Thursday

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

• How facial recognition is helping protect wild bears

• Sunset of the day in Madeira Beach, Florida

• A habit you’ll keep in 2026

• Make the most of leftovers

Did You Know

Using a dish towel instead of paper towels can save __ rolls a year.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

How Facial Recognition Is Helping Protect Wild Bears

A new use of artificial intelligence is helping researchers get to know bears as individuals, without ever needing to disturb them. A project called BearID uses facial recognition software to study photos of bears, focusing on features that don’t change much over time, like the spacing between the eyes or the shape of the nose. Even though a bear’s body can look very different from spring to fall, its face stays surprisingly consistent.

By matching new photos to existing images, scientists can follow individual bears across seasons and years. That makes it easier to estimate populations, understand behavior, and respond more accurately when a bear is involved in a rare human encounter. It also reduces the need for stressful capture methods or expensive DNA testing.

For conservationists, this kind of technology offers a gentler way to protect wildlife. And for the rest of us, it’s a reminder that even animals we tend to see as “just wildlife” have distinct lives and stories, ones that science is finally learning how to recognize, one face at a time.

Sunset of the Day in Madeira Beach, Florida

This glowing moment comes from a Canopy reader watching the sun sink into the Gulf at Madeira Beach, Florida. Gentle waves rolled in under a sky dotted with clouds, each one catching the warm light just before dusk.

With soft foam tracing the shoreline and golden reflections stretching across the water, it’s a reminder that even the day’s end can feel full of possibility.

Thanks to a Canopy reader for sending in this gorgeous Florida sunset. 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.

Thank you to AG1 for sponsoring The Canopy.

Make the Most of Leftovers

Food scraps don’t have to head straight for the trash. Plant-based food blogger Carleigh Bodrug shares simple, low-effort ways to turn everyday kitchen leftovers into ingredients you’ll actually want to use. What started as a money-saving habit quickly became her popular “scrappy cooking” approach to reducing food waste.

Some ideas are surprisingly easy. Strawberry tops can steep in vinegar for a couple of days to create a lightly fruity dressing base. Orange peels can be simmered and candied into a sweet snack or dessert topping. Even the liquid from canned chickpeas, known as aquafaba, can be whipped into a rich, chocolatey pudding that mimics traditional mousse.

There’s even a use for date pits, which can be roasted and ground into a caffeine-free coffee alternative. The takeaway is simple: with a little creativity, food scraps can stretch grocery budgets, reduce waste, and make everyday cooking feel more intentional, without adding much extra work.

Reflections:

🌎 Did You Know: Using a dish towel instead of paper towels can save 50 rolls a year.

🌅 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!