- The Canopy
- Posts
- 🌳 How to upcycle your old clothes
🌳 How to upcycle your old clothes
Tuesday, 10/22: Sponsored by Renewal by Anderson and Branded Bills - laundry, saving the bees, totes
In partnership with
Issue NÂş 503
Tuesday, 10/22
“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.”
Robert Swan
In today’s issue, we’ll take a look at:
Looking after your clothes
A ban that’ll save bees
Making a tote from a t-shirt
How to show off your brand
Did You Know?
Which country has donated the most money to save the world's rainforests?
Scroll to the bottom for the answer.
Care For Your Clothes - and the Planet
It’s estimated that 70% of the emissions created throughout the lifespan of a plain white t-shirt come from washing and drying it. Doing our laundry in a more sustainable way is a great step towards curtailing these emissions. It’ll also help our clothes last much longer, and limit how many new ones we need to buy - which, since the fashion industry is responsible for more emissions than international flights and shipping combined, is incredibly important.
Here’s some tips on sustainable laundry practices:
1. Harness the Power of the Sun
Far too many households in the US use a clothes dryer, when in other places around the world, that’s a job for the sun. As long as the weather’s nice and you have the space (either indoors or outdoors), why make the most of this natural, emission-free (and free-free) service?
2. Avoid Strong Scents
We tend to associate the fresh scents of laundry detergent with clean clothes. But these artificial - and often overpowering - smells come from synthetic chemicals, and your clothes will be perfectly fine without them. Use fragrance-free detergents and the planet will thank you, as these chemicals can pollute waterways and harm wildlife, as well as causing a range of health issues in humans.
3. Look For Zero-Waste Detergent
Laundry detergent often comes in large plastic bottles which aren’t recyclable, but sustainable alternatives are increasingly hitting the store shelves. Look for concentrated laundry sheets or capsules, which provide the same clean without the waste.
4. Turn Down the Heat
Four out of five loads will be fine with cold water. Only opt for a hotter setting when you really need to sanitize something, or if it’s winter and your tap water has dropped below 40° F.
No More Bee-Killing Pesticides on California Public Lands
ArticBumblebees - so crucial to our planet’s biodiversity and for pollinating crops - are facing extinction. Yet common pesticides contain neonicotinoids, a class of fertilizers that are killing our precious bees. Thankfully, the state of California is now taking decisive action. After becoming the 10th state to restrict the sale of these insecticides last year, it has just finalized a bill that will ban their use in wildlife refuges within the state, as well as other land managed by its Dept. of Fish and Game. The world just got a little bit safer for these creatures - and hopefully, other states will quickly follow suit.le
Stay Cozy this Fall with Energy-Efficient Windows from Renewal by Andersen
Ready for a home that’s as cozy as it is energy-efficient? Fall is the perfect time to invest in Renewal by Andersen Windows and Doors. Keep the cold air out and enjoy energy savings all year long. Crafted from high-quality materials and backed by a limited warranty, our windows are installed by experts to ensure a perfect fit. Plus, you’ll save big with $400 off every window and $850 off every door1. Don’t wait—upgrade your home today! Get your free consultation and take advantage of these limited-time Fall savings!
Thank you to Renewal by Anderson for sponsoring The Canopy.
Turn Your Old Clothes Into Tote Bags
If your old clothes are ripped, stained, or no longer fit, don’t throw them away! There’s always a way to make something useful out of something old, and we’ve got you covered with this creative DIY project.
Let’s talk through how you can turn your old t-shirt into a handy tote that’s perfect for trips to the grocery store. All you need is a pair of scissors - no need to sew!
Method:
Working your way along the inside of the seam, cut the sleeves off the shirt
Cut a deep U-shape around the neck for the handles
Turn the shirt inside out
Make a fringe by cutting strips around 3-4 inches long at the bottom of the shirt
Tie the strips together so the bag now has a bottom
Then, close the gaps by tying each top strip to the one next to it
Tie a double-knot at both ends for extra strength
Turn the shirt inside out again - and that’s it! You’ve just transformed your old tee into a brand new tote.
Looking to elevate your brand with a custom hat?
Don’t make it just any hat. Make it a Branded Bills hat.
Why? They make quality merch (especially hats) that people actually want to wear.
Don’t just take it from us, here is what one of their recent clients has to say:
“I think Branded Bills is memorable because it is more of a lifestyle brand for us. It’s not just employees wearing them to work or technicians wearing them out in the field; they're wearing them to bowling alleys, sporting events, etc, and they’re repping our brand which is exactly what we want.” Rebecca Ferguson, Empire CAT
Want some more? Get $200 off your first order over $1000 with the code NEWSLETTER.
If this is what you want (and we’re guessing you do), hit up Branded Bills.
Thank you to Branded Bills for sponsoring The Canopy.
Reflections:
🌎 Did You Know: Norway has donated the most money to save the world's rainforests.
🌅 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 in next Wednesday's newsletter!