#Achieving universal access to clean water

[greenthestral]

Achieving Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation for a Sustainable Future

Clean water and sanitation are fundamental human rights and essential for the well-being and prosperity of communities worldwide. Access to clean water is crucial for drinking, hygiene, agriculture, and industry. Sanitation facilities ensure the proper disposal of waste and prevent the spread of diseases. Recognizing the importance of water and sanitation, the United Nations has set Goal 6 as part of its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this article, we will explore the significance of Goal 6, its targets, and the actions needed to achieve clean water and sanitation for all.

The Importance of Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Access to clean water and sanitation is not only a pressing global issue but also a matter of basic human rights. Shockingly, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, a staggering 2.2 billion people worldwide lack access to safely managed drinking water, while an overwhelming 4.2 billion people do not have access to safely managed sanitation services. These numbers highlight the scale of the problem and the urgent need for action.

The consequences of inadequate water and sanitation are far-reaching and severe. One of the most significant impacts is the spread of waterborne diseases. Contaminated water sources and poor sanitation facilities create a breeding ground for diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. These illnesses disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, leading to increased morbidity and mortality rates. Lack of access to clean water and sanitation perpetuates a cycle of poverty and ill-health, as communities struggle to break free from the burden of preventable diseases.

Child mortality is also closely linked to the absence of clean water and sanitation. Unsafe drinking water and inadequate sanitation facilities contribute to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of children each year. Diarrheal diseases, in particular, claim the lives of many young children, as their weakened immune systems make them more susceptible to the harmful effects of contaminated water. Furthermore, the time spent collecting water from distant sources and the lack of proper sanitation facilities affect children's education and overall development, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage and limited opportunities.

In addition to the human toll, inadequate access to clean water and sanitation hinders economic development. Communities that lack reliable access to clean water face numerous challenges. For instance, the burden of water collection falls primarily on women and girls, who often spend hours each day walking long distances to fetch water. This time-consuming task takes away from opportunities for education, income generation, and other productive activities, reinforcing gender inequalities and limiting economic empowerment.

Moreover, industries and businesses also suffer when water and sanitation are compromised. Lack of clean water can impede agricultural production, affecting crop yields and food security. Industries that rely on water, such as manufacturing and tourism, face operational challenges and increased costs when they must rely on alternative, often expensive, water sources. Inadequate sanitation can lead to environmental pollution, further exacerbating health risks and harming ecosystems, which are essential for the well-being of communities and biodiversity.

The gravity of the water and sanitation crisis necessitates urgent action and a comprehensive approach. Goal 6 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) recognizes the importance of clean water and sanitation for all and sets targets to address these challenges. Governments, organizations, and individuals must prioritize investment in infrastructure development, education and awareness programs, sustainable practices, and innovative solutions.

By investing in infrastructure, such as water treatment plants, pipelines, and sanitation facilities, governments can improve access to clean water and proper waste management. Concurrently, education and awareness programs can promote proper hygiene practices, behavioral change, and the sustainable use of water resources. It is crucial to empower communities with knowledge and tools to protect their water sources and ensure sustainable practices are adopted at the individual and community levels.

Sustainable agriculture practices also play a significant role in achieving clean water and sanitation goals. Implementing water-efficient irrigation techniques, promoting organic farming, and reducing the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers can help conserve water resources and prevent pollution. By embracing technology and innovation, such as water purification systems, smart water management systems, and affordable sanitation technologies, we can bridge the gap in access to clean water and sanitation, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

Collaboration and partnerships among governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), businesses, and communities are crucial for progress. By joining forces, sharing expertise, and pooling resources, we can overcome financial constraints, leverage innovative solutions, and achieve more significant impact. International cooperation, aid, and support can also play a pivotal role in assisting countries with limited resources to improve their water and sanitation infrastructure and practices.

The lack of access to clean water and sanitation remains a global crisis with far-reaching consequences. The numbers are staggering, and the impacts on health, child mortality, and economic development are severe. Achieving Goal 6 of the SDGs requires concerted efforts, investment in infrastructure, education, sustainable practices, and innovative solutions. It is only through collaboration and a commitment to this fundamental human right that we can ensure a sustainable future where every individual has access to clean water and sanitation, leading to improved health, reduced poverty, and enhanced opportunities for all.

Targets for Goal 6

Goal 6 encompasses multiple targets that aim to address the water and sanitation challenges. These targets include:

Achieving universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.

Ensuring access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all.

Improving water quality by reducing pollution and increasing water treatment.

Increasing water-use efficiency and ensuring sustainable water withdrawals.

Implementing integrated water resources management at all levels.

Protecting and restoring water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, and lakes.

Actions to Achieve Goal 6

To achieve Goal 6 and ensure clean water and sanitation for all, various actions need to be undertaken at local, national, and global levels. Here are some key actions:

Infrastructure Development: Governments and organizations should invest in infrastructure development to improve water and sanitation systems. This includes building water treatment plants, pipelines, and sanitation facilities to ensure access to clean water and proper waste management.

Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about the importance of clean water and sanitation is crucial. Education programs can help communities understand the benefits of proper hygiene practices and promote behavior change to prevent water pollution and ensure the sustainable use of water resources.

Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting sustainable agriculture practices can reduce water pollution from pesticides and fertilizers. Implementing efficient irrigation techniques, such as drip irrigation, can also conserve water resources.

Collaboration and Partnerships: Addressing the water and sanitation challenges requires collaboration between governments, NGOs, businesses, and communities. Partnerships can bring together expertise, resources, and innovative solutions to overcome the barriers to clean water and sanitation.

Technology and Innovation: Embracing technological advancements can greatly contribute to achieving Goal 6. Innovative solutions, such as water purification systems, smart water management systems, and affordable sanitation technologies, can improve access to clean water and sanitation in remote areas.

Water Conservation: Encouraging water conservation practices at the individual and community levels is essential. Simple measures like fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, and harvesting rainwater can go a long way in reducing water wastage and ensuring the availability of clean water.

Success Stories and Best Practices

Several success stories demonstrate that progress can be made in achieving Goal 6. For instance, in Rwanda, the government's commitment to improving water and sanitation services has resulted in significant improvements in access to clean water, particularly in rural areas. The introduction of community-led total sanitation programs in Bangladesh has successfully improved sanitation practices and reduced open defecation.

Challenges and the Way Forward

Despite the progress made, significant challenges remain in achieving Goal 6. Limited financial resources, inadequate infrastructure, climate change impacts, and conflicts are some of the obstacles that need to be overcome. However, there are opportunities to address these challenges. By increasing investments in water and sanitation, promoting sustainable practices, and strengthening partnerships, we can create a future where clean water and sanitation are accessible to all.

Conclusion

Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation is a critical component of the Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting the significance of access to clean water and sanitation for all. Achieving this goal requires concerted efforts from governments, organizations, communities, and individuals. By implementing the targets and taking necessary actions, we can ensure a sustainable future with clean water and sanitation, improving health, reducing poverty, and fostering economic development worldwide. Let us work together to make Goal 6 a reality and create a world where no one is deprived of this basic human right.

[aflamethatneverdies]

Heloo

Im wafaa from Gaza

I need your help if you can

Please donate to save my life and my family 🍉🇵🇸

Asking for help is not easy, I ask for a small donation of only 20$ from each person, 20$ will save my family from death in Gaza 💔 Donate through the link in bio (gofundme) Together, we can achieve our goal within a day and provide crucial support to me and my family in Gaza. Your contribution means everything to us and in these difficult times your kindness is our greatest hope. We are very grateful for any assistance you can provide and thank you for your kindness and generosity in our time of need

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-wafas-fight-for-safety-and-health

This campaign has been vetted by 90-ghost here. wafaa is also the sister of @mohiy-gaza who also has been verified and confirmed that this is her account.

wafaa graduated from university and wanted to travel, work and have a chance to do many things, but the war has devastated her plans. her families house was destroyed and they've been displaced more than 10 times since then. they have no access to food, clean water or medicine and diseases are widespread. wafaa's mother suffers from hypertension, but they cant find any medication and is her condition is getting worse. the IOF has severely restricted the amount of aid that reaches gaza and keeps displacing people.

Currently, only $11,914USD raised out of $50,000.

Tagging for reach:

@mazzikah @timetravellingkitty

[academyofselfmastery-reiki]

What is Reiki Healing

History of Reiki

The shortest version is Dr. Mikao Usui from Japan developed Reiki in the 1920's, Reiki translates into Rei meaning Universal and Ki meaning Energy.

It is said that Dr.Mikao refers to Reiki as healing energy. It has been used for many years and has gained much popularity over the years.

What can Reiki help with

Reiki is considered a meditative practice that promotes

Relaxation

Reduces stress

Reduces anxiety

Reduces chronic pain and inflammation

Autism

Fatigue

Can speed up the healing process.

What happens during a session of Reiki

The treatment will be given in a peaceful and private setting or at your own home. The client will sit or lie on a comfortable chair, sofa or bed fully clothed.  There are two ways in which the therapy can be delivered.

1 -Hands off therapy

2- Hands on therapy

If you are suffering from pain in a particular area, the practitioner will hold their hands just above the area, while this takes place an energy transfer takes place,.  The client may feel tingling, heat, coldness are the main feelings reported.  The practitioner will hold their hands in a particular position until the energy subsides, they will move on to other areas of the body ,moving through the Chakra's.  Some practitioners use crystals to aide the Chakras and also for distance healing.

A session will last around 30-45 minutes, the number of sessions will vary from person to person depending on their client's needs and the outcomes they with to achieve. 

Reiki is a non invasive therapy and can be used as a complementary modality with your current treatment plan with your GP or health care practitioner.

No reports of using Reiki alongside other treatments including medications is extremely unlikely to encounter any negative effects or any side effects of any sort. Consult your GP before agreeing to engage in any complementary therapy and Reiki should not be used in replacement of current treatment.

Reiki has a gentle nature and can be help clients to be calmed, relaxed and soothed.

What to wear at a Reiki session

Clean, loose and comfortable clothing, bring a pair of socks as shoes are removed.

Removal of necklaces

After a session of Reiki

It is advised to keep hydrated as the energy being received by the client also helps the cells in the body to regenerate, water will help replenish them

Go for a walk

Sleep

Avoid alcohol for 24 hours

Very many people experience relief and may cry for a few days, this is normal. Let it out and let it go.

About Helen

Helen Monaghan B.A (hons) has an active interest in Holistic and Alternative Medicines since 2006, where she started making her own chemical free, natural, and organic skin care products for her friends and family.

Since then, she has studied hard to become the best in her field of natural health and self healing.

Helen has worked with many other professionals across the globe where she has helped them to complete books that has inspired thousands of people across the planet and today she brings with her new ways of living,  using her knowledge and expertise where she encompasses a variety of different healing techniques.

This year she has created her Online Store and the Academy of Self Mastery self help learning centre, so that many more people have access to her natural health and wellbeing products, whether it be skincare, mini course, e-books or other ways of being and staying healthy.

[faithfromanewperspective]

Human rights provide the essential social foundation for all people to lead lives of dignity and opportunity. International human rights norms have long asserted the fundamental moral claim each person has to life’s essentials – such as food, water, health care, education, freedom of expression, political participation, and personal security – no matter how much or how little money or power they have. As the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) says, ‘recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world’.7 Of course, a social foundation of this kind only sets out the minimum of every human’s claims. Sustainable development envisions people and communities prospering far beyond this, leading lives of creativity and fulfilment. But, given the extent of deprivation and extreme inequality in the world, ensuring that this social foundation of human rights is achieved for all must be the first focus.8 Since 2000, the MDGs have provided an important international focus for development, and have addressed many deprivations, whose urgency has not receded: eradicating hunger and extreme poverty; achieving universal primary education; promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment; reducing child mortality; improving maternal health; combating HIV and AIDS, malaria, and other diseases; and extending access to water and sanitation. The priorities set out by the MDGs remain critical for achieving the social foundation for all, but additional concerns and challenges in recent years are extending that agenda. Shocks and volatilities – in terms of food and energy price spikes, financial crises, and the impacts of climate change – have drawn attention to the importance of people building their long-term resilience through climate-change adaptation, disaster-risk reduction, and well-designed social protection schemes. There is also increasing awareness of the need to provide decent work for a rapidly growing global labour force; to bring electricity and clean cooking facilities to billions of people who still live without them; to tackle extreme inequalities within and between countries; and to ensure people’s empowerment in influencing the political and economic processes that shape their lives. Inequalities between women and men run deeply through all these concerns, reflecting enduring disparities in control over natural resources, in employment and earnings, and in social and political participation. Gender biases are embedded in markets, politics, and institutions, and can be reinforced by poorly designed economic policies and development strategies. Tackling the source of these disparities is critical for achieving the social foundation for all, to the benefit of women, their families, and society. The High-Level Summit on the MDGs in 2013, along with interest in creating Sustainable Development Goals out of Rio+20, will most likely launch a process of exploring how global development goals should be renewed, updated, or expanded to reflect these emerging concerns. This process is, effectively, an opportunity to draw up a set of internationally agreed priorities for the social foundation, to be achieved over coming decades.

-kate raworth, a safe an just space for humanity: can we live within the doughnut?

[thefuturewewant]

Did you know that the United Nations sustainable development goals are a universal call to action that unites 193 countries around the world. If these goals are fulfilled by 2030 , life on earth will be better for everyone. So what are these goals, eliminate poverty in all its forms, no hunger everyone should have safe nutritious and sufficient food, everyone has equal access to health care thus ensuring our well being and healthy life, equal access to quality education, ensure gender equality where women and girls have the same opportunities as men and boys, by achieving these goals each member of our society will be equal, safe and happy. UN global goals also include access to safe drinking water and sanitation, access to clean energy that is safe for people and the environment, sustainable and stale economic growth everyone has a decent job, strong infrastructure and the support of innovations, lower inequality within and among countries cities and settlements being developed without damaging the environment and people and achieving these goals will result in the well-being of people and our planet we can further take care of our environment with the following goals sustainable and safe production and consumption of products take urgent measures to reduce climate change and its impact ensures the sustainable use and protection of ocean and sea resources restore and protect Earth's ecosystems by achieving these goals we will form a society where strong institutions ensure peace and justice, it is important for everyone to be involved and to build partnerships for achieving sustainable development goals you are part of this process demand the implementation of these goals and take the lead share information with your friends.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

The first thing to remember about the damage done by the US supreme court this June and the June before is that each majority decision overturns a right that we had won. We had won a measure of student debt relief thanks to the heroic efforts of debt activists since 2011. We had won reproductive rights protection 50 years ago with Roe v Wade, and we won wetlands protection with the Clean Water Act around the same time. We had implemented affirmative action, AKA a redress of centuries of institutionalized inequality, step by step, in many ways over the past 60-plus years. We had won rights for same-sex couples and queer people in a series of laws and decisions.

What this means is that the right wing of the US supreme court is part of a gang of reactionaries engaging in backlash. It also means we can win these things back. It will not be easy, but difficult is not impossible. This does not mean that the decisions are not devastating, and that we should not feel the pain. The old saying “don’t mourn, organize” has always worked better for me as “mourn, but also organize”. Defeat is no reason to stop. Neither is victory a reason to stop when victory is partial or needs to be defended. You can celebrate victories, mourn defeats and keep going.

Each of those victories was hard-won, often by people who began when the rights and protections they sought seemed inconceivable, then unlikely, then remote, and so goes the road of profound change almost every time. To win environmental protections, the public had to be awakened to the interconnectedness, the vulnerability and the value of a healthy natural world and our inseparability from it. To win marriage equality for same-sex couples and equal protection for queer people involved changing beliefs, which was achieved not just by campaigns but by countless LGBTQ+ people courageously making themselves visible and audible in their communities.

To recognize the power of this change requires a historical memory. A memory of rivers catching fire and toxic products being dumped freely in the 1960s. Of laws and guidelines treating queer people as criminal or mentally ill or both in ways that terrorized them and made them largely invisible to the public eye. Of women dying of or damaged by illegal abortions or leading the bleak lives to which unwanted pregnancies consigned them. Of the way the Ivy League universities in particular were virtually all white and all male into the 1970s. Of how inequality was so normalized that first people had to see and believe that women and Bipoc people should have equal rights and access to and a role in the places of power that decide the fate of each of us, the nation and the world. All that changed – not enough, of course, but a lot.

Memory is a superpower, because memory of how these situations changed is a memory of our victories and our power. Each of these victories happened both through the specifics of campaigns to change legislation but also through changing the public imagination. The supreme court can dismantle the legislation but they cannot touch the beliefs and values. We still believe in these rights. We still recognize the harm and the destruction they were meant to prevent. If you didn’t believe that equal access and rights were wrong yesterday or last year, you don’t have to believe it now. Not just because those rights were denied by six justices, at least four of whom are so utterly corrupt in how they got their seats or what they’ve done while seated that they should be forced to resign.

Last year’s attack on reproductive rights has produced its own backlash, with many states working to protect those rights, many elections seemingly pivoting on voter outrage about the Republican party’s brutality toward and hatred of women, and Republicans scurrying away from their own achievement and its hideous impacts. If the Republican party deserves admiration for anything, it’s for their long view, understanding of strategy and tenacity.

The building up of an illicit rightwing supreme court took many years, and took fundamentalist Christians holding their noses to vote for Donald Trump because they understood that meant getting the justices to overturn Roe v Wade. It meant building power from the ground up to take state legislatures to gerrymander electoral maps and sticking vicious clowns like Jim Jordan into bizarrely tailored districts. It meant chipping away at voting rights, achieved in part by the supreme court’s attack on the Voting Rights Act in 2013 and its 2010 Citizens United decision that let a filthy tsunami of corporate dark money into electoral politics, thereby overturning two of its own earlier decisions.

While each of the issues under attack need their own campaigns, voting rights and free and fair elections are crucial to all of them. Don’t forget that the only reason we have such a conservative government, including the supreme court, is voter suppression. If we truly had equal access to the ballot, American voters would choose more progressive candidates and pass more progressive legislation. That’s why what the public wants, believes and values so often differs from what the politicians chosen by dark money and voter suppression give us.

One of the striking features of recent years is the baldfaced Republican effort to prevent Black people in particular, but also young, poor and other non-white demographics from voting. Baldfaced because it acknowledges that they are unpopular and that they’ve given up the goal of being in power because they represent the majority. As they become more marginalized through their own extreme and unpopular views, they have to use more extreme means – now including trying to steal and overturn elections – to hold onto power.

This is as true of climate action as anything else: a new Yale 360 poll shows that “57% of registered voters support a US president declaring global warming a national emergency if Congress does not take further action” and “74% support regulating carbon dioxide as a pollutant.” The problem isn’t the people. It’s the power, and history shows us that when we come together with ferocious commitment to a shared goal we can be more powerful than institutions and governments. The right would like us to feel defeated and powerless. We can feel devastated and still feel powerful or find our power. This is not a time to quit. It’s a time to fight.

Rebecca Solnit is a Guardian US columnist. Her most recent books are Recollections of My Nonexistence and Orwell’s Roses

[mariacallous]

In the lead up to the COP27 climate summit, the urgency of climate change had never been clearer. A third of Pakistan had submerged under water, half of China’s landmass was parched by drought, and repeated heatwaves set Europe ablaze with some regions losing up to 80% of their harvest.

Despite this, the global community in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt was unable to muster the financial commitments needed to adequately respond to the climate crisis. Achieving the Paris Agreement’s temperature and adaptation goals requires an estimated global investment of $3-6 trillion a year until 2050, but current investment levels are nearly a tenth of that, just around $630 billion. Further, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), annual climate finance to developing countries needs to increase by four to eight times by 2030, yet COP27’s new finance pledges came nowhere near this target, and no headway was made on a new 2025 finance goal.

There were some victories, like the establishment of the Global Shield fund for climate risk, and a historical Loss and Damage Fund to help countries recover from climate impacts. But the details of these funds could take years to formalize before any country sees the proceeds. In the meantime, emerging market and developing economies will continue to face the brunt of the impacts of climate change with the fewest resources, while also being the least responsible for warming the planet.

Given this context, a new tool, debt-for-adaptations swaps, could be a game changing way to accelerate the lethargic pace at which climate finance is made accessible to countries desperately in need.

In a debt-for-adaptation swap, countries who borrowed money from other nations or multilateral development banks (e.g., the IMF and World Bank) could have that debt forgiven, if the money that was to be spent on repayment was instead diverted to climate adaptation and resilience projects. This has an opportunity to both alleviate debt distress and increase funding to adaptation which has proved far more difficult to finance than clean power. There has been a lot of interest in debt swaps from developing countries and multilateral development banks, especially at COP27, but not specifically focused on adaptation.

The U.S. should take on a leading role in this effort, not only because it is the right thing to do but also because it advances U.S. interests in its geo-strategic rivalry with China. As developing nations look to see who will help them out of the climate catastrophe, the U.S. has a chance to pioneer an alternate model to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which is entrapping developing countries into loans and debt distress.

Moreso, the sovereign debt burden of developing countries is largely a historical product of colonialism. By championing debt-for-adaptation swaps, the Biden administration can advance its environmental justice objectives and quickly channel critical resources to vulnerable communities.

The State of Play: Loans and Mitigation Dominate, Grants and Adaptation Lag Behind

There is no common, universal definition for what “climate finance” means but it generally refers to two types of financial flows: (1) climate investments which seek to generate financial returns, and (2) climate aid which is given as a grant with no expectation of repayment.

Nearly 94% of existing climate finance is in the first category[1]—an investment through either debt or equity where the funder is expecting some financial return. These funders include commercial banks and investors, governments, and multilateral and national finance institutions (e.g., World Bank, International Monetary Fund, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation).

The expectation of revenue generation for climate investments structurally binds the success and likelihood of deals to broader macroeconomic and political trends. Therefore, climate investment has been slow in developing countries due to a real and perceived risk of doing business in countries which may be involved in or adjacent to armed conflicts, face political or economic instability, or experience humanitarian disasters. While private investors do want to invest in the developing world, most such projects are at very high-risk levels, well above what is considered “investment grade.”

Projects that do meet the “investment grade” criteria are almost all focused on renewable energy. Indeed, 90% of all climate finance last year went exclusively to activities which mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. This makes sense from an investor perspective because electricity can be bought and sold, generating predictable cash flows to yield returns.

The tradeoff is that climate adaptation has been almost entirely neglected in climate finance flows despite being more urgent for many developing countries. Roughly $50 billion in adaptation finance was tracked between 2019-2020, compared to $571 billion for mitigation. The U.N. estimates that developing countries already need $70 billion per year to cover adaptation costs now and will need $140–$300 billion in 2030, rising to $280-500 billion by 2050. The damage from this year’s monsoon flood in Pakistan alone will exceed $40 billion.

There are a range of reasons why adaptation projects like drought-resistant seeds, resilient buildings, environmental restoration, or sea walls have struggled to attract private sector financing. At its core, it is more difficult to capture the benefits of adapting to climate change in a way that generates revenue. Suffice it to say, as long as profit-motive drives the majority of climate finance flows, adaptation finance will lag behind.

What adaptation lacks in revenue generation opportunities, though, it makes up for in avoided damages. Adaptation finance can help avoid the costs of infrastructure collapse, climate refugees, and potential failed states. A conservative estimate finds that by 2050, the economic cost of climate change will be between $1 trillion and $1.8 trillion (not including non-economic losses like loss of cultural sites).

The hope is that climate aid, or money that’s given without expectation of financial return (e.g., grants), can fill this gap in climate adaptation finance. Unfortunately, developed countries have channeled a comparatively meager amount of overall climate finance through grant-based instruments. In total, grants currently account for only 6% of climate finance. Between 2016-2018, grant-based bilateral climate finance accounted for 34% of all U.S. contributions ($645M), 12% of Japan’s ($1.2B), and only 3% of France’s ($146M). There have been some bright spots, however, with 91% of the U.K.’s contributions coming through grants ($1.3B), 99% of Australia’s ($111M), and 100% of Sweden’s ($482M). At COP27, developed countries failed to make headway on the Glasgow Climate Pact to double adaptation finance, nor did they define the Global Goal on Adaptation (equivalent to the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C mitigation target).

In the U.S., there has been political reluctance to legislatively disburse funds for climate aid grants. President Biden requested $11.4 billion in climate aid every year till 2024, but Congress has authorized just $1 billion total. The politics of grant-based aid remain controversial, as Republicans and Democrats are virtually in different worlds on how to address the climate crisis and the role of the U.S. in supporting other countries.

Therefore, in the absence of a significant inflow of grant money, innovative solutions are needed to overcome the barriers to scaling up climate finance for adaptation. By using debt-for-adaptation swaps, climate finance for adaptation can be mobilized while

[sciencespies]

Physicists have designed a urinal that drastically reduces splashback

https://sciencespies.com/physics/physicists-have-designed-a-urinal-that-drastically-reduces-splashback/

Physicists have designed a urinal that drastically reduces splashback

Scientists used observations of the angle at which dogs urinate and laboratory tests with jets of fluid to design a urinal that produces far less splatter than usual

Physics 22 November 2022

By Karmela Padavic-Callaghan

The researchers favour the design second from the right, which minimised splash and is accessible for most people of most heights

Mia Shi at University of Waterloo

Laboratory tests using a jet of water have helped physicists determine the ideal angle of urination to minimise splashback at a urinal, and led to an elongated design for urinals that drastically reduces splatter.

“The idea originated exactly where you think it did. I think most of us have been a little inattentive at our post and looked down to find we were wearing speckled pants,” says Zhao Pan at the University of Waterloo in Canada. “Nobody likes having pee everywhere, so why not just create a urinal where splatter is extremely unlikely.”

Enter the splash-free urinal. To design their urinal, Pan and his team had to find the angle at which a stream of liquid hitting a surface produces the least splash. They solved this problem with a computer model that reproduced some previous observations of how dogs urinate. Pan says that dogs instinctively know that lifting their leg will get them closer to a “magic angle” between the urine stream and a tree, or some other vertical surface, that minimises splashback.

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To measure how much a given urinal splatters, the researchers directed a jet of water onto test urinals made of very dense foam covered in epoxy. In this splatter test they pitted two experimental designs (the urinals at centre and second from the right, pictured above) against a standard commercially available design and one similar to the urinal featured in Marcel Duchamp’s famous artwork “La Fontaine” (the second and first from the left).

They varied the speed of the jet between different experiments and wiped the splatter with paper towels afterwards. Then they weighed the wet paper towels and compared that to the towel’s dry mass to measure how much water had to be absorbed to clean up the mess. The largest difference in mass corresponded to most hazardously splashy urinals.

Using the dog urination data and the tests with water jets at various flowrates and heights, the researchers determined that for the average human, the magic splash-reducing angle for urination at a urinal is approximately 30 degrees. Accordingly, they designed their test urinals so that no matter what a person does, the impinging angle for urine is close to this value.

While urinals in many public restrooms resemble shallow rectangular boxes, the researchers’ favoured design was deeper and more elongated, allowing for people of most height to achieve the 30-degree angle. As its curvature is similar to a Nautilus shell, the team nicknamed it Nauti-Loo (the second urinal from the right in the image above). In the paper towel test, standard urinals produced up to 50 times as much splashback as this new design.

A rounder urinal design with a triangular opening performed twice as well as the Nauti-Loo in the splashback test, but was not favoured because it doesn’t work for people of all heights. Pan’s colleague Kaveeshan Thurairajah at the University of Waterloo will present their results on 22 November at the annual meeting of the American Physical Society’s Division of Fluid Dynamics in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Pan thinks that replacing standard urinals with this low-splash version could make restrooms more sanitary and save on cleaning costs for businesses, but the team has not yet determined how much it would cost to mass-produce.

More on these topics:

#Physics

[climatechange]

Our group decided to base our theme to be about pollution and ecological environmental protection. We wanted to show this through photography and using design software to create posters. All four of the group members are in different countries with very different time zones. We ended up getting in touch through WeChat as it was the social media everyone had access to. The implication of this was that when other members of the group were awake it was bedtime for the rest of the members but we managed to work through these implications. We each decided to create one poster each.

This poster created by Songlin Du was based around forest protection and he chose to trigger the theme in the most concise way for images. He is clinging to a green leaf in his hands. It is a call for people to reach out and protect the forest with everyone's own strength. In colour, Songlin highlights the green and saturate all the rest of the colour. Let them create a contrast that brings out the vitality of the leaves and green will also bring a sense of comfort to people. The background uses the simplest flat surface, which does not give the impression of chaos. In terms of text, "The Forest" in the title also uses green text, symbolizing a kind of vitality. The title is also a very direct call to everyone to start protecting the forest now. The other text is an action word from the first person, giving people a sense of substitution and picture, strengthening people's beliefs and achieving the purpose of designing posters.

This poster was created By Suwan Wijetunge, the theme around this poster was water pollution. This image was captured when he saw plastic flowing through the university pond. Plastic has been a major problem of water pollution, especially for water animals. The university has ducks in the ponds and these plastics could hurt them, they could get tangled up in them and even swallow small pieces of plastic that are harmful to them. Suwan uses blue colour in his text to keep it with the water theme. He also added some animated stickers to make the poster unique and send out powerful messages. "Pure water runs life" is meant to show that clean water keeps sea creatures safe and us. The stop pollution animation symbolizes the best solution is already within our grasp we just have to execute it. Also, he uses animated arrows to show the numerous animals that die each year because of water pollution. The arrows are used as an eye-catching way to grab the viewer's focus onto the text. He also added black spots to show more pollution in the water. As well as edited the water using colour grading to make it look dirtier. Using animated stickers was a unique way that would make the viewer focus on the poster more as it's not something that's frequently used in posters. Therefore Suwan felt including animated stickers in his poster would be a good idea.

This poster was created by Tianqi Hu about environmental protection. The content of this poster is to appeal to people don’t throw hazardous waste. The main part of the poster is a sprouting seedling. Above it are two abandoned batteries. The seedling has begun to wither due to the pollution of the battery, which shows the damage of the battery to the land. Analyzing this poster from the perspective of colour, there are not too many colours in this poster. The green and yellow leaves and dark blue batteries form a sharp contrast with the dark red land. It can better highlight the main part of the poster. The use of white text in the poster is more conspicuous, clearly telling people the harm caused by batteries to the land and hopes that people will not drop hazardous waste, and also directly expresses the theme of this poster. Damaging the environment, especially plants which could grow into trees that grow food and provide oxygen and stabilise the soil so that landslides don't occur it wouldn't be good for mankind as we lose a lot of benefits.

This poster was created by Xinyu Chen. The picture has a clear symbolic meaning. The photograph is taken on a grassland. In the picture, a McDonald's cup can be seen in the middle of the plants. The plants can be seen as a part of nature, while the paper cup can be seen as a human artifact that was made from plant-based materials and then returned to the embracement of plants. It was a funeral of the cup. The symbolic meaning behind the picture is that nature is mother to everything that we have and we will eventually get back to nature.

[rogerpettingellrealestateagent]

Fundraising with Flair: 5 Creative Ideas for Giving Back to Those in Need

In the spirit of philanthropy, many organizations strive to find innovative ways to raise funds for those in need. Traditional bake sales and raffles are tried and true, but in today's fast-paced, digital world, thinking outside the box can capture the public's attention and generate more significant support. Here are five creative fundraising ideas that can energize your community and boost your efforts to give back.

Virtual Reality Experiences

Imagine offering donors a virtual reality (VR) experience that transports them to the very places and communities they are helping. This high-tech approach can be a powerful tool for storytelling, creating an immersive experience that highlights the impacts of their contributions. For instance, a charity focused on water sanitation might use VR to show a day in the life of a community that has gained access to clean water, thanks to donor contributions. This method not only informs but also deeply connects participants to the cause.

Setting Up

To implement this, you’d need to partner with VR developers to create custom experiences. These can be set up at events or locations with high foot traffic to attract a diverse audience. You can charge for the experience or use it as an add-on to traditional fundraising events to enhance the engagement and impact.

Crowdsourcing Art Projects

Art has a universal appeal that can be harnessed in unique ways for fundraising. Start a crowdsourced art project where community members contribute small pieces to a larger artwork. This could be a massive canvas in a public park, a digital collage, or a community mural. Each contributor can donate to add their piece to the art, whether it’s painting a section of a mural or adding a digital photo to a montage.

Organizing the Event

Choose a theme that resonates with your cause, secure a public space, and gather materials. Publicize the event well in advance to gather as many participants as possible. This approach not only raises money but also raises awareness about your cause through the creation of a lasting community artifact.

Interactive Webinars with Experts

Leverage the knowledge of experts who can volunteer their time for a good cause. Host webinars where these experts can speak on topics relevant to your charity or general interest subjects like personal development, cooking, or technology. Participants pay a registration fee, with all proceeds going to your charitable efforts.

Implementation Tips

Reach out to potential speakers who align with your mission and have a following that might be interested in your cause. Market the webinar series through social media and email campaigns to maximize attendance. You could also record these sessions and offer them for a fee afterward, creating a continuous fundraising stream.

Fitness Challenges

Organize a fitness challenge where participants can pledge to meet specific fitness goals while raising funds. This could be anything from running a certain number of miles to completing daily yoga for a month. Participants raise money through sponsorship from their network based on their goal achievement.

How to Kickstart

To encourage donations, use a sign-up platform where participants can register their goals and share their progress on social media. To keep motivation high, offer incentives like digital badges or physical merchandise for different milestones achieved.

Flash Mob Fundraiser

Flash mobs can create a buzz in public spaces, making them an excellent tool for capturing attention and drawing donations. Organize a flash mob with volunteers performing a dance, freeze frame, or other performance art in a busy public area. Tie this spectacle to your cause by handing out information and providing QR codes that link directly to a donation page.

Planning the Flash Mob

Select a busy location and time to maximize visibility. If necessary, coordinate with local authorities and choreograph something simple yet impactful. Ensure you have a team ready to engage with onlookers and convert their interest into donations.

Fundraising doesn't have to be mundane or routine. By incorporating creative ideas that engage the community in fresh and exciting ways, organizations can increase their impact and provide substantial support to those in need. Whether through art, technology, education, fitness, or performance, innovative fundraising strategies can make giving back both practical and memorable.

[quemirabobo]

Hi… I'm Lama Hourani, Mohammed’s wife. We have been living under for 10 months, and we lack access to universal food, and we need help.🇵🇸

My husband lost his job, our house was destroyed, and our car was bombed. 😞🍉

A small donation of 10-25$ could make a big difference in my life.🍉🇵🇸

I hope you help us and donate even something small. Please don’t ignore my story.🇵🇸🍉🍉🇵🇸

https://gofund.me/cd29b3ea

Hello Lama

I'm sorry that I can't donate, I hope your gfm gets traction and you can achieve your goal soon and have access to food, clean water and shelter

https://gofund.me/60db1e3a

[commercialroplants]

Who Is The Best Commercial RO Plant Manufacturer In Delhi ?

Terminology that is frequently implemented concerning water purification systems in Delhi is majorly a commercial RO plant. Although it fulfills the basic need of supplying clean, filtered water, their scopes & uses are distinct.  We'll examine & discuss the features that makes commercial RO plants apart from all other water treatment facilities, as well as their special qualities, applications & benefits.

Let's start by understanding the fundamental characteristics that a finest commercial RO plant manufacturer in Delhi must have such as Netsol Water among them. Netsol Water has installed as well as made their treatment plants operating at their full capacity in Delhi, which might change according to the intended purposes.

Scale as well as the Capacity

Commercial RO Plant systems are made for uses that are comparatively modest in scope. They usually serve establishments such as enterprises, institutions, & facilities where there is a moderate need for filtered water. Restaurants, coffee shops, modest hotels, institutions of learning, & modest medical facilities are a few examples.

Extent of Output

A commercial RO plant system may typically produce several hundred to several thousand gallons of clean water per day. This capacity ensures an uninterrupted clean water supply for consumption, food preparation, & various other necessities, making it ideal for smaller companies' daily needs.

Smaller as well as Compact Design

Commercial RO plants are frequently small in size & need little room. They are perfect for companies with limited space for water treatment equipment because of their ability to fit into small locations.

Water Quality Standards

Commercial RO Plant systems generate high-quality cleansed water, however depending on the application, different levels of filtration may be needed. Usually, these systems can get rid of common pollutants including heavy metals, chlorine, with sediments.

Cost-Effective that is Affordability

Commercial RO plants have been considered to be an affordable option for companies with modest water filtration requirements. They supply clean water without requiring extensive infrastructure or regular maintenance.

Various Applications Aspects of Commercial RO Plants Installed in almost every part of Delhi

Let's look at a few instances to better grasp the real-world uses for commercial & industrial RO plants:

Applications of Commercial RO Plants

Cafes & Restaurants: Commercial RO plants improve the eating experience by ensuring that cafés & restaurants provide their patrons with clean, delicious water.

Educational Institutions: To give employees & institutional pupils with clean drinking water, educational institutions & universities rely on commercial RO plants.

Healthcare institutions: To ensure the purity of their water supply for medical operations & patient care, small healthcare institutions, such as clinics & dental offices, employ commercial RO plants.

Hotels & Restaurants: High-quality water for guests, including drinking & washing water, is ensured by commercial RO Plants in hotels or restaurants.

Conclusion

Clean water is necessary for your business to succeed. Netsol Water, a top Commercial RO Plant Manufacturer In Delhi, is ready to assist you in meeting your needs for raw water purification through its RO plants. You can be confident that you will always have access to clean water for your applications with our selection of top-notch Commercial RO Plant systems, along with the help of our professional service & support.

In conclusion, while the goal of water purification is collectively achieved by commercial RO plants, there are notable characteristics of a Commercial RO Plant Manufacturer In Delhi such as Netsol Water in terms of size, capacity, design, & applications. Smaller companies and organizations can benefit greatly from commercial RO units, which provide affordable alternatives for mildly purified water. However, big companies cannot function without Commercial RO units, which provide an uninterrupted supply of superior water for essential operations.

[parthaksblog]

Partnering with the Marpu Foundation for Enhanced CSR Efforts and SDG Achievement

Understanding the Marpu Foundation 🌍

"Marpu," a synonym for transformation, was founded by the respected National Youth Awardee, Mr. Kadiri Raghu Vamsi. At Marpu Foundation, we believe in harnessing individual potential to bring about positive change. 🌱✨

Our focus is on promoting volunteerism, ecological mindfulness, and sustainable development. 🌿💪 Recognized as "The Best NGO in India" in 2020, we empower individuals to voice their aspirations, work towards sustainability, and form alliances with like-minded organizations. 🌟🤝

Our projects result in tangible changes through empathy-led, innovative solutions rather than traditional charity. 💡❤️

Enhancing CSR Impact through Collaboration with Marpu Foundation 🌟

Affordable and Clean Energy 🔋🌞

Access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy is essential for a better quality of life. At Marpu Foundation, we are dedicated to making this a reality for everyone. 🌟💡

Our mission is to bring clean and modern energy solutions to communities in need.  By focusing on renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, we aim to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and create a greener future. 🌬️☀️

Take, for example, our solar panel project in remote villages. These installations have transformed lives by providing electricity to homes, schools, and small businesses that previously had none. Now, children can study after dark, local enterprises can thrive, and families enjoy a better standard of living. 🌍🏡

Partnering with Marpu Foundation in this initiative allows businesses to make a real difference. By supporting SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, your CSR efforts will help create a sustainable and prosperous future for all. Together, we can light up lives and protect our planet. 🔋🌿

Clean Water and Sanitation 💧🚰

Access to clean water and sanitation is vital for a healthy and thriving community. At Marpu Foundation, we're dedicated to making this essential resource available to everyone. 🌍💧

Our approach focuses on sustainable water management and ensuring equitable access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities. 🌱🚰

Imagine the impact of our projects, like installing water purification systems in underserved areas. These systems not only improve water quality but also prevent diseases, transforming lives and ensuring better health for families. 🏞️💙

When businesses partner with Marpu Foundation, they support SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation and contribute to creating a future where clean water is a right, not a privilege.

Together, we can build communities that thrive with access to essential resources for a brighter tomorrow. 💧🌿

Good Health and Well-Being 🌿💪

Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages is a fundamental mission at Marpu Foundation. 🌍🏥

We believe that access to healthcare is a universal right, essential for thriving communities. Our approach encompasses comprehensive health services that address preventive care, disease management, and mental well-being across diverse populations. 💙🌱

Imagine the impact of our health initiatives, from setting up mobile clinics in underserved communities to conducting educational workshops on nutrition and mental health awareness. These efforts not only improve immediate health outcomes but also empower individuals to make informed choices for their well-being. 🌟🍎

At Marpu Foundation, we are committed to building resilient health systems that prioritize community needs and promote a holistic approach to wellness. By advocating for SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, businesses partnering with us contribute to creating a supportive environment where everyone has access to quality healthcare services.

Our initiatives extend beyond healthcare provision to include initiatives that enhance community health literacy, encourage healthy lifestyles, and support mental well-being. Through partnerships with local organizations and educational institutions, we empower individuals to take charge of their health and build healthier communities together. 🌿💚

Life On Land 🌳🦋

Protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, forests, and biodiversity is a critical mission at Marpu Foundation. 🌍🌿

We recognise the importance of preserving our natural habitats and biodiversity for current and future generations. Our projects focus on conservation efforts, reforestation initiatives, and sustainable land management practices to ensure the health and resilience of our planet's ecosystems. 🌳🌱

Imagine the impact of our initiatives, such as planting native trees in deforested areas and implementing wildlife conservation programs. These efforts not only restore natural habitats but also support local communities and promote sustainable livelihoods. 🌟🐾

By partnering with Marpu Foundation, businesses contribute to SDG 15: Life on Land, playing a vital role in safeguarding our environment and biodiversity. Together, we can protect our planet's natural treasures and create a sustainable future where nature thrives alongside human communities. 🌳💚

Reduced Inequalities 🌍🤝

Reducing income inequality within and among countries is a fundamental goal at Marpu Foundation. 🌟💼

We believe in creating opportunities for everyone to thrive, regardless of background or circumstance. Our initiatives focus on promoting economic empowerment, advocating for equal rights and opportunities, and supporting marginalized communities. 🌱💪

Imagine the impact of our programs, from vocational training for disadvantaged groups to advocating for inclusive policies. These efforts aim to bridge gaps and create a more equitable society where everyone has a fair chance to succeed. 🌟🌐

By partnering with Marpu Foundation, businesses contribute to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, fostering a world where economic and social disparities are minimized, and everyone can enjoy a dignified life. Together, we can build a more inclusive and prosperous future for all. 🤝💚

Conclusion 🌍🤝

Collaborating with Marpu Foundation offers corporations a unique opportunity to enhance their CSR efforts while making a meaningful impact on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By leveraging Marpu’s expertise and experience in promoting volunteerism, ecological mindfulness, and sustainable development, businesses can ensure their CSR initiatives are impactful, sustainable, and aligned with global development objectives.

Partnering with Marpu Foundation not only supports community empowerment and environmental stewardship but also fosters innovation and social responsibility within corporate strategies. Together, we can create a better, more sustainable future for all, where economic prosperity coexists with environmental integrity and social equity. 🌱💼

For more information on how to partner with Marpu Foundation and join us in our mission, visit their website. Let's collaborate towards a brighter tomorrow. 🌟

[dan6085]

Jeffrey Sachs has recommended several specific programs and initiatives to combat poverty, particularly in his work with the Millennium Villages Project and his broader advocacy for development aid and policies. Here are some notable recommendations:

1. **Millennium Villages Project**:

- **Agricultural Interventions**: Distribution of improved seeds, fertilizers, and tools to boost agricultural productivity.

- **Healthcare Improvements**: Establishment of clinics, provision of essential medicines, bed nets to prevent malaria, and vaccination programs.

- **Education Initiatives**: Building schools, providing school meals, and supplying educational materials.

- **Infrastructure Development**: Building roads, providing access to clean water, and installing electricity and communication technologies.

- **Income-Generating Activities**: Supporting small businesses and microfinance initiatives to boost local economies.

2. **Health Programs**:

- **Malaria Control**: Sachs has been a strong advocate for the distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets and access to anti-malarial medications.

- **HIV/AIDS Treatment and Prevention**: He has promoted the widespread availability of antiretroviral drugs and education programs to reduce the transmission of HIV/AIDS.

- **Childhood Vaccinations**: Encouraging comprehensive vaccination programs to prevent diseases such as measles, polio, and tetanus.

3. **Education and Nutrition Programs**:

- **School Feeding Programs**: Providing nutritious meals at schools to improve attendance and learning outcomes.

- **Universal Primary Education**: Advocating for the elimination of school fees and other barriers to ensure that all children have access to primary education.

4. **Water and Sanitation Initiatives**:

- **Clean Water Access**: Building wells and providing clean drinking water to reduce waterborne diseases.

- **Sanitation Facilities**: Constructing latrines and promoting hygiene education to improve public health.

5. **Economic Development and Infrastructure**:

- **Microfinance Programs**: Supporting microcredit and small business loans to empower local entrepreneurs and stimulate economic growth.

- **Infrastructure Investments**: Building roads, improving transportation networks, and providing reliable energy sources to connect communities and foster development.

6. **Sustainable Agricultural Practices**:

- **Soil Health and Fertility**: Implementing soil conservation techniques and providing fertilizers to enhance soil fertility.

- **Crop Diversification**: Encouraging farmers to grow a variety of crops to increase food security and resilience to climate change.

These programs are designed to work synergistically, addressing multiple dimensions of poverty simultaneously. Sachs emphasizes that such comprehensive and integrated approaches are necessary to achieve sustainable development and lift communities out of poverty.

[annaking0011]

Community Organizations and Nonprofits Making a Difference in Ashland, Ohio, United States.

Nestled in the heart of Ohio, Ashland is a community rich in history and spirit. But beyond its charming facade lies a network of community organizations and nonprofits dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of its residents. From supporting education to providing essential services, these organizations are the backbone of Ashland's vibrant community.Read More

One such organization is the Ashland County Community Foundation (ACCF). Established in 1997, ACCF serves as a catalyst for philanthropy, connecting donors with causes they care about and supporting initiatives that address community needs. Through its grantmaking and scholarship programs, ACCF has provided vital funding to local nonprofits, schools, and individuals, empowering them to create positive change in Ashland.

Education is a cornerstone of any thriving community, and Ashland is fortunate to be home to several organizations dedicated to supporting learning and development. The Ashland County-West Holmes Career Center, for example, offers career and technical education programs to high school students, preparing them for success in various industries. Meanwhile, the Ashland University Foundation provides scholarships and resources to students pursuing higher education, ensuring that financial barriers don't stand in the way of academic achievement.

Addressing the needs of vulnerable populations is another area where Ashland's community organizations excel. The Ashland County Council on Aging, for instance, offers a range of services to support older adults, including meal programs, transportation assistance, and social activities. Similarly, the Ashland County Food Bank works tirelessly to combat food insecurity by distributing nutritious meals to individuals and families in need.

Environmental conservation is also a priority for many organizations in Ashland. The Ashland County Park District, for example, manages over 18 parks and nature preserves, providing residents with access to green spaces for recreation and relaxation. Additionally, the Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District educates the community about sustainable land use practices and provides resources to promote environmental stewardship.

In times of crisis, the strength of a community is tested, and Ashland has proven itself to be resilient in the face of adversity. The Ashland County Emergency Management Agency plays a vital role in coordinating disaster preparedness and response efforts, ensuring that residents are safe and informed during emergencies. Similarly, organizations like the American Red Cross Ashland County Chapter provide disaster relief services and support to individuals and families affected by natural disasters and other emergencies.

Beyond addressing immediate needs, many of Ashland's community organizations are committed to fostering long-term growth and prosperity. The Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce, for example, promotes economic development and supports local businesses through networking events, advocacy initiatives, and business resources. By strengthening the local economy, the Chamber contributes to the overall well-being of the community.

Volunteerism is at the heart of Ashland's community spirit, with countless individuals dedicating their time and talents to worthy causes. Whether through mentoring programs, environmental clean-up efforts, or fundraising campaigns, volunteers play a crucial role in the success of nonprofit organizations and community initiatives.

In conclusion, Ashland, Ohio, is home to a diverse array of community organizations and nonprofits that are making a meaningful impact on the lives of its residents. From supporting education and addressing basic needs to promoting environmental conservation and fostering economic growth, these organizations embody the spirit of community and demonstrate the power of collective action. Through their dedication and tireless efforts, they are shaping a brighter future for Ashland and leaving a lasting legacy of positive change.

[arvfurniture-blog-blog]

Decorating a guest room to ensure comfort and style involves thoughtful planning and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you create a welcoming space using ARV furniture:

1. Choose a Comfortable Bed: Quality Mattress: Invest in a good-quality mattress that offers comfort and support. Bedding: Use soft, high-thread-count sheets, a cozy duvet, and a variety of pillows to cater to different preferences. 2. Furniture Essentials: Bedside Tables: Place bedside tables on either side of the bed with lamps for reading. Storage Solutions: Include a dresser or chest of drawers for guests to unpack their belongings. Seating: Add a comfortable chair or a small loveseat for guests to relax or read. Nightstand Essentials: Ensure there are essential items like an alarm clock, a water carafe, and some reading materials. 3. Create a Relaxing Ambiance: Lighting: Use a combination of overhead lighting, bedside lamps, and possibly a floor lamp. Consider dimmable options to allow guests to control the lighting to their preference. Color Scheme: Opt for neutral or calming colors like soft blues, grays, or beige. These create a serene environment. Window Treatments: Use blackout curtains or blinds to ensure guests can sleep comfortably. 4. Add Personal Touches: Art and Decor: Hang artwork that is soothing and not too personal. Choose pieces that complement the room's color scheme. Fresh Flowers or Plants: A vase of fresh flowers or a small potted plant can make the room feel more inviting. Welcome Basket: Provide a basket with snacks, bottled water, toiletries, and local information or a welcome note. 5. Technology and Convenience: Wi-Fi Information: Ensure the Wi-Fi password is easily accessible, possibly framed on the bedside table. Charging Stations: Provide easily accessible outlets or a charging station for electronic devices. Television: Consider a small TV with access to streaming services or local channels. 6. Maintain Cleanliness: Linens and Towels: Provide a set of clean, high-quality towels and extra blankets. Closet Space: Ensure there's enough space in the closet with hangers and perhaps a luggage rack. Cleanliness: Keep the room dust-free and clean, and check before guests arrive to ensure everything is spotless. 7. Functional Decor: Mirrors: A full-length mirror can be very convenient for guests. Desk: If space allows, include a small desk and chair for guests who may need to work. Rugs: Use area rugs to add warmth and comfort to the space. 8. Personal Care Items: Toiletries: Provide travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, soap, and lotion. Hairdryer: Place a hairdryer in the bathroom or in a drawer. 9. Maintain a Neutral Style: Avoid overly personalized decor that might not appeal to everyone. Aim for a style that is universally appealing and cozy. 10. Safety and Privacy: Locks: Ensure the door has a functional lock for privacy. Emergency Info: Provide information on emergency contacts and exits. Using ARV furniture, which often combines functionality with style, can help you achieve a balance between comfort and aesthetic appeal in your guest room. The key is to think from the guest’s perspective and create a space that feels both inviting and practical.