Friday

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

• How Paris transformed its streets for cleaner air

• Sunset of the day in Chamonix, France

• Get free help filing your taxes

• Tiny acts of kindness create big change

• A newsletter to survive the HR world

True or False?

Running a dishwasher uses less water than washing dishes by hand.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

How Paris Transformed Its Streets for Cleaner Air

Paris is setting the stage for a cleaner, greener future with bold changes to its streets. Since Mayor Anne Hidalgo took office in 2014, the city has worked to shift away from cars, creating more space for cyclists and pedestrians. More than 100 streets have been closed to cars, thousands of parking spots have been eliminated, and hundreds of miles of bike lanes have been added. The results speak for themselves: air pollution has dropped by 50% since 2005, making the city’s air cleaner and more breathable.

These changes aren’t just good for the environment. They’re also making Paris a more pleasant place to live. With fewer cars on the road, noise and exhaust fumes have been reduced, and streets are becoming safer for pedestrians and cyclists. The growing bike network has also encouraged more Parisians to cycle, with bike use doubling during rush hour in just one year.

This shift in transportation is part of a larger vision of the “15-minute city,” where everything you need is just a short walk or bike ride away. With Paris embracing sustainable mobility, it’s becoming a model for cities looking to tackle climate change and improve air quality for their residents.

Sunset of the Day in Chamonix, France

The Canopy reader Phyllis shared this breathtaking view from Chamonix, France, captured at around 10,000 feet above sea level. The clear blue skies and sun shining over the snow-covered peaks give us a glimpse of the majestic beauty that the Alps offer. It’s a reminder of how the mountains can hold their own spectacular views, even in the middle of winter.

Thank you to The Canopy reader Phyllis for sending in this incredible mountain view. Have a sunset or snapshot you’d love to share? We’d love to see it. Send it our way for a chance to be featured in The Canopy.

File with Cash App Taxes

Now that tax season is here, there’s no better time to file with Cash App Taxes. It’s fast, 100% free, and it only takes a few minutes.

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• File your federal and state taxes for free

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• Max out your refund-guaranteed

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File with Cash App Taxes.

*Learn about Max Refund Guarantee details and eligibility. **Learn about Accurate Calculations Guarantee details and eligibility. Exclusions apply. ***5-day refund estimate is based on filing data from tax year 2024. Refund windows are subject to change for 2025. We do not guarantee when you will receive your refund. Timing estimates are dependent on the timing of your submission of a complete return and when the IRS submits your refund. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. 
Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Tax Filing Preparation services are provided by Cash App Taxes, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to Cash App for sponsoring The Canopy.

Tiny Acts of Kindness Create Big Change

It’s easy to overlook small acts of kindness, whether it’s a compliment to a stranger or picking up litter, but research shows that these tiny gestures can have a meaningful impact on our happiness and the world around us. The everyday gestures always add up over time.

Research supports this message. A study from Oxford University found that people who performed simple acts of kindness, like leaving a bigger tip or picking up litter, reported higher happiness levels than those who didn’t. Another study showed that when workers at a Coca-Cola plant received small acts of kindness, such as thank-you notes, it led to a 10-fold increase in kindness throughout the office, boosting happiness for both givers and receivers.

These small moments of kindness not only improve our own mental well-being, but they also inspire others to spread kindness. It’s a reminder that every act, no matter how small, can help create a more compassionate, connected world.

Thank you to I Hate It Here for sponsoring The Canopy.

Quick Picks:

From clever hacks to cozy spaces, here are today’s cozy picks:

• ✨ A simple storage swap to boost your spring cleaning

• 💸 How to get your tax return sooner

• 🍽️ 20 recipes that taste even better as leftovers

• 🏠 Small space renovation tips to maximize your home

Reflections:

🌎 True or False: True. Modern dishwashers are surprisingly efficient when full.

🌅 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!