• The Canopy
  • Posts
  • 🌳 Your food scraps could help power flights

🌳 Your food scraps could help power flights

Wednesday 2/4: Sponsored by Wisp - Sustainable aviation fuel, sunset of the day, DIY cardboard plant pots

February 04, 2026

Wednesday

“I’ve found that there is always some beauty left — in nature, sunshine, freedom, in yourself; these can all help you.”

Anne Frank

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

True or False?

Making your bed in the morning is linked to better daily habits.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

How Your Food Scraps Could Help Power Flights

That banana peel, coffee ground, or leftover takeout container tossed in the trash might one day help power an airplane.

Scientists are developing a way to turn everyday waste into jet fuel that produces 80–90% fewer emissions than traditional fuel. Instead of sending organic waste to landfills (where it breaks down and releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas), this approach puts it to work as energy.

Flying is one of the hardest parts of our lives to decarbonize. Planes can’t run on batteries the way cars can, and many alternative fuels rely on crops grown specifically for fuel, which can compete with food or natural habitats. Using waste avoids those tradeoffs entirely. Cities already collect trash year-round, and the supply doesn’t run out.

Researchers estimate that waste-based fuel could cover a meaningful share of aviation’s needs and cut emissions from about one in six flights. The fuel meets current safety standards and can be used in existing planes, no redesign required.

This isn’t a cure-all, but it’s a hopeful reminder that solutions can come from unexpected places. Even our leftovers can help move us toward cleaner skies.

Sunset of the Day at the Makalali Wildlife Reserve

This sunset was taken by The Canopy reader Paul at the Makalali Wildlife Reserve in South Africa, where burnt orange and deep violet clouds stretch across the horizon like a painted canvas.

The jagged ridgeline and silhouetted trees add depth to the scene, reminding us just how grand and grounding nature can be.

Thanks to Paul for sending in this stunning South African 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.

Image courtesy of The Canopy reader, Paul.

Your Best Health Starts Here

Take control of your wellness with care designed for women. Get 15% off your first order with code WELCOME15 and join 1.8M+ women nationwide who trust simple, subscription-based care. Address hair growth, skin, weight, hormonal balance, acne, cycle challenges, and vaginal health with expert-backed support delivered to your door.

Thank you to Wisp for sponsoring The Canopy.

Why Cardboard Makes Great Plant Pots

If you’ve ever peeked into a shed or greenhouse, you’ve probably seen it: stacks of plastic plant pots piling up faster than anyone can reuse them. While plastic pots are convenient, most eventually crack, break, or end up in the trash, where they can take hundreds of years to break down.

One easy alternative uses something most households already have plenty of: cardboard.

By soaking and shaping old cardboard boxes, gardeners can create sturdy, biodegradable plant pots that work well for starting seeds. Once seedlings are ready, the entire pot can be planted directly into the ground, where the cardboard naturally breaks down. That means no plastic waste and less root disturbance for young plants.

The process is simple: soak the cardboard until flexible, wrap it around a glass jar to form a pot shape, tie it with natural twine, and let it dry. Thicker cardboard makes stronger pots, but even cereal boxes can work for short-term use.

This small swap keeps plastic out of landfills, saves money, and gives new life to everyday packaging. It’s a practical reminder that sustainable gardening doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it starts with what’s already sitting in the recycling bin.

Quick Picks:

From gentle dreaming to cozy baking moments, here are today’s feel-good picks:

Final Thoughts:

Health care doesn’t have to be complicated. Wisp provides subscription-based support for everyday wellness concerns, with expert guidance and home delivery. New customers can take 15% off their first order with code WELCOME15.

Reflections:

🌎 True or False: True. Small routines can create positive momentum.

🌅 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!