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🌳 The "slow decorating" trend you need to try

Thursday 6/19: Sponsored by Groupon - Earth prize 2025, slow decorating sustainable trend, and sunset of the day

June 19, 2025

Thursday

“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.”

Sir John Lubbock

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

  • How two students took on water pollution

  • Sunset of the day

  • The cheapest way to explore your city

  • The “slow decorating” trend

Did You Know

_____ are being used to make sustainable packaging, leather, and even building materials.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

How Two Students Took on Water Pollution

Most of us expect clean water to come out of the tap. But two students from Slovakia and Czechia saw a growing problem—tiny traces of antibiotics ending up in their water—and came up with a new way to fix it.

They built a device called PURA that helps remove leftover antibiotics and the bacteria they leave behind. These pollutants aren’t easy to spot, but they can build up over time and contribute to antibiotic resistance—a serious issue for both people and ecosystems. Using a mix of light and cold plasma (a safe form of energy), the device cleans small amounts of water without chemicals.

Their invention won the Earth Prize 2025, a global award for student-led environmental solutions. With new funding, they’re working on a bigger version that could be used in places like water treatment plants.

It’s a thoughtful, science-backed solution to a quiet but important problem—and a great example of how curiosity and care can lead to something world-changing.

Sunset of the Day

This sunset came to us from The Canopy reader Laura, who captured this stunning cityscape glowing beneath a golden sky.

The low sun lit up the clouds in warm tones of tangerine and rose, while distant buildings and mountains softened into silhouettes. It’s one of those views that stops time, even just for a minute.

Thanks for sharing this moment with us, Laura. Have a sunset that left you in awe? We’d love to see it—send it our way anytime.

Your Passport to Affordable Fun Starts Here

Groupon isn’t just about saving money—it’s about discovering the best parts of where you live and where you’re headed next.

Start locally with top-rated restaurants and spa escapes, then branch out to hotel deals, theme-park passes, and unique experiences that turn any vacation into a highlight reel.

Or browse exclusive discounts on tours, attractions, and events across the country, then bookmark favorites for that upcoming family road trip or girls’ getaway.

Wherever you roam, Groupon is your companion for more fun at a fraction of the cost.

Thank you to Groupon for sponsoring The Canopy.

The “Slow Decorating” Trend

When moving into a new space—or refreshing a current one—it’s tempting to try and “finish” everything fast. But there’s a growing trend that suggests taking it slow might be the better (and more sustainable) option.

It’s called slow decorating, and it’s about choosing furniture and decor with intention instead of rushing to fill a room. Designers say this approach helps people discover their own style, save money for better-made pieces, and build spaces that last. Bonus: it often means less waste in the long run.

That might look like saving up for a high-quality sofa, mixing in secondhand finds, or spending time learning how you actually use a space before buying anything at all. It’s not about perfection—it’s about patience.

Slow decorating also encourages buying from local makers, choosing natural materials, and caring for what you already have. In the end, it’s less about trends and more about creating a home that works for you, your budget, and the planet.

Quick Picks:

From sunny projects to treetop escapes, check out this week’s top eco-friendly finds:

Reflections:

🌎 Did You Know: Fungi are being used to make sustainable packaging, leather, and even building materials.

🌅 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!