Clean Living Sunday Newsletter 2.16.25 ✨

Photo source: Atlantic Key Energy

Positive Climate News of The Week

Solar is getting cheaper, and more people than ever are adopting it

The U.S. energy landscape is shifting fast, with solar power leading the charge as costs plummet—dropping nearly 85% since 2010. In 2023, renewables generated over 20% of the nation's electricity, double their 2010 share, while natural gas climbed to 43%, mostly replacing coal. Despite ongoing political debates over tax credits and fossil fuel expansion, experts say solar will keep growing, even if subsidies are reduced. The key? Federal incentives are accelerating adoption, making solar tech economically viable years ahead of schedule.

Beyond cleaner energy, this shift is reshaping the workforce. Unlike coal jobs, which were historically concentrated in regions like Appalachia and the Powder River Basin, renewable energy jobs are more widely distributed, opening up new opportunities in states that haven’t traditionally been energy hubs. This could diversify local economies and influence future energy policies, but it also raises concerns about job security, wages, and retraining for fossil fuel workers. As demand for electricity—especially from AI and data centers—continues to rise, both solar and natural gas are expected to play key roles in powering the future. This will play a huge role is diminishing the effects of climate change and powering our ever-evolving lives sustainably!

Source: The Daily Climate

Picture and recipe from @healthygirlkitchen

Plant Powered Recipe

Longevity Salad

Tossing together a salad with all whole foods and a homemade dressing is one of the best meals for your health. The best part is you can combine ingredients to make so many different flavor combinations so you never get bored! The kale base for this salad is great for meal prep because it won't get soggy, you get your grains and some protein from the quinoa, protein and fiber from the chickpeas, fat from the avocado, nuts and dressing, and fiber and nutrients from all the veggies. It a delicious, well-rounded meal that can last all week if you are cooking for one.

Serving: 5 Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

3 cups kale
1 15 oz chickpeas can
1 sweet potato roasted
1 cup quinoa cooked
1/2 cup carrots shredded
1 cucumber diced
1 avocado
1/4 cup blueberries
3 tbsp hemp seeds
3 tbsp pumpkin seeds
3 tbsp walnuts

Dressing:

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp dijon mustard
salt, pepper, and garlic to taste
balsamic vinegar optional for extra flavor

Instructions:

1. Start by preheating the oven to 400F.

2. Next, chop the sweet potato into cubes and put on a parchment lined baking sheet and coat with olive oil, salt and pepper. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes.

3. Make the quinoa according to the package.

4. Chop the kale, drain and rinse the chickpeas, shred the carrots, dice the cucumber, and cut the avocado.

5. In a large bowl, add all of the ingredients.

6. In a mason jar or small bowl whisk together all of the dressing ingredients.

7. Pour the dressing on the salad, mix, and enjoy!

If you end up making this, tag us in your pictures in Instagram at @shopcanopycollective.

Skincare tip of the week

Switch to Bio-Retinol

Bio-Retinol is a natural, plant-based alternative to traditional retinol that delivers the same anti-aging and skin-renewing benefits without the irritation, dryness, or sun sensitivity associated with synthetic retinoids. Unlike conventional retinol (a derivative of Vitamin A), bio-retinol comes from botanical sources like Bakuchiol (from the Babchi plant), Rosehip Oil, Moth Bean Extract, and Bidens Pilosa. These ingredients work to boost collagen production, reduce fine lines, improve skin texture, and enhance cell turnover—all while being gentler, pregnancy-safe, and suitable for sensitive skin. Plus, bio-retinols don’t cause photosensitivity, making them ideal for daytime use without the risk of increased sun damage.

Bio-retinols are also more eco-friendly than traditional retinol because they come from renewable, plant-based sources rather than being synthetically derived. Traditional retinoids are known to be unstable and degrade quickly, often requiring harsh stabilizers and preservatives that can be harmful to both the skin and the environment. Bio-retinols, on the other hand, are naturally stable, require fewer additives, and are often cultivated using sustainable farming methods. Plus, many bio-retinol ingredients support ethical and regenerative agriculture, reducing the overall carbon footprint. They are a win for your skin and the environment!

Snag our favorite bio-retinol (it's on sale!)

Sustainability Challenge

Remember your reusable bag

You might do this already, and if so, we challenge you to remember it every time you go shopping this week! If not- instead of using plastic or even paper bags at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, or retail shops, bring your own cloth, tote, or mesh bags.

Plastic bags take hundreds of years to break down, contribute to ocean pollution, and harm wildlife. Even paper bags, while biodegradable, require a lot of energy and water to produce.

Keep a few foldable totes in your car, purse, or backpack so you're never caught without one. Bonus points if you use reusable produce bags instead of the flimsy plastic ones at the grocery store!

Deal of the Week

Newsletter Exclusive

We just want to say thank you for being here. If you are reading this newsletter, you clearly care to do better for yourself and the environment, and we think that's worth celebrating!

Use code 'Newsletter25625' for $10 off your next purchase of $30 or more!