, helping both people and cities thrive.

How Your Grocery List Can Help the Planet

Most foods leave a carbon footprint, but some do the opposite—they absorb more carbon than they produce. These carbon-negative foods help clean the air while they grow, making them a great choice for the planet and your plate.

One of the best options is kelp, a type of seaweed that soaks up carbon as it grows. When parts of the kelp sink to the ocean floor, that carbon stays trapped for a long time. Tree crops like nuts, olives, and citrus fruits also help because trees store carbon in their trunks, branches, and roots as they grow.

Other surprising climate-friendly foods include blueberries and cranberries grown in wetlands, where the soil holds onto carbon instead of releasing it. Scientists are also exploring foods made from special bacteria that eat methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Some farms are even using regenerative farming—a method that restores soil and captures carbon naturally.

Small changes can make a difference. Choosing plant-based foods more often, supporting sustainable farming, and trying new eco-friendly ingredients like kelp are all simple ways to help the planet—one meal at a time.

Why Pay for Coverage You Don’t Need?

Some car insurance companies love to include things like roadside assistance and rental car coverage in every policy. But will you really need those extras? By finding a customizable plan, you’ll only pay for the coverage you actually use—nothing more, nothing less.

View Money’s Best Car Insurance list to shop around and find a policy that fits your needs.

Thank you to Money for sponsoring The Canopy.

Sunset of the Day – Lake Tahoe Edition

Captured by The Canopy reader Yordanos, this breathtaking Lake Tahoe sunset is pure serenity. The golden light reflecting off the water, the peaceful horizon, and the crisp mountain air all come together for a truly unforgettable view.

Thank you, Yordanos, for sharing this stunning moment with us! Have a sunset you love? Send it our way—we’d love to feature it.

The Data You Need to Live Your Best Life

Your health deserves clarity and precision. TruAge + TruHealth offers a revolutionary approach to wellness by analyzing over 185 biomarkers in a single at-home blood test. Their personalized reports provide the top recommendations tailored to your body, helping you improve your health, longevity, and vitality. All it takes is a finger prick. The Canopy readers get 20% off with code WELLNESS20.

Start living healthier today.

Thank you to Trudiagnostic for sponsoring The Canopy.

Reflections:

🌎 Did You Know: Swapping one meat-based meal a week for a plant-based one can save over 1,000 gallons of water! Livestock farming requires massive amounts of water compared to plant-based foods.

🌅 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!