Thursday

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

• This weird brick could help the planet

• Sunset of the day in New York

• Learning the native language when you travel

• A healthier home starts with fresh air

• How to achieve long-lasting fitness results

Did You Know

____ are one of the hardest common household items to recycle.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

This Weird Brick Could Help the Planet

Concrete is one of the most-used materials on Earth—but making it pumps a lot of carbon into the air. So a team of researchers in Montana asked a wild question: what if we could grow building materials instead?

They turned to something unexpected—mushrooms. More specifically, the thread-like roots called mycelium. By combining this with helpful bacteria and a natural mineral called calcium carbonate, they created small bricks that harden over time, kind of like nature’s version of concrete.

Here’s the cool part: because these bricks are made with living organisms, they might one day fix tiny cracks on their own or even sense changes in air quality. So imagine a wall that could actually respond to its environment.

Right now, they’re still in the testing phase. These bricks aren’t replacing sidewalks or buildings yet—but for smaller projects or emergency shelters, they could offer a low-carbon option in the future.

It’s early days, but the idea of using biology to solve big building problems? That’s a future we’re excited to watch grow.

Sunset of the Day in New York

Today's glowing horizon comes from The Canopy reader Nina, who captured this stunning view of a harbor in New York, taken from the Fire Department HQ. Boats sit peacefully beneath a sky lit with brilliant reds and purples—an unforgettable end to the day.

It’s one of those sunsets that feels like a quiet celebration of stillness.

Got a sunset that made you stop and stare? Send it our way—we love seeing nature through your eyes!

Travel Smarter by Speaking the Language

Spring adventures are better when you can talk to the locals. With Babbel, you’ll learn real-world phrases, practical conversation skills, and cultural tips—so you can travel with confidence and make every moment count.

From Parisian cafés to Tokyo night markets, be the traveler who connects—not just the one who points at menus. Just 10 minutes a day is all it takes.

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Thank you to Babbel for sponsoring The Canopy.

A Healthier Home Starts With Fresh Air

We hear a lot about outdoor pollution, but indoor air can sometimes be even worse. Between synthetic cleaners, cooking fumes, and what we track in on our shoes, our homes can quietly collect a surprising amount of pollutants.

Luckily, small changes can make a big difference. Opening windows for just a few minutes a day helps refresh stale air and push out invisible irritants. Swapping in a few houseplants can also help—spider plants and snake plants are especially good at filtering common toxins.

Another easy upgrade: use a doormat and leave your shoes by the door. It cuts down on the dirt, pollen, and bacteria that travel inside. And if you have pets, brushing them outside helps reduce dander in the air.

If you’re into scents, try essential oils or beeswax candles instead of artificial air fresheners. They smell great and won’t add more chemicals to the mix. These aren’t major lifestyle overhauls—but they’re small, doable shifts that can make your space feel (and breathe) a little lighter.

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Thank you to Noom for sponsoring The Canopy.

Quick Picks:

From spring home tips to a baby giraffe debut, check out this week’s top eco-friendly finds:

• 🦒 Baby giraffe born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom—Meet the newest (and tallest!) arrival in this heartwarming animal moment.

• 🤓 Tips and tricks to learn a new language—Learning a new language can be informative, fun, and make travel easier.

• 🌸 Decorate with dried flowers this spring—Sustainable and stunning, these ideas bring long-lasting beauty into your home.

• ❄️ Freeze food in glass jars the right way—Cut down on waste and save leftovers safely with this helpful guide.

• 🤔 How to make smart and healthy choices for your body—Start with small, actionable changes to get more nutrition and fuel your body properly.

Reflections:

🌎 Did You Know: Juice boxes are one of the hardest common household items to recycle. Their multi-layer packaging (plastic, aluminum, and paper) makes them tricky to process—try refillable bottles or juices sold in recyclable glass or cans instead.

🌅 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!