#solar based drinking water systems

[theblogs2024]

A Solar-run reverse osmosis technique for top recovery of freshwater from saline groundwater

Desalination of groundwater is important in arid locations which can be distant from both equally seawater and freshwater assets. Appealing functions of a groundwater desalination program incorporate a large Restoration ratio, Procedure from the sustainable Strength supply like photo voltaic, and substantial water output per device of energy and land. Here we propose a new procedure that works by using a photo voltaic-Rankine cycle to drive reverse osmosis (RO). The Functioning fluid such as steam is expanded versus an influence piston that actuates a pump piston which in turn pressurises the saline water As a result passing it through RO membranes. A reciprocating crank mechanism is utilized to equalise the forces involving The 2 pistons. The choice of batch method in preference to ongoing move permits utmost Electricity Restoration and negligible concentration polarisation inside the vicinity on the RO membrane. This research analyses the sizing and effectiveness with the crank mechanism, quantifies Vitality losses from the RO separation and predicts the general overall performance. As an example, a program using a industry of linear Fresnel collectors occupying 1000 m2 of land and raising steam at 200 °C and 15.five bar could desalinate 350 m3/day from saline h2o that contains 5000 ppm of sodium chloride using a recovery ratio of 0.7.

Salinity of soil and groundwater is really a popular trouble taking place across all inhabited continents [one]. Significant parts of land lie previously mentioned brackish groundwater, especially in the earth's arid and semi-arid regions. From the absence of rain, desalination of groundwater will be the only way to offer freshwater for inland regions. Illustrations of countries the place groundwater desalination programs are now utilised consist of Australia, Egypt, India, Israel, Jordan, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates and The usa.

Just like seawater, the desalination of groundwater demands Electricity which is typically supplied from fossil gasoline sources. The need to fulfill the escalating desire for h2o, although minimizing the environmental affect connected to the usage of this kind of Power, causes it to be crucial to improve the effectiveness of the desalination approach also to get bigger benefit of renewable energies for example photo voltaic.

Lots of photo voltaic-pushed desalination technologies happen to be studied and a number of other are implemented [2]. Most drop into considered one of two types: (i) thermal distillation processes or (ii) non-thermal membrane separation procedures including electro-dialysis and reverse osmosis (RO). In the main group, solitary result photo voltaic stills can offer only a few litres of h2o for every square metre of captured sunlight on a daily basis even though various result photo voltaic stills might deliver tens of litres for each square metre [3].

Reverse osmosis is generally viewed as one of the most Electrical power successful means of desalination. It calls for mechanical work, instead of warmth, as input. The vast majority of solar-RO plants that were built up to now use photovoltaic (PV) arrays to supply this do the job [four]. Such as, Richards et al. [five] have claimed trials in Australia with a system creating about 0.five m3/working day of freshwater from groundwater in a salinity of 3000 ppm, utilizing a 0.26 kWp generator occupying an area of two m2. This corresponds to 250 l/m2 daily, which happens to be an get of magnitude previously mentioned that readily achievable with photo voltaic stills. This sort of know-how depending on PV is reliable and easy to carry out, but does not take advantage of significant economies or efficiencies of scale. As a result, the largest system reported gave an output of only seventy six m3 a day [4], [six]. In distinction, desalination plants run by regular fuels exist with outputs above one hundred 000 m3 a day.

In place of PV, photo voltaic-thermal power plant could possibly be used to deliver the get the job done required to travel the RO procedure. So far, even so, hardly any this sort of crops have already been manufactured. Notably, the just one made at El Hamrawin in Egypt in 1981 reportedly created one hundred thirty l a day for each m2 of solar collector, when fed with brackish drinking water of salinity 3000 ppm [seven]. This plant applied the Rankine cycle, with Freon-eleven since the Operating fluid. Freon-eleven can be an ozone depleting substance now banned underneath the Montreal Protocol. A lot more a short while ago, García-Rodriguez and Delgado-Torres have offered calculations for Rankine cycle–RO techniques employing a variety of alternative Functioning fluids [8]. They predict distinct solar Vitality consumptions ranging from 32 to 95 MJ/m3 (8.nine to 26 kWh/m3) which, according to a valuable irradiation of five kWh/m2 on a daily basis (18 MJ/m2 each day) would give water outputs per collector region of a hundred ninety to 560 l/m2 on a daily basis. A lot of the Functioning fluids they think about, for example benzene and toluene, are poisonous while others such as siloxanes are more benign but less available. The schematic of The everyday photo voltaic-Rankine–RO technique analyzed by Individuals authors is reproduced in Fig. one.

Most photo voltaic-thermal energy crops in use nowadays, like the ones located in California's Mojave Desert, are determined by the steam Rankine cycle and deliver electrical power that's fed into the grid. The potential of coupling to desalination devices is examined and could be executed Sooner or later [9]. In distinction to PV, on the other hand, steam electrical power plant is a lot more successful and affordable at large scales, ordinarily > ten MW electrical output, which if used for desalination by RO would lead to h2o outputs of ten 000 m3/day or more. Despite the advancement of interest in solar-run desalination, there remains to be a lack of demonstrated and viable remedies at the intermediate scale of around 50 to 5000 m3/working day. For groundwater sources specifically, such scales are wanted because, as opposed to the sea, specific wells and aquifers have restricted potential to feed desalination crops.

Groundwater is typically fewer saline than seawater. On this account, the Vitality requirement for desalination by RO is decreased. However, desalination of groundwater is if possible operated at superior Restoration ratio. This is often to stop losing cherished groundwater also to minimise the volume of concentrated brine rejected, the disposal of which poses an environmental dilemma. Superior Restoration has a tendency to demand superior Strength inputs thus partly offsetting the Electricity preserving in the reduce feed salinity. This trade off is illustrated by the next conventional equation for the thermodynamic minimum amount Electrical power E needed to Recuperate a quantity V of freshwater from saline feed drinking water getting an osmotic stress of Posmf in a recovery ratio

Next this quick discussion, we could propose the next perfect necessities of a photo voltaic-powered RO procedure for brackish groundwater: - Low particular photo voltaic Power intake and thus higher h2o output for each place of solar collector and of land occupied - Higher Restoration ratio - Avoidance of poisonous, environmentally damaging or scarcely offered Performing fluids (water or air are great fluids Within this regard) - Usage of commonly obtainable products, parts and producing procedures Therefore favouring cheap and superior availability - Viability for the intermediate scale of 50 to 5000 m3 water output.

With the goal of meeting these prerequisites, this paper places forward a whole new concept of solar-driven RO according to the steam Rankine cycle. The precise goal will be to analyse the concept to discover the performance and output in relation to the design and working parameters. Examples of technique models will be outlined. Note that no experiment has yet been completed, but it is meant this Investigation will notify upcoming experimentation and progress.

Very first the rationale and notion of the design will probably be defined with reference towards the shortcomings of the existing approaches that use the Rankine cycle.

2. Current strategies coupling the Rankine cycle to RO A principal drawback in utilizing the steam Rankine cycle at lesser scales (e.g. < one MW shaft output) may be the inefficiency of little steam turbines, which results from blade friction reduction and leakage reduction [ten]. To stop these losses, the steam could possibly be expanded using a piston rather than a turbine. The moment this method is adopted, it really is logical to omit the move of converting the linear movement with the steam electric power piston to continuous rotary motion from the pump. Rather, a so-called steam pump can be made use of, by which the steam energy piston is coupled on to the piston of a reciprocating pump. Regular models of steam pump are described, for instance, in reference [eleven]. Even so, a issues with steam pumps is that the drive furnished by the ability piston varies because the piston moves as a result of its cycle. To overcome this issue, Childs et al. have described a hydraulic device so as to add to or subtract from the power output and therefore compensate for such cyclic versions in force [12]. This paper sets out a simpler strategy, through which the problem of various forces is triumph over by mechanical suggests.

One more feature with the idea proposed Here's the chance to push a batch-intelligent RO approach, that's in basic principle essentially the most Electrical power-effective strategy for functioning RO. The benefit of the batch-clever Procedure over the more frequent ongoing circulation operation is usually described in terms of the concentrations of salt within the liquid at distinct positions inside the RO module of Fig. one. Given that the saline water passes throughout the module, drinking water is eliminated and also the greater concentration causes amplified osmotic force for the outlet, therefore raising the Electricity wanted for the method. Inside the batch approach, nonetheless, focus is saved Nearly uniform through the system at Every single instant in time and wastage of Strength due to concentration gradients Within the procedure is consequently minimised.

3. The notion Fig. two illustrates the essence of The brand new thought. The steam (or other Performing fluid) is equipped from photo voltaic collectors to an growth cylinder and expands against a piston (often called the facility piston). This piston drives a next piston (referred to as the pump piston) that's utilized to pressurise saline h2o versus the semi-permeable membrane that enables freshwater to move even though retaining the salt. To circumvent accumulation of salts near the surface from the membrane (ie. focus polarisation) a means of stirring the answer close to the membrane is included.

Down load : Down load full-size impression Fig. 2. Essential attributes in the proposed new principle. A power piston drives the pump piston by way of a coupling mechanism. The pump piston pressurises saline drinking water from the semi-permeable membrane. The notional stirrer decreases focus polarisation near the membrane. As the facility piston developments to the correct, the driving force available diminishes, while that wanted for the reverse osmosis method will increase. (This can be illustrated by the two p–V graphs). To match these forces, the coupling system need to supply a little by little expanding mechanical gain.

four. Analysis The Evaluation focuses on the calculation of losses that can induce the output to get less than that indicated by Eq. (one). For example, nevertheless the crank system will Enhance the matching of forces between the two pistons, It's not confirmed the crank motion is The perfect 1 needed for optimum effectiveness: there may be some Strength losses from any remaining mismatch. Additional losses take place within the RO system by itself. Every one of these losses will likely be estimated In this particular segment, next which drinking water outputs for The complete technique such as photo voltaic collector will likely be believed. Notice that sure losses which include friction from the crank system usually are not taken under consideration, as these are not intrinsic to your strategy and could be minimised by very careful layout.

To know more details visit here: solar based water treatment plant

[dandelionsresilience]

Dandelion News - September 8-14

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $kaybarr1735 or check out my new(ly repurposed) Patreon!

1. Pair of rare Amur tiger cubs debuting at Minnesota Zoo are raising hopes for the endangered species

“[The Minnesota Zoo’s] Amur tigers have produced 57 cubs, [… 21 of which] have gone on to produce litters of their own, amounting to another 86 cubs. […] “They’re showing a lot of resiliency, which is something that we work hard for in human care. We want these animals to have a lot of confidence and be able to adapt to new environments just as they’re doing today.””

2. Powered by renewable energy, microbes turn CO₂ into protein and vitamins

“The team designed a two-stage bioreactor system that produces yeast rich in protein and vitamin B9. [… The protein] levels in their yeast exceed those of beef, pork, fish, and lentils. […] Running on clean energy and CO2, the system reduces carbon emissions in food production. It uncouples land use from farming, freeing up space for conservation[… and] will help farmers concentrate on producing vegetables and crops sustainably.”

3. JCPenney Launches Apparel Collection Aimed At Wheelchair Users

“A major department store is rolling out a new line of clothing specifically tailored to meet the needs of women who use wheelchairs featuring options for both everyday wear and special occasions. [… The clothing have] modifications like zippers located for easy access, pocket positioning and extended back rises optimized for the seated position and shorter sleeves to limit interference with wheels.”

4. Snails bred in Edinburgh Zoo sent to re-populate species in French Polynesia

“Thousands of rare partula snails bred at Edinburgh Zoo are to be released in French Polynesia to restore the wild population of the species.The last surviving few of the species were rescued in the early 1990s[….] 15 species and sub-species [are being bred in zoos for repopulation], the majority of which are classed as extinct in the wild.”

5. [NH Joins 19 Other States] to Provide Essential Behavioral Health Services Through Mobile Crisis Intervention Teams

“[CMS] approved New Hampshire’s Medicaid State Plan Amendment for community-based mobile crisis intervention teams to provide services for people experiencing a mental health or substance use disorder crisis. […] The multidisciplinary team provides screening and assessment; stabilization and de-escalation; and coordination with and referrals to health, social, and other services, as needed.”

6. Recovery plan for Missouri population of eastern hellbender

“It is expected that recovery efforts for the Missouri DPS of the eastern hellbender will reduce sedimentation and improve water quality in the aforementioned watersheds, which will also improve drinking water, as well as benefit multiple federally listed mussels, sport fish and other aquatic species.”

7. How $7.3B will help rural co-ops build clean power—and close coal plants

“[The funds are] serving about 5 million households across 23 states [… to] build wind and solar power, which is now cheaper than coal-fired power across most of the country. […] Some of it will be used to pay down the cost of closing coal plants[….] federal funding could help co-ops secure enough wind, solar, and battery resources to retire their entire coal capacity by 2032, cutting carbon emissions by 80 to 90 percent and reducing wholesale electricity costs by 10 to 20 percent[….]”

8. Native-led suicide prevention program focuses on building community strengths

“[Indigenous researchers have] designed programs that aim to build up a community’s endemic strengths, rather than solely treating the risks facing individuals within that community. By providing support and resources that enable access to Alaska Native cultural activities, they hope to strengthen social bonds that build resilience. […] “In a Yup’ik worldview, suicide is not a mental health disorder, and it’s not an individual affliction, it’s a disruption of the collective.””

9. Another rare Javan rhino calf spotted at Indonesia park

“A new Javan rhino calf has been spotted in an Indonesian national park, the facility's head said Friday, further boosting hopes for one of the world's most endangered mammals after two other […] calves were spotted earlier this year at the park, which is the only habitat left for the critically endangered animal.”

10. Transparent solar cells can directly supply energy from glass surfaces

“[Researchers have] unveiled a method of supplying energy directly from glass of buildings, cars, and mobile devices through transparent solar cells. […] It has also succeeded in charging a smartphone using natural sunlight. It also proved the possibility that a screen of a small mobile device can be used as an energy source.”

September 1-7 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[reasonsforhope]

"In drought-stricken areas, communities facing water shortages, or even in residential and commercial buildings eager to improve their environmental footprints, atmospheric water generators represent a new frontier in water production.

While it might sound like a tidbit from a science fiction movie, even the driest places on earth have moisture in the air that can be extracted and used for everyday necessities like plumbing and drinking. 

Unlike traditional dehumidifiers, which also pull moisture from the air, AWGs utilize filtration and sterilization technology to make water safe to drink. 

And while there are plenty of AWG companies out there — and the science itself isn’t novel — AWGs are becoming more efficient, affordable, and revolutionary in combating water scarcity in a myriad of communities.

Aquaria Technologies, a San Francisco-based AWG startup, was founded in 2022 to help provide affordable and clean drinking water in areas most affected by climate change. 

Using heat exchange and condensation, Aquaria’s generators draw air into their systems, cool that air below its dew point, and as it condenses, capture that water and filter it for consumption. 

As the cycle continues, the generator’s refrigerant vaporizes and goes through a process that cools it back into a liquid, meaning the heat transfer cycle repeats continuously in an energy-efficient and self-sustaining system.

“I’m sure you’ve had the experience in the summer, you take a glass of a cold drink out of the fridge and then water droplets form on the side of the bottle,” Aquaria’s co-founder and CEO Brian Sheng, said in a podcast episode. “That’s actually condensation.”

Sheng continued: “The question is, how do we create condensation? How do we extract water out of the air in large volume and using little energy? That’s what our technology does. We have created both active and passive cooling methods where we use special materials, and we’ve created heat exchange and recovery systems and airflow design, such that we’re maximizing heat exchange, and then we’re able to extract large volumes of water.”

Aquaria has created a number of generators, but its stand-alone model — the Hydropack X — can replace an entire home’s dependence on municipal water, producing as much as 264 gallons of potable water per day. 

Other models, like the Hydrostation, can provide water for up to 1,500 people at parks, construction sites, or other outdoor public areas. The Hydropixel can make 24 gallons of water per day for a seamless at-home application, requiring a simple outlet for power. 

“Atmospheric water generators present a groundbreaking solution to the global challenge of clean water scarcity, leveraging the humidity present in the air to produce potable water,” the company’s website explains.

“This technology is versatile, functioning efficiently across diverse climates — from arid regions to tropical settings. From rural communities in developing countries to advanced cities facing unexpected droughts, atmospheric water generators have a wide range of applications… transforming lives and providing secure, clean water sources.”

Considering an estimated 2.2 billion people lack access to clean water globally — including in American cities like Flint, Michigan, or Modesto, California — innovative solutions like AWGs are vital to maintaining the basic human right to clean water. 

The World Economic Forum has begun to dip its toes into this technology as well, implementing public and private partnerships to introduce AWG units in Arizona’s Navajo Nation, where the machines produce about 200 gallons of clean water per day.

“When combined with an appropriate level of community engagement and triple-bottom-line business (people, planet, profit),” a blog post for WE Forum said, “this model can be a powerful stopgap solution where few exist today.”

Similarly, according to New Atlas, Aquaria has a partnership with developers to supply its technology to a 1,000-home community in Hawaii later this year, relying entirely on atmospherically generated water.

The company also has a “Frontier Access Program,” which partners with water-related NGOs, community project developers, and sustainable development groups to deploy this technology in areas most in need.

Regardless of their use cases — in homes, in communities facing water shortages, or at aid sites navigating natural disasters — AWGs have a minimal environmental impact. Sourcing water “from thin air,” requires no plastic bottles, no large-scale plants using up loads of energy, and no byproducts that can harm the environment."

-via GoodGoodGood, August 27, 2024

[black-lake]

self care based on your chart

I talked about the signs and houses connection to body parts and many of you requested this post. These are ways to do your self-care using your chart, the signs, and planetary placements and aspects. The same concept can be applied using simple self-love practices in other areas of life too.

✧ notes 

I recommend you look at your transits chart or solar return as well to better know the best self-care practices at the time. You can base your general self-care on your natal chart but the transits can tell you the best times to take action or avoid taking action on something significant. 

Look for the planets placements and their aspects, mainly if in the angular houses or make many significant aspects. Like I mentioned before I got so much dental work done when saturn was in the 10th, conjunct my mc and opposite north node, it was expensive but I was able to afford it.

You can also consider the degrees if you're feeling extra, in your natal chart and your solar return. Degrees can be associated with signs, so they can be simply linked to the areas they rule.

Planets rule things related to body parts like diseases or accidents and influence certain parts of the body depending on the aspects they make. Also two planets can influence the same body parts.

✧ SIGNS 

Aries/1st house - head, face, brain, eyes 

— Prone to headaches so get quality sleep, wash your hair often, and do wash your makeup, nothing heavy on the head. Exercise and workout in general helps release any pent-up energy or stress. Take good care of your eyes, sunglasses, eye drops, natural eye products/makeup. Keep your brain healthy. Foods and supplements that regulate your energy levels. Head massages, soft pillows, facemasks, frequent haircuts, breathing exercises, get enough brain oxygen. Fast thinkers and can have racing thoughts, so journaling, running, meditating can help. Release anger in healthy ways.

Taurus/2nd house - neck, ears, throat, thyroid 

— The senses can be heightened so make sure your environment is comfortable, the temperature, the sounds, scents, fabrics, the food, arrange it like it's a visions board. Coffee, tea, warm soups, breads and oats, and warm herbal drinks that work for you. Can cling to that one thing they like, so do change your diet from time to time to get different nutrient. Renew your clothes, make your space cozy. Neck massages, aromatherapy, and body relaxation methods. Singing or writing, chill playlists, comfy places and peaceful walks. Cooking your own food can be therapeutic and healing for you. 

Gemini/3rd house - arms, hands, lungs, shoulders 

— Tend to be anxious and restless, since it also rules the nervous system and is ruled by mercury, so the mind is central. Can't stress it enough, but writing,  journaling, speaking just getting your thoughts out. Since the mind is always active, look for ways to release that mental energy. Cardio, pilates, fast sports, board games, socialising. Can have fast metabolism and lean long body parts so accustom your diet and exercise based on that. Massage your shoulders, read a book, and do stretch regularly. Honestly..  joke around, taking all those thoughts seriously is no good. DO YO NAILLS 💅

Cancer/4th house - chest, breast, stomach, womb 

— Ruled by the moon, get a healthy outlet for your emotions, accept your emotions, write, speak up, cry when you need, watch something funny, your comfort show, make yourself laugh. Check your hormones regularly, find a good diet for stomach health, whole grains and high-fiber foods, take your digestive supplements. Do yoga, stomach exercises, breathing exercises. Drink lots of water. Choose your friends wisely, find people you trust. Make your bedroom comfy, invest in a quality bed, get yourself comfy clothes. Cooking your own food is again a self love thing to do, baking, homey places, nature and quiet places. Get you a furr baby.  

Leo/5th house - heart, spine, spinal column, upper back 

— Ruled by the sun, go out more and get your vitamin d. Choose heart-healthy foods, leafy greens and soluble fiber foods and supplements. Check your heart health and blood pressure. Do exercises that work for both your heart, your upper back and shoulders, aerobic exercises, fun sports and activities. You can be generous to everyone but be generous to yourself too, buy yourself gifts, spoil yourself. Do a full hair and skin routine, find a hobby, watch shows that inspire you, make your inner child happy. Embrace you emotions, your skills, pursue your passions, be expressive and go out for adventures.

Virgo/6th house - abdomen, digestive system, intestines, spleen

— Listen to your body and keep adjusting your diet and routine to fit your needs. Your body can be just as picky, so be mindful of the food you consume, of any allergies or foods that are hard to digest. Get your digestive supplements and enzymes, do your research. Choose gut-healthy foods and the best times to eat for you. Go for a nature walk, exercise to release any pent-up stress, cardio or pilates. Get indoors plants or plant them yourself. Spend time with pets. Make your own natural medicine that works for you, even if as simple as tea. Read a book, journal to organize your thoughts, keep your space clean. Reward yourself and acknowledge your efforts and progress. 

Libra/7th house - kidneys, lower back, bladder, buttocks

— Find a way to maintain a balanced lifestyle that works for you. Add a variety of nutrients to your diet, foods for healthy kidneys to make that skin glow, antioxidant foods and supplements. Keep your kidneys and bladder healthy. Lower body and buttocks exercises, strength training, dancing, going out for walks. Decorate and beautify your own place, try new recipes, go for a picnic. How you feel is more important than how you look, make yourself feel pretty, do a skincare routine, create a vision board, romanticize your life. Be the person you want to love and identify your own opinions from those of others, yours matter. 

Scorpio/8th house - genitals, colon, urethra, reproductive system

— With all those transformative energies, change what you consume to fulfill your changed needs, feeding your body and mind the proper nutrients. Maintain healthy reproductive organs and balanced hormones, do your check ups. Maintain healthy guts, fiber and antioxidant rich foods, high vitamin drinks, herbal medicine can be beneficial too. Lower body and muscle exercises, stretch regularly, breath and meditate to calm your mind. Invest in quality skincare and unscented hygiene products. Journal, write your reflections, your progress and goals, positive affirmations, light your great scented candles and watch a funny show. 

Sagittarius/9th house - thighs, hips, liver, legs

— Go out and wander around, exploring new places, foods, and random things will light you up, you know it. Find a diet that works for your energy levels, protein rich foods and shakes, citrus and greens, simple nutritious meals. Watch out for any leg injuries. Go out for running, do leg exercises, muscle building, any outdoors sports. Write a bucket list, update your wishes list, go for mini solo adventures, speak to the locals when you travel, learn new words, find authentic travel souvenirs. Listen to a podcast or watch a documentary, keep a positive outlook on your future, positive environment and self-talk.

Capricorn/10th house - bones, joints, knees, skin, hair

— Can get caught up in doing or not doing things, so allow yourself to both be active and rest when you need. Find foods and supplements that are good for bone strength and joint health, calcium and magnesium rich foods, going out and getting your vitamin d is good for both your skin and bones. Going for morning runs, muscle building workouts, chiropractic-approved exercises and stretches, any leg sports. Invest in skincare and dental care. Write down things like goals, tasks list, and self development notes. Watch things that motivate you and light you up, acknowledge how far you’ve come.

Aquarius/11th house - ankles, calfs, achilles, circulatory system 

— Can be very future focused, so do protect your hopes and find an outlet to express them but enjoy the present as it is. Add water-rich foods to your diet, foods that help the blood flow like fatty fish, avocados and other circulation boosters or supplements. Exercises that improve circulation like jogging, cycling, cardio, dancing, swimming. Find ways to express your ideas of the world and fantasies, music can put you in that creative energy, meditation, talking to a friend. Take a long bath, light some candles, write down your ideas, your hopes and dreams, your thoughts and what you're grateful for. 

Pisces/12th house - feet, toes, pineal gland, lymphatic system 

— Can also be spacey and future focused so any self expression activities can help that energy flow. Choose foods that help maintain your body fluid balance, water-rich foods, leafy veggies, omega 3 rich foods, and supplements that boost lymphatic drainage. Avoid foods that drain your lymphatic system. Find hobbies that light you up, listen to music, paint, be creative. Nature walks, swimming, cardio, cycling, dancing. Taking frequent baths and soaking your feet in soap and epsom salt water can release stress from the feet area, grounding activities, reflecting, journaling and writing down your hopes and thoughts.

✧ PLANETS

Sun - heart, head, spine, spinal cord, eyes — can influence vitality, heart function, headaches, fever, eyesight.. etc

Moon - stomach, breast, lungs, blood circulation, body fluids — can influence colds, blood flow, dehydration, stomach issues.

Mercury - nervous system, ears, mouth, skin — can influence ear problems, mental illness, restlessness, breathing issues.

Venus - face, cheeks, throat, bladder, skin —  can influence skin issues, bladder infections, throat issues, carbs and sugar balance. 

Mars - chest, muscles, blood, genitals — can influence accidents, wounds, muscles weakness, energy levels, genital diseases.

Jupiter - liver, kidneys, pancreas, thighs — can influence cholesterol issues, fatty liver, toxins overload, diabetes, kidneys issues.

Saturn - bones, teeth, hair, legs, joints, knees — can influence knee or joint problems, dental problems, wisdom teeth, bone diseases, hair loss.

Note that these are just suggestions that I hope remind you and inspire you to listen to your body and take good care of it, discern, do your research and take only what works for you. much love 🫶

[2btheanswertothequestion]

Eddie's Kissing Lesson #3: It's way more than kissing now

(Lesson 1 | Lesson 2 | AO3)

A few years ago, Eddie made a habit of driving to Indianapolis. Inevitably, he ended the trips at a club or a bar. The visits were usually solo affairs, though not always; sometimes Donnie or Zac (the only ones in Hellfire who looked old enough to get past the bouncers) or Callie (who didn't look old enough, but who could charm her way in), would tag along. If they did, they'd go to a straight club. If he was by himself, he'd roll a die between a straight or a gay one. No matter the kind, he'd be approached at least twice every night. Beautiful strangers with appreciative eyes, a drink in hand and a line ready on their lips.

Eddie would accept the drink, flirt for a second, then tell them he 'wasn't interested, but thanks anyway'.

It was half true – he was interested (fuck, was he interested), but also… not. He'd never say it out loud, but even at his horniest there was something in his way. A roadblock. Because the thing was, intimacy required, as one might suspect, intimacy. Although, one night stands walked hand in hand with alluring anonymity. Like being watched without risking being seen.

Eddie liked that, most of the time. Liked shrouding himself in a mystery. But when it came to sex, he wasn't so certain. Something instinctual told him it wouldn't be truly good unless it was real. For it to be real, walls would have to come down. Leave an unobstructed field of view for wide-open eyes. Terrifying and exhilarating; he wanted it so bad, but he couldn't (wouldn't) have it with just anyone.

It had to be special.

So, he accepted the drinks, flirted for a second, and sent the beautiful strangers on their way.

Steve writes with a rhythm. It goes tap-tap-tap-tap with the pencil on the pad while he thinks, followed by scritching, before he pauses to tap-tap-tap some more.

It's strangely endearing, not to mention relaxing. You'd expect a guy like him to be rough, leave imprints on the papers underneath and constantly break the point, but no. His large hand is soft as it writes. Eddie could fall asleep to it. A shame they're too busy to sleep.

Star Trek IV came out a week ago and the kids, Dustin especially, have been obsessed ever since. The moment they stepped out of the theater, the little twerp turned to Eddie and begged for a science fiction-themed campaign. And because he's a chump who can't say no to the kids nowadays, Eddie agreed – to a one-shot, not an entire campaign.

(Also, he's already been crafting a solar system for a potential space exploration-campaign on the down low. Why not finish and use it?)

And because Eddie Munson doesn't do half-measures in these circumstances, he spent the next week worldbuilding and polishing his new universe. At one point, as he put the finishing touches on the water planet's cuisine, Steve peeked over his shoulder and asked about sports. Eyebrow raised, Eddie said 'what about sports'. And that's when Steve snottily pointed out that Eddie had developed everything about these space cultures except for the sports, which didn't make any sense – sports was a huge part of every culture, whether Eddie liked it or not.

So! Because Eddie Munson does not do half-measures… he's currently creating extraterrestrial sports games in Steve's kitchen. Although, right now Steve's doing most of the work. After Eddie came up with the base concepts, Steve stepped in to use earth sports as inspiration for the technical aspects: rules, scoring, player positions, player numbers, playing fields, seasons (which ties in with the climate of each planet), and so on.

If he's being honest, he'll never use most of this. God knows the kids (except maybe Lucas, but he wouldn't bring it up) wouldn't notice or care about the absence of sports. But. Turn down an opportunity to hang out with Steve? Never. Also, deciding how much of real baseball should inspire their thinly veiled version of space baseball (spaceball) is kind of fun? What's a penalty and what isn't is just exciting when you throw anti-gravity into the mix.

Most importantly, it's nice seeing Steve be in his element. Dude is so fucking knowledgeable about this. Hearing him say that this will score x points because of that reason, confidence dripping from every syllable, has Eddie's tailbone tingling.

Would it be rude to swipe their notes off the island and jump onto it, offering himself like a buffet?

He knows he's allowed. Or, he knows that Steve wouldn't mind if he asked for a break, even if it was to make out. They've made a habit of sucking face when it's just them and there's nothing else to do (or when there are things to do, but they're easily ignored). Question is if he truly wants to interrupt those soothing pencil scritches and put an end to Steve's surprisingly sexy thinking face. He's got a little furrow between his eyebrows while chewing on his bottom lip, and every so often he'll mutter hoarsely under his breath. The fact that he's being so serious about doing this for the campaign, for the kids, for Eddie, is…

'Unreal' is what Eddie would've said nine months ago. Now he knows it's entirely in character. It's still noteworthy enough for him to memorize every detail of this moment. The King creating nerdy sports with the Freak is a picture that must be immortalized.

He doesn't realize how hard he's been staring until Steve looks up from their work, raising his brows in a silent 'what is it?'

Eddie shakes his head, warmth creeping over his cheeks. He pushes off the kitchen island and turns away to hide it. The sink is conveniently right there, so he grabs a glass out of the cupboard and fills it as excuse.

Behind him, the pencil hits the pad, rolling across the paper. Steve's footsteps are deliberately loud, telegraphing his advance over the surge of running water. Eddie fills the glass, drinks it in one gulp, and puts it on the counter. When he turns, heart thudding, Steve is standing inches in front of him. Steve leans forward, bracing his hands against the counter on either side of Eddie's waist. Boxing him in, but not trapping him.

"Did you want something?" Steve asks.

Eddie crosses his arms casually and shrugs. "Not really."

"Huh. It seemed like you wanted something."

"I was admiring your dedication to the campaign. It warms even this barren heart that you'll partake in nerdestry for the sake of the children."

"Oh, okay," Steve says and doesn't move; his hands remain on the counter and his face stays inches away. His eyes shine like suns, hot and intense. Eddie meets his gaze, face schooled into something calm. At least, he hopes – years of DMing have taught him how to regulate his expressions, but there's a big difference between DnD and this.

"Did you want something?" he asks to fill the silence and – yes! – his voice didn't tremble.

Steve grins. "Now that you say it, I did."

And with that, Steve kisses him.

The initial second, Eddie's brain shuts off, as it always does. It's simply too much too fast and all he can register is Steve Steve Steve. His taste, his scent, his firmness as he presses against Eddie and backs him into the kitchen cupboards.

But only the initial second. After that, he's back on, and that means he's on. Loping his arms around Steve's neck, Eddie tilts his head at the perfect angle until their mouths fit together just so and licks the inside of Steve's mouth. His hands delve into product-stiff locks and tug the way Steve likes it. Steve moans, slumping against Eddie. Eddie giggles into the kiss. He fucking loves knowing Steve better than his own back pocket, loves coaxing these reactions out of him, loves when he melts and leans his weight on Eddie.

It could be better only if they were horizontal and on a bed, or couch, or the fucking floor, and he'd get to feel the hair on Steve's chest and legs, the jut of his hipbone, and his evenly distributed weight. He so badly wants to know how heavy Steve is. He wants to be fucking crushed underneath him.

Maybe he could if he asked. Or maybe that'd be too much. The only time they've gone past second base is during the spontaneous blowjob he still can't fathom happened. Since then, their hands and mouths have stayed strictly above the waist. Eddie, though he's dying to blow Steve, is not going to complain or rush. Steve's the teacher here; he decides the curriculum.

All Eddie can do is show off the results of his rigorous practice. Today, it's by slotting their faces together like a pro and perfectly executing that tongue-sucking move Steve seems to love having done to him as much as he loves doing it to others. It brings a guttural noise out of Steve; he grabs Eddie's ass with both hands and yanks him closer. Eddie nearly loses his balance and must cling to Steve's neck to stay upright. Laughter rumbles within Steve's chest as he steadies him and rolls their hips together. The neck of his shirt bunches in Eddie's vice-like grip. They're as close as during that first kiss, no room for Jesus' finest hair between them. Eddie feels Steve's heartbeat, which means Steve can feel his, and the combined thud-thud-thuddings have his knees shaking.

Steve's hands round Eddie's hips and tug at his belt buckle. Eddie jerks back, breaking the kiss; a string of saliva still connects their mouths. Steve's eyes are enormous, more black than hazel. There's a question in them, a plea for permission.

Eddie nods and doesn't look as Steve opens Eddie's jeans and pushes them down his thighs. His face is on fucking fire. You could fry eggs on his cheeks. Which is a little debilitating. This is never how it goes in his fantasies – he's a lot suaver in those. Quicker on the ball, so to speak. On top of things, one could even say. But not here. Because here's an unfortunate fact about sex:

It's embarrassing.

Exciting and sexy and fun, obviously. But also embarrassing. It was the same during the blowie. The moment his pants were coming off and his dick popped out, Eddie was more inclined to run away than anything else. Hopefully, the feeling will fade as he gets used to it. These hopes are supported by how at ease Steve is, going from de-pantsing Eddie to unbuttoning his own jeans like it's nothing, second nature.

Eddie couldn't look away from that if he wanted to. Why would he want to? Steve's dick is a sight to behold. It's the eighth wonder of the world. Worthy of worship, of a dozen temples and daily sacrifices. It's long and thick, smooth and symmetrical, flushed at the tip and with a bead of precome already pooling in the slit.

It's pretty. And it's hard. It's hard for Eddie.

"Hey." Steve cups Eddie's face, tilting his head up (as well as bringing to his attention that his mouth's been hanging open like a fool; Eddie's teeth clack when he shuts it). "Is this okay?"

Eddie nods, breathing harshly through his nose. "Okay. So okay."

Steve smiles like Eddie just did him a favor. Eddie could – would – analyze that a little closer, except Steve lines up their cocks so that they rest against the broad expanse of his palm, rest against each other, and-

That's another guy's hand on Eddie's dick. It's another guy's dick on his dick. Steve's. Steve Harrington's dick. Next to Eddie’s.

Hoooooooooly shit.

It's happening right in front of him, and he's still having a hard time believing it. But it's real; it has to be real. Imaginarily gifted as he might be, not even he could daydream this into existence. Like, the way Steve's fingers curve around their cocks as he squeezes and strokes? The scratchy calluses on his fingertips? The ever-present chill of the Harrington mansion? How Eddie's testes keep catching on Steve's shaft, rising and rubbing against the dry skin? Steve's softly labored breaths? The edge of the fucking countertop digging into Eddie's lower back?

That's real. Uncomfortably and amazingly real.

Steve pauses to spit in his palm; Eddie whimpers out loud. When Steve resumes stroking it's just amazing, the glide so much easier now. It lets him go faster, put his hips into it and grind their pelvises together. Eddie keeps whimpering, these shamefully squeaky little ah-ah-ahs that he tries to swallow until Steve moans, hotly against the shell of his ear, that he sounds so pretty and sexy and "fuuuuuck, Eddie, wanna hear you like this every day."

He stops holding back then. Gets even louder when Steve noses along his jaw and sucks what'll surely become a mark at the underside of it.

The saliva has rubbed off but the glide is only improving, thanks to the precome dripping everywhere. Both are leaking, but Eddie especially – he's so fucking close. He tries to say it, but his skull is full of cotton and he can't form the words.

Steve must have some sixth orgasm sense, though, because he presses his lips to the scar on Eddie's cheek and mumbles, "So good, baby, you're doing so good, so perfect, wanna hear you come, wanna see your face, looked so pretty last time, almost made me cream my pants-"

Eddie screams. Head tossing back, lungs bursting, as he slouches against the counter. Most of all he'd like to sag to the floor and nap for an hour, he's that spent. But he can't – Steve hasn't come yet, and there's no way he'll go without again.

"Steve," he says. "Whaddya wan' m' to… C'n I…?"

The syllables slur together; he takes Steve's dick in his hand while licking his lips, hoping the point comes across. He just wants to make him come. 'How' doesn’t matter, as long as he's the one doing it.

Steve, thankfully understanding, puts Eddie's other hand on his cock, molding them tightly around the shaft, and rocks back and forth. Eddie almost whines a little since… well, he honestly has never before been so keen on having a cock in his mouth. Like, Steve towering over him, holding his head in place while fucking his throat? Yes and please, Jesus Christ, amen!

But this image is also pretty good: Steve's face inches away, pink with exertion and arousal, fringe plastered to his forehead, mouth kissed raw, and him thrusting wildly into Eddie's closed fists. Eddie's gaze darts between it and the throbbing cock in his hands. It's the second he's ever touched, after his own. It's a bit like jerking himself off, except a million times better, despite the kinda awkward angle.

Steve makes a noise, reedy and desperate. Eddie's eyes snap up just in time to see the climax wash over him, his mouth dropping into a perfect 'o' and his half-closed eyelids fluttering in pleasure. Ridiculous, beautiful, intoxicating; Eddie could become addicted to it.

Sighing, Steve lumbers forward to flop his head into the crook of Eddie's neck. Eddie drapes his arms over Steve's shoulders, probably smearing body fluids on his shirt. Neither says anything – they simply hold each other and breathe.

It's been a while since Eddie last was in Indianapolis. Been even longer since he visited a club. After some time, rejecting willing strangers and going home with bluer and bluer balls, no one to blame but his own fucking hangups, got old. Why waste the gas when he could just as well be getting no dates and not laid in Hawkins instead?

Except here he is, sweat sticking his shirt to his skin, hair frizzing around his ears, come drying under his nails. Standing with his dick hanging out in Steve Harrington's kitchen, with Steve Harrington in his arms.

He's sure he could've gotten this exact experience in a gay club bathroom years ago.

"Rather unhygienic doing this in the kitchen, hmm?" Eddie says.

Steve grunts, grossed out, but shrugs a shoulder. "I'll disinfect it."

Eddie giggles, and so does Steve, rubbing circles over the scar tissue on Eddie's hips. Burrows farther into Eddie's neck and makes no indication he'll move anytime soon.

Yeah, Eddie could've had this in a club. But he couldn't have had it with Steve in a club. Couldn't have felt this swoop in his stomach, like he's at the top of a roller-coaster, anywhere but here. Couldn't have felt this special.

You're ruining me, he thinks as he pets Steve's head.

Do you know that? he wonders when Steve ducks away, griping about what a pain it is to get semen out of hair. Squinting, Eddie asks how he figures. Steve blushes and laughs and doesn't reply, eyes glittering.

Can you see it?

------------------------------

Not tagging anyone except @piratefishmama because she's the reason this exists in the first place. Also, I'm pretty sure she's even more excited about this than I am, so. Here you go, girl. I hope you enjoy this very late continuation.

[snek-in-a-hat]

Day 3 @augusnippets

3: Thunderstorm / Blizzard / Heat Wave

------------------------------------------------

'Should I get out and push?'

Leader glared at Right Hand's question as they pressed on the accelerator for the third time to no avail.

Cetus I - 77 was not a temperate planet, but was rich in rare minerals and deemed worth attempting to set up a base camp for future mining operations. It's surface was typically about 250 degrees Fahrenheit, reaching 300 in some places at the peak of the solar day. It's atmosphere was not quite breathable, nor were the gaseous particle storms non-hazardous, but all in all, it would not be the most difficult planet the human systems union had attempted to tame, even if only temporarily.

Unfortunately they would be no closer to setting up the base camp at the location Scientist had proposed if their climber kept getting stuck in the fine sands that covered a majority of the planet.

'They need to start sending us equipment that works,' growled Leader as they made to secure their suit and exit the vehicle.

'You'd hate it. It would make the job too easy.'

Leader couldn't stop the little chuckle from escaping.

'Stay here,' they warned as Right Hand began to unbuckle themselves from the co-pilot seat. At their confused look, they added, 'Someone needs to keep an eye on the weather patterns and the radio.'

Right Hand slouched back in their seat with a huff.

'Be right back,' Leader called, grabbing one of the folding field shovels.

The chamber depressurized and it was like the opening of an oven. Leader cursed at the brightness overwhelming them and the heat that immediately began to put their suit systems to work.

They ignored the blaring of the heat alarm and trekked to the back of the climber. Thankfully nothing looked broken, but it seemed that the wheels might need to be dug out of the sand.

Leader felt the sweat pouring down their back and temples before they'd even started.

Too easy, they scoffed to themselves and began digging at the back left wheel.

It felt like they were moving in slow motion. It seemed that every shovelful was almost replaced by the wind blowing more sand back into the hole. Leader cursed again at the heat and themselves for not thinking to drink some water before sealing the suit and going outside.

A pounding headache was making itself known right behind their eyes and the arm holding the shovel began to shake.

Slowly leader moved their way over to the other wheel and began digging it out. They tried to go quickly to avoid the wind undoing their work. They had only intended to be outside for about 5-10 minutes, but they had no idea how long it had been. Somewhere in the back of their mind, they recognized that probably was not a good thing. As leader bent down to get another shovelful, a sudden wave of dizziness overtook them and they crashed to their knees.

They reached a shaking hand to their communicator and called for Right Hand. Something was definitely wrong.

Hearing no answer, they tried again, but the last thing they heard was static before darkness took them.

----

Right Hand kept glancing at the clock while keeping an eye on the radar. A storm would likely head in their direction, but probably not for another 30 minutes. As it was Leader had already been gone for 10 minutes, but Right Hand didn't dare bother then when they were pissed at the climber. It was a recipe for disaster. Besides, the proximity sensors were showing that Leader was working on the back left wheel.

Another 5 minutes passed and Right Hand was beginning to get worried. That storm was definitely going to hit.

'Hey, Leader. Sorry to bother you, but I think that storm is coming our way. I think we've got another 15 minutes. Do you need some help?'

There was nothing but static. It wasn't necessarily surprising. Leader often didn't answer Right Hand, especially if they offered help. They checked the sensors again. Leader was now by the right back wheel.

Another 5 minutes passed and Right Hand made up their mind. Angry or not, Leader would need their help to finish up and get them out of the storm's path. Besides they had already exceeded the recommended time for being out on Cetus' surface.

Right Hand affixed their suit and depressurized the chamber. The sudden wave hit them and their stomach clenched. It was HOT.

They worked their way to the back of the climber, but noticed a distinct lack of noise. No shovel scraping sand, no clangs from Leader hitting the vehicle, or muffled curses.

As they rounded the corner, Right Hand gasped. Leader was face down in the sand and slowly being buried as the wind blew more and more on top of their body.

'Shit. Shit. Shit!'

They rushed to Leader's side and began tapping on their helmet. Right Hand cursed at the lack of response. They looked to the horizon and saw the storm was now visible and growing closer. They needed to get inside the climber now.

Right Hand stooped and pulled Leader into a fireman's carry. They would have to ride out the storm inside the vehicle and hope that the seals didn't come loose.

As carefully as they could, they placed Leader on the floor and repressurized the chamber. Right Hand ripped their helmet off and then Leader's.

Right Hand felt for a pulse and let out a small sigh. It was strong, but way too fast. Further inspection revealed skin that was far too hot and dry. Not to mention the fact that Leader was out like a light.

An examination of Leader's suit showed that the cooling systems were broken and probably had been for some time. The communicator was fried and the seals were worn. But at least the heat alarm works, Right Hand thought wryly.

The climber shuddered as the storm finally hit and the emergency lighting switched to red. Holding their breath until they were sure the seals would hold, Right Hand resolved to go get some cool towels and water. If they were lucky, the secondary transmitter was still functioning and they could get a distress call back to the ship.

'They definitely need to start sending us equipment that works.'

------------------------------------------------

Apologies, I know this one is probably double the max recommended length, but I didn't feel like I could cut it down! Please let me know if I missed any CW tags. Day 3 done!

[wiredawake]

Support Families in Northern Gaza through Rooftop & Home Vegetable Gardens

"My name is Laila El-Haddad. I'm an author and advocate for Palestinian rights and food justice. Many of you might know me as the co-author of The Gaza Kitchen: A Palestinian Culinary Journey. I'm also an avid gardener and though I am from Gaza City, I'm a farmer at heart!  Farmers represent the deep rootedness Palestinians have to the land.  For Palestinians, farming, especially during a time of genocide and ecocide-is an act of deep faith and the very embodiment of Sumood- the Palestinian concept of steadfast perseverance.

Background

Once known for its lush apple orchards, strawberries, and citrus, northern Gaza is now completely cut off from the rest of Gaza.  

As part of its policy to make Gaza unlivable, Israel has destroyed 50% of Gaza's trees and farmland, and severely restricted the entry of food and aid, especially to the north. The scale of damage and destruction is catastrophic. Israeli forces have leveled agricultural land, 90% of all greenhouses, olive groves, and poultry farms. The entire population is now facing a forced starvation policy and experiencing extreme hunger. 

Your Donation Will Help Change This Reality by Providing Rooftop, Home, and Urban Vegetable Gardens through seedling and seed distribution for Vulnerable and Displaced Families in Northern Gaza who are subsisting on 245 calories a day. 

What and Why?  

I'm organizing this campaign to help support farmers and families in the areas of northern Gaza most impacted by Israel's ongoing war to start their own rooftop and home gardens-a small step towards self sufficiency and food sovereignty. All international and local aid agencies have had to evacuate from the north, leaving the population especially vulnerable, and whatever limited amounts of fresh produce and aid are available are sold astronomical prices. 

How?

I spent months researching and consulting with agricultural experts in Gaza and abroad on the most secure and effective way to give Palestinians sustainable access to fresh produce.  Next, I partnered with with the Gaza Palestinian American Association and the Middle East Children's Alliance, both accredited 501(c)(3)  who are taking 0% overhead, as well as a team of community based partners in Gaza, who will be sourcing the supplies needed to start the home gardens locally and managing the project.  

Our team on the ground has been working hard to source and start growing local seedlings to distribute to families, and other materials needed to provide them with the resources they desperately need to start their own home, rooftop, patio, and community vegetable gardens, depending on the spaces they have access to.  We will roll out the project in several phases, which each phase targeting 100 families.

Each family will receive:

* At least 30 assorted seasonal vegetables seedlings (Palestinian summer squash, hot peppers, eggplant, cucumber and tomatoes, depending on availability)

* 80 grams of local seeds (dill, mulukhiya, chard), 

* Compost, soil, and amendments 

* Plastic planters, irrigation cans, where needed

* Training and follow up by agriculture experts

Your donations will also help fund the purchase of several solar panel systems to power  community wells that communities rely on to drink and irrigate their gardens and farms with (currently, municipal access to water is limited to once every ten days, and well motors are inoperable due to an Israeli ban on the entry of fuel).

With your support, we can help Palestinian families sow the seeds of a brighter future, cultivate hope and grow some of their own food again!

Your donation is tax deductible and zakat eligible!  100% of the proceeds will go towards the project in Gaza!  

Together, we will help families in the north grow healthy food for themselves, their neighbors and their friends!

[aishutoon]

The Housewarming Gift (A Sonic Prime Fanfic) - Chapter 1

(Decided to cross post the Housewarming Gift chapters I’ve written so far on tumblr. Hope you guys like it!)

The Grim was a quiet place.

No commotion from an overcrowded city, no roar of crashing waves, no screeches from any wildlife,

No noise, save for a gentle wind that blew every once in a while.

Just the way he liked it. 

After all, no noise meant no people, and no people meant no one to hurt him. No one who would corner him in an alleyway to beat him up, no one who would laugh as they stole his stuff and destroyed it just to see his reaction, no crowds who would whisper horrible things about him under their breath, just because he was different, just to feel a little better about themselves in that horrible city…

Zap!

Nine shot up, startled. The circuit board he was working on was letting off sparks where he accidentally broke a connection in the wrong place. Already, one of the alphas (alpha knuckles, it looked like) was working to stomp out the tiny fire that started when one of the sparks landed on some papers on the floor. “ Well, that was stupid…”

Ever since that final battle for the fate of the shatterverse, and the departure of everyone to their shatterspaces after making a promise to leave Nine alone, he had a lot of time on hands, and created many useful inventions since then. Even without the use of the paradox prism shards, there was still enough residual energy in the Grim to make the place more livable. While it wasn’t the paradise Nine initially envisioned, it was a home, and that was much more than he could say about his old place in New Yoke with those enforcer robots breathing down his neck. So far, he had created a plumbing system utilizing a huge lake he found a few miles away and a water purifier, a biosynthesizer so that he could make his own food (as a backup, he had a ton of canned food and drinks he stole from New Yoke), and some solar panels so that he wouldn’t have to worry about running out of power for everything. At the moment, he was working on creating a better defense system for his base after a lot of it was destroyed in that battle, at least until that circuit board got fried.

“Note to self, make a fireproof mat. And maybe some fire extinguishers while I’m at it…” Nine grumbled as he opened the door to the lab and ventured into the storage area. 

Between the hundreds of smashed grim robots and the remains of the chaos council’s machines, there was no shortage of spare parts for Nine to use to his whim. If he recalled correctly, there was a similar circuit board right in the chest cavity of what remained of that old grim birdie robot-

BEEP BEEP BEEP!

Nine jumped, and then bolted back towards the lab. While the defense system wasn’t done yet, he did manage to finish making a forcefield around the base, as well as a radar system for potential threats.

And right now, its alarm was going off.

“Computer, show what the radar is indicating!” The screen lit up accordingly, and Nine ran up to the controls to shoot a laser at the threat if necessary. 

On the screen, everything seemed normal outside at first glance. The sky was still a dark blue crossed with green where the auroras were active, and periodically dotted with a few stars in some spots. Only, one of them seemed to shine brighter than the others…

Uh oh.

The “star” shined even brighter, and the sky around it seemed to shimmer for a moment, kind of like how it was��before a portal to the void was opened.

“ShootShootSHOOT…!” Nine quickly slammed a button on his console to activate the forcefield so that the fortress would be protected, and then braced himself for a tear to appear in the sky again to rip apart the shatterspace, or a portal with the chaos council coming through to destroy him once and for all, or the ship with all of the shatterspace variants coming to mount an assault on his home again, because why the heck would they actually keep that promise to leave him alone in the grim after they attacked him, after he attacked them-

…Boom!

Out of that shimmering part of the sky, something small appeared and started falling. Something small, round, and metal that gleamed as it plummeted to the surface until it crashed with a distant noise. 

Nine opened his eyes. That…wasn’t a robot. At least, it didn’t look like one. It more closely resembled some sort of capsule, with a strange plaque engraved on its surface. “ What…is that??” Nine wondered, still a little shaken. “Even if it doesn’t look like a robot, it could still be some sort of trap, maybe a robot in disguise or a bomb or SOMETHING”. Nine muttered. He began to pace around, his finger hovering over the button to activate the metal tails out of habit. “Whatever it is… I won’t let anything destroy my home .”. Nine pushed a button on the console to summon some of the alpha robots, and within seconds Alpha Sonic, Amy, and Birdie showed up and lined up in front of Nine. “Alphas, go to where that capsule crashed and scan it to see if it’s hiding anything. Report that data to the main computer.” The robots each did a quick salute and then flew off. 

After a couple of minutes, the alpha robots reached the site of the crash. Nine watched the screen as they started to investigate the capsule, with alpha Birdie picking it up with their metallic talons and flying up a foot while alpha Amy and Sonic scanned it. “Ok, so it didn’t explode when you touched it, that still doesn’t mean it’s not some kind of trap. It’s gotta be something bad.” Nine was repeating this to himself as he looked, until the computer lit up with a new alert. “The scanner indicates that the inside of this capsule contains…uh…” It contained..a bunch of random stuff. The x-rays only showed vague outlines, but there were no mechanical parts in the walls or in the interior, just a mix of cloth bundles, wooden boxes, metal cans, what looked like a pole with something tied to it?

“....Maybe I should take a closer look.” Nine mumbled, pushing some more buttons on the console. “Alphas, bring the capsule into the hangar room.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nine landed a few feet away from the capsule, where the alpha robots were just standing around staring into space after bringing it in. Scanning it with his own scanner brought the same results as before: not a robot or a bomb. “...How the heck did this get here in the first place? Sonic better not have broken the prism again…”. He walked slowly around the capsule until he noticed something shine in the corner of his eye. “Oh right, there was some sort of plaque on the surface. Let’s see…”. Alpha Amy tipped over the capsule until the plaque was fully visible, and Nine began reading it.

“Dear Nine,

This letter is from the members of the shatterspaces who participated in the battle for the paradox prism (Except the chaos council, good riddance to them)

Reading that, Nine felt an immediate flash of anger. “Those guys?! They wanted to play one last trick on me, didn’t they!” For a moment he had an urge to order the alphas to blow it to bits, or take the capsule apart himself with his metal tails, but something made him stop for a moment. Inhale…Exhale… “Calm down Nine, you might as well read the rest before destroying this.” He started reading the plaque again.

“We understand if you don’t care, but each of us were able to return to our homes. With the chaos council gone for good this time, we in New Yoke are actually making some progress in getting this city back to the peaceful green place it used to be”

Me crew managed to get back to the seas of No Place in one piece as well, and we’re workin on cleaning up as well. With Black Rose as the new captain, this ship has never been heartier.

Us folks in the Boscage were able to get back, and we were able to finally finish fixing the damage from that last attack. However, it was sad saying goodbye to everyone else, especially my fellow Roses…but then something amazing happened.

So, it turns out that when those dunderheads of the chaos council attacked our homes back then, they left their communicators behind. Even with the portals closed, they still managed to work. That means that we were able to talk to each other again!

It was mighty fine to catch up with everyone! But the more we talked, the more we realized that there was something weighing on all of our minds after that final battle two weeks ago.

It was a month on our end, but yeah, you get the point. After that final battle, we all made a promise to Sonic to let you live in the Grim in peace, and never bother you again. Don’t worry, none of us intend on breaking that promise.

But, after a long time to think and reflect, we realized that it didn’t feel good to just leave you behind like that. We know that’s what you wanted, and we know this is kind of selfish of us, but in the end a lot of us wanted a chance to apologize to you. There was a ton of residual shard energy left behind by all those portals even after the prism was stabilized, meaning that each of us in the shatterspaces had a way to at least pass stuff to each other, even if we can’t see each other in person.

We aren’t gonna visit ye in the Grim, just getting that out of the way. We know ye hate us, and we don’t blame ya. But, we all decided to pitch in and make this capsule. Because what’s a new home without a housewarming gift? 

Each one of us put a present in this capsule before sending it to the next shatterspace, and by the time you’re reading this, it probably crashed somewhere in the Grim. 

You are free to do whatever you want with this capsule and its contents. If you wish to destroy it, along with this plaque, go right ahead. We won’t force you to do anything you don’t want to do . At the end of the day, it’s your choice.

The end of the plaque was engraved with a whole bunch of names. The Roses, Dread, Sails, Catfish, Batten, Commander Rouge and Renegade Knucks, the rest of the resistance, even the scavengers. Nine was silent after reading the whole thing.

“ They…actually think I buy this? That they just felt bad for me, the guy that nearly destroyed them, their homes, and nearly all of reality? Are they serious?!”

The more he thought about it, the more furious he became. His ears flattened and he started growling.

“Did they actually think I’d accept this, after EVERYTHING that happened?! Why would they start caring now? Why’d they think I’D believe in them after they wanted to kill me? Of course they’d start caring after everything was over, after they got to go back to their homes all safe and stable, after Sonic-”

Nine stopped. His breath hitched for a second. Thinking about Sonic still hurt, even after all was said and done. He…helped everyone. Sonic helped everyone grow and develop in the short time he knew them, including Nine, even if he didn’t realize it. Even though he hurt him, Sonic apologized, no one had ever apologized…

There was no way they all actually cared about him. The bruise he got from that punch by Renegade Knucks took a long time to heal, and he still woke up in a cold sweat thinking about those attacks trying to break his barrier. He wasn’t like the Roses, he couldn’t become fast friends with his own variants, he nearly blew those two up for crying out loud.

Nine realized that he had started pacing again, and sat down in a nearby swivel chair. He turned to a nearby robot, Alpha Rouge, who had started organizing some spare parts the other robots had brought in the day before. “What do you think I should do with this?” The robot turned to look at him and tilted its head for a second at the question, then went right back to working. It didn’t talk. None of them did. And Nine was ok with that.  

Nine took a quick glance at the window, and realized that it was starting to get late. At the end of a “day” in the grim, the green light on the horizon died down, and the sky would begin to turn from a dark blue to almost blackish purple, with even more stars popping up. “I’ll figure out what to do with this thing tomorrow. Alphas, stand guard over it” He started flying towards the door. “We scanned it a bunch of times already, but just to be safe, if that capsule grows robot legs or something like that, shoot it on sight.” The alphas that gathered there all saluted as Nine went out the door and through the hallway towards his bedroom. “... Worse case scenario, I can just melt it down for scrap”.

[tea-withnofixinsplease]

We're makin leaps and bounds with this whole sustainability thing since we moved from our apartment a few years ago. Whenever i feel like im not doin enough I lay out all the tiny swaps we've done on the table

we no longer by styrofoam cups and reuse the ones we have

We no longer use plastic plates, we either use glass or compostable ones (and throw the compostable ones in the compost)

Our building has solar panels for electricity

Our soaps are zero/low waste

My mother and I started our loc journey so its much easier to find all-natural, plastic free hair care

I use reusable pads

I don't buy new clothes often if at all, 4 shirts in the last 7 years

3/5 of us eat strictly plant-based bc we're vegan,

We have an indoor hydroponic system growing leafy greens, tomatoes, peppers and fruits, and we bought seeds in bulk. We're planning on swapping rockwool cubes with reusable and compostable hemp fiber cubes

Since the hydroponic system is so bright, and the led lights last for 5 years at a time, we use the living area lights much less, opting for natural sunlight if the hydroponic system is not enough or is off.

We have a bokashi indoor compost bin for food scraps, and an outdoor cold compost bin for the scraps that cant go in the bokashi bin to make our own soil

We started a kitchen garden, and a pollinator/tea garden, and as of 2023 we now have a plum tree, a grapevine, two blackberry bushes, 5 reusable grow bags, 4 big planters and 2 big raised garden beds, lookin forward to fruits and vegetables in the spring, summer, fall and winter. We're planning to buy one more steel raised bed to ensure that we are cycling through what we're growing each year to limit pest-control methods, even neem oil, and planning on purchasing a lot more perennials and native perennials/annuals.

This fall Im gonna purchase a mushroom growing chamber kit for more low waste vegan meat alternatives and to add some healthy mushroom soil to the compost cycle

Our laundry detergent is environmentally safe

Our washing machine is water-efficient

We have a fridge with a water filter for cooking and drinking water

We have reusable grocery store bags

Im gonna try to grow lufas next year to replace our kitchen sponges and steel wool scrubbing pads,

Our property is small, and our neighbors are not as social/gungho about bartering or Co-Op food gardening,

but I'm proud of wat we've done so far, and I can do a lot more, and I plan to do so, so any advice would be welcome

[silicacid]

Seventy-one per cent of Gaza’s population experiences extreme hunger, Euro-Med Monitor study says

Over 71% of participants in a study conducted in the Gaza Strip by Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor said that they suffer from extreme hunger, corroborating accusations that Israel uses starvation to punish Palestinian civilians.

Euro-Med Monitor conducted an analytical study that included a sample of 1,200 people in the Gaza Strip in order to ascertain the impact of the humanitarian crisis that Gazans are experiencing in the midst of Israel’s ongoing Israeli genocidal war, which began on 7 October.

According to the study’s findings, 98% of respondents said they eat insufficient amounts of food, while 64% of the participants admitted to eating grass, fruits, immature food, and expired materials to satiate their hunger.

The study found that the rate of access to water in the Gaza Strip, including drinking, bathing, and cleaning water, is 1.5 litres per person per day. This is 15 liters less than the minimum amount of water required for survival at the level required by international standards, noted Euro-Med Monitor.

Additionally, the study examined the effects of malnutrition and a lack of access to clean drinking water. Sixty-six per cent of the study sample reported having experienced diarrhea, skin rashes, or intestinal diseases in the past month.

Euro-Med Monitor transcribed testimonies from doctors revealing an increase in the rate of deaths from fainting and heart attacks in the areas of Gaza City and the Strip’s northern sections, which are witnessing a more severe deterioration in the humanitarian crisis and hunger rates.

Since the start of its genocide in Gaza, Israel has imposed a comprehensive blockade on the Strip and prevented supplies of food, water, fuel, and other humanitarian necessities from reaching the more than 2.3 million residents of the Strip. Israel’s use of starvation as a weapon has taken intensified since 7 October, and has included cutting off all food supplies to Gazans as well as bombing and destroying the Strip’s bakeries, factories, food stores, and water stations and tanks.

Israel has also targeted solar energy systems and electrical generators that power restaurants, businesses, and government agencies. Additional Israeli attacks have destroyed the agricultural area east of Gaza; flour stores; fishing boats; and supply centres for relief organisations, especially the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), the largest source of humanitarian aid in the Strip.

Under international pressure, Israel opened the Rafah land crossing; however, the crossing is open to an average of just 100 trucks per day, for humanitarian supplies coming from Egypt. This is a far cry from the average load of 500 trucks that entered the Strip prior to 7 October to meet humanitarian needs. It is important to note that roughly half of the Gaza Strip’s population is children under the age of 18.

Although a limited amount of food aid has been allowed to enter the enclave, no commercial food imports have been delivered, leaving the Gaza Strip’s residents in dire need of food, particularly in light of the Israeli collective punishment policy.

Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor stressed that international humanitarian law strictly prohibits the use of starvation as a weapon. As an occupying power, Israel is obligated under international humanitarian law to provide basic needs and protection to the Gazan people.

The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court provides that intentionally starving civilians by “depriving them of objects indispensable to their survival, including willfully impeding relief supplies” is a war crime, said the Geneva-based rights group. Euro-Med Monitor called for decisive international action to impose a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and prevent further deterioration of the situation by providing fair and unrestricted access to basic and relief materials to the entire Strip, and allowing the entry of food, water, medical, and fuel supplies in order to meet the needs of the population.

[wemissyoupyo]

Glossary/Species (NOTE: Based off the old 2019 info before 2020 as I cannot find the newer versions. What I got should be still accurate though.)

セレスティアル (Celestials)

Synonyms: Aliens, space rocks (jokingly), extraterrestrials

◆ Biology   Celestial is an umbrella term given to every species in space who is not native to Earth as organics. Though the most widely accepted definition of being classed as a Celestial would be the possession of a super organ named a Core. Most are ageless and immortal, and appear in the likeness of young adults. Though exceptions apply.

A celestial is usually comprised of three simple layers:

Outer layer - A type of thick "skin" or shell coating their bodies. Soft to touch but durable. The mantle - A substance below the outer layer. Acts like "blood". Qualities vary based on type. The core - A super organ acting as the Heart, Brain and Soul. Very important.

If the Core becomes damaged or unhealthy, a Celestial may die. Most of which will disperse into space dust upon it perishing. (Demons and Stars being an exeption)

Planets, Moons, and Lumierans have this simple internal structure. Asteroids are very similar, but have thicker mantles, parts of which can harden into geodes! Comets have very thin and cold mantles, its like water, and is often frozen solid. Stars have mantles made entirely of some sort of energy or plasma and seem to heal non-critical damage immediately. Not much is known about their internal structure.

The mantle can be a different colour and consistency depending on the individual.

◆ Rules   Celestials aren't currently allowed to interact with or let their presence be known to humans. This is a rule in place since the early 1900s after an incident involving the death of a Planet, among other celestials, at the hands of a human soul. Prior to this, humans and Celestials interacted scarcely, but they were largely believed to be gods or such. Since this rule came into place however, celestials have been largely forgotten by humanity, just believed to be myths or legends. Most humans don't believe in them.

◆ Technology   Due to the fact Celestials and Humans were allowed to interact, and the fact some human souls can be reincarnated into Lumierans or Demons, Celestial technology is quite advanced. Furthermore they seen to be advanced in other human inventions as well, such as styles of clothing and utilities. Surprisingly though, 4-wheeled vehicles (like cars and trucks) mobile phones, and the internet do not exist in Celestial society. If you showed a celestial a car, they really wouldn't know what it is.

◆ Health   Despite being ageless and immortal, Celestials can still get sick. There seems to be cases of colds, influenza and other irritating illnesses among them which can be caught. None of which infect the core fatally, but rather just cause annoying symptoms. Additionally infection can still occur to wounds if not treated. These are quite the mystery still as to why or how it happens, but it is bothersome in the meantime.

◆ Eating   Celestials do not need to eat, but it has become apart of their daily lives. So they still feel hungry if without it for too long, and simply just enjoy different types of foods. It is dissolved or melted within the mantle and gives energy to the core. Though they don't actually require to eat to survive, same with drinking.

◆ Solar Systems A society of Celestials inhabiting planets or lands orbiting or within the realm of a Star are called solar systems. As most do not have surnames, its common in official meetings to refer to a Celestial by their name followed by their native Solar System. For example "Jupiter of Taiyang System" or "Forseti of Trappist system". Some Demons and Lumierans who have Surnames still use this convention as well.

◆ Language All celestials seem to have a inherent known fluency of all human languages. A long long time ago there was a celestial specific language, but has since fell out of use. It's very archaic now and most celestials don't even know how to read it. Its said to look very similar to the Capitals of a font named Wingdings 3?!

恒星 (Stars)

Synonyms: Suns, God.

◆ Stars The Stars are regarded as the most important and also one of the rarest type of Celestial.

Stars are seen as the overseers of their solar system. Holding immense ammount of power and mystery, many celestials don't ever even formally meet their Sun unless they are Planets.

A star orbited by planets and other objects is called a Solar System. A star in a Solar System is referred to as aSun by their inhabitants.

Like the other celestials of a similar type, they are sexless, though in the case of Stars, they all seem to use feminine pronouns, titles and appearances.

Not very much is known about them, though older stars seem to not show or understand emotion as much as newer Stars can. 

Taiyang, our Solar System's star, was the first Celestial to exist.

◆ Protostars

Fully formed stars have emerged a humanoid forme as adults and have been this way their entire life, however Protostars, the incomplete version of a star, seem to emerge as children. This is usually when a protostar is close to becoming a full star.

Protostars usually attend a form of "kindergarten" until they have reached a point of maturity and are deemed responsible enough to run a potential solar system, as well as their great powers. This kindergarten can last for several thousands of years. After this graduation, a protostar will go back within their protostellar body and explode. From this explosion, they will emerge as a fully formed star, and an adult!

◆ Powers   Stars are powerful, making them even impossible to even think of overcoming if you are anything less. Some tried, but nobody has ever gotten anywhere with an attempt. ...aside from one.

A star has the ability to take away parts of a celestial's memory. Though this is not perfect. They can strip away what has been seen, but cannot remove what has been heard. Leaving those who have had aspects of their memories cleared for whatever reason plagued with thoughts they cannot explain the reasoning for. Confused or dismissing it to be intrusive or nightmare thoughts.

Stars also have the ability to give life to an object, but cannot take life away by their own hands. Stars also have the ability to float.

A unique type of power only stars seem to posses has been dubbed Nebulamancy. This is the control of a cloud like aura which can be manipulated to various densities, shapes and functions. Some theorized that lingering energy from space dust is what makes Nebulamancy so powerful.

Two cases of a star gifting on the power of Nebulamancy to a non-star celestial have been recorded.

惑星 (Planets)

Synonyms: Dwarf Planets (included), Minor planets (included) The 10 little sun birds*

Synonyms: Dwarf Planets (included), Minor planets (included) The 10 little sun birds*

◆ Planets The planets are considered the "main" type of celestial, and were of the first to be created.

Planets emerge from their astronomical bodies in a humanoid forme, containing a fraction of their Core, they are interlinked with their original larger counterparts. They were an oppertunity to observe and experience life as humans do, even if their understanding of inheretly human things such as emotions is not as clear. Though they are always learning!

Over many years, planets have grown mentally and emotionally. They often stay in their system and amongst eachother as a group under their Sun who they often respect and admire. Often acting as the defensive and protective beings who shield their system from harm and invasion.

They are known to have a possibility of possessing elemental powers or significant prowess in a particular area such as fighting or thought.

◆ Society   All planets, along with Moons, Asteroids and comets, are sexless and cannot reproduce. They give themselves appearances they feel they like. They also have made relationships such as platonic, romantic or familial bonds with other celestials. Planets have also created creatures for their lands inspired by Earthling animals.

Planets are often have important jobs, especially ones who's astronomical body is a popular place for tourists or inhabitants. Rulers of their own land, many celestials look up to them.

Despite the fact they cannot grow like earthlings do, usually a Planet's height corresponds to their original body's size and in comparison to their fellow planets, though some exceptions apply.

*The first ten planets given life by Taiyang are called the 10 little sun birds in a certain legend. This is likely metaphorical.

◆ Flowers   For some reason, it seems that if a planet's humanoid form dies, flowers will start to grow and bloom uncontrollably across their entire astronomical body. This has only been documented twice so far in our solar system. There is a large collection of flowers on Planet Sedna, especially of higanbana, to the extent of giving the minor planet a red hue from afar. Another case is on Planet Haumea, though these flowers have not bloomed. For this reason, nobody knows if they are alive or dead, wherever they are now...

衛星 (Natural Satellites)

Synonyms: Moons

◆ Natural Satellites  Natural Satellites are the celestials found orbiting planets or other astronomical bodies. They can emerge a humanoid form just like the Planets and thus have a very similar internal structure. Though seem to lack the possibility of having any elemental powers.

Natural Satellites are most often completely humanoid, though seemingly have a high chance to emerge with traits of animals or strange appendages, such as ears or wings. It is currently unknown why this happens, but is certainly quite the unique phenomenon.

Moons may also emerge completely as creatures, lacking any humanoid features at all. It isnt fully known why they do this, but it seems to be a conscious choice. Some have stated that being such a thing lets them give their planet a unique form of joy, companionship and unconditional love, while others just state they like the easy life of being an animal-like thing.

◆ Society Natural Satellites are seen as subordinates to their Planet. In most cases, quite literally, they find their world revolving around their Planet. There seems to be an instinctive, natural bond with their Planet. The relationships Moons can have with their planets can vary. Some fall in love, some Planets act like parental figures to their moons, some moons act as companions to their planet, while some planets and moons are simply just friends or accquaintances. The bond between a planet and their Moon(s) is often strong, so seeing a planet and their moon be on bad terms is very uncommon.

The bond between Natural Satellites and Planets is very special, its a little difficult to compare it to anything else.

They often have more active and travelling jobs than their planets.

小惑星と箒星 (Asteroids and Comets)

◆ Asteroids

Synonyms: space rocks, living geodes, snowballs

Asteroids are tough and strong Celestials. Aside from moon rabbits, they showcase the best physical strength of all celestials. This is due to their very dense and thick internal magma, some of which can harden into geodes!

Asteroids are of the most common type of Celestial aside from Demons. They are found everywhere, and travel a lot, so they are often given all kinds of jobs. Mainly heavy duty ones.

As mentioned earlier, Asteroids can contain geodes which house minerals and gemstones. The amount of geodes within an Asteroid's body can vary between each. Some containing little to no geodes, while some are swarming with them. Knowing which gemstone geodes they contain can be found out by a doctor. This has made them targets in some solar systems for harvesting gemstones, though this practice is outlawed in most places.

Are unlikely to ever get damaged, their bodies are super tough!

◆ Comets

Comets are fragile and cold Celestials. Unlike the rest, their bodies are made up of a cold liquid mantle, most of which is always frozen, giving them internal bodies like glass or ice.

They are susceptible to melting or shattering, though this can be easily mended when using the right proceedure. As long as their core is submerged within their mantle, the liquid can be frozen and take form again somewhere colder. Though this means that they can easily die, especially if alone. Flying too close to a sun will cause them to melt and evaporate away if not contained in time..

Because of their brittleness and rarity, they are often given jobs not requiring much physical strength. Such as history recording, accounting or office jobs. Though they are natural travellers, and enjoy going from place to place.

◆ Overgrowth   Asteroids and Comets seem to have the ability to manifest a unique phenomenon or mutation named an Overgrowth. This is where either geodes or ice will grow abnormally out of the mantle. These can be anywhere on their body, but usually occurs on the head, arms, back or legs. This can be cut down and removed without much trouble, but it will grow back quickly. Some Asteroids or Comets with this condition feel ashamed of it and want to hide it, while others embrace it as part of their identity and image.

For instance, Hekate has overgrowth on their head, which they have polished and painted black and to look like horns.

ルミエーラン (Lumieran)

Synonyms: angel (mistakenly), space bird

◆ Lumierans   Lumierans are a race of celestial created from the light of a sun. They were initially created to fill a void by a Star who had no planets, and thus the first independant celestials, who were not attached to any form of astronomical body, were born.

Lumierans are humanoid, but have wings on their backs and luminecent plumage on their heads. These can vary in shapes and sizes, but often reflects that of Earthling birds. They are internally similar to planets, but unlike planets, they can reproduce. Though despite this, they aren't very common.

Often mistakenly called "angels" by humans or other earthlings.

◆ Society Lumierans, seen as a radiant entity, are often highly regarded among celestials. Though despite this, many solar systems simply treat them as prized accessories or servants to their sun. Something shiny and nice to look at while also functioning as members of a controlled society or court. Some in particular are kept close to their suns as personal servants. Though not all solar systems are like this. For instance, our solar system, treats Lumierans as equals with other celestials such as demons. There is a lumieran-based land in our Sun named Hiyoyoa. Currently, the one who looks over this land is Cahaya.

Lumierans have the ability of flight, as well as manifesting weapons from light. They are also known to be agile and lightweight. They are good listeners, and are often seen to be pure and a blessing to be in the presence of in comparison to Demons, though this is not always the case.

悪霊 (Demons)

Synonyms: Succubus, Incubus, imp, devil, oni, byproduct (condecending)

◆ Demons Demons are the beings created from the flames of the sun. Initially they weren't even intended to be created at all, and were the byproduct in the creation of Lumierans, emerging from the leftover flames which were now seperated from the light.

Demons are very common across the entire universe. They are the celestials most like humans in structure, though still possess a Core. They are the only celestial, aside from Stars, who do not disintergrate into spacedust upon perishing.

Demons are often either feared or not treated well by other solar systems. Often disregarding them to simply be pests or rodents. Relegated to jobs such as warlords or guards, or locked solely in specific cities for them. Though some solar systems, such as ours, treats them as equals along with Lumierans.

A leader of demons is named the Devil.

◆ Society Demons are the Celestials most like humans biologically and socially. They seem to have a much more understanding of emotions and human conventions than most celestials do. This may be part due to the fact Demons often plagued earthlings for many years. Playing tricks on them or using them for their own plots. Though this has lessend over the years, most demons just stay inside sun-based lands. Our solar system's largest land of demons is called Sunsuhan, and is located within the sun. Its also sometimes referred to as hell, by humans, though this isnt fully accurate. Our Solar system's current Devil is Akazel.

Though they are known to have a natural sense of mischeif and desire to do taboo things such as trickery, gambling, cannibalism, dark magic, blackmail, unfair deals, murder, and experimentation, not all of them are like this. In fact some just live their life as anyone else would.

Demons are very well known among Celestials for their science. Sometimes it hardly makes sense at all, but theres extensive documentation on Demon sciences. From "how to grow bat wings" to "how to drink space milk when you're lactose intolerant", they have many breakthroughs in science and dark magic which are readily avaliable and helpful to all kinds of celestials.

Every demon's tail is unique to them. Think of it as like an identifying mark.

月の兎 (Moon Rabbits)

Synonyms: Tsukinousagi, yuetuu (rarely)

◆ Moon Rabbits   Moon rabbits are...well..Rabbits of the moon! A small race of diligent hard workers under the care of Luna, who they refer to formally as Togetsuhime.

Moon rabbits were initially regular earthling rabbits, but upon being given as a gift to the Moon by Mother Earth, they evolved over time and became what they are today. There are two main types of Moon Rabbit; The humanoid Moon rabbit, and the Pyonco (little rabbits).

They are only found on Earth's moon and rarely ever leave, so not much is known about them biologically or by many celestials. Though they all seem to be female, or atleast present as such.

Their ears, socks, and tail are known to feel like marshmallow.

◆ Society Moon rabbits spend the very vast majority of their time pounding Mochi on the moon. A request that was asked of them by Togetsuhime thousands of years ago. Though they don't see it as labour, they seem to quite enjoy it. The little Pyonco don't do much work, because they...can't really. Though they can carry things on their heads. (50% chance of it falling off though)

Because of their routine of pounding mochi every day for several thousand years, they are VERY physically strong, especially with the mallet. Though moon rabbits do not fight, so this is seldom ever utilized outside of working jobs. They are very proficient workers, and the daily exercise really pays off. Surprisingly, they don't find it repetitive.

Humanoid moon rabbits have weighted socks, while pyonco have weighted cotton tails. This prevents them from drifting off into the cosmos when jumping.

鳳天国人 (Houtenian)

Synonyms: Bird people

◆ Houtenians Houtenians are a race of humanoid birds, originating on the floating islands of Houtengoku (鳳天国). They were the first earth animals to be given the ability to shapeshift into humanoid form.

Houtenians are humanoid, meaning they look very human like, though bird-like features can vary between each. Some may have humanoid appearances, but with wings as their arms, or clawed feet, or even bird heads. It greatly varies, but most houtenians are completely humanoid. They can be identified by the ever present motif of feathers always on some part on their body.

Houtenians are born as little birds, but as they get older, will develop the ability to become humanoid.

◆ Society Houtenians live on the very secret, floating islands of Houtengoku. A wandering super continent on the cusp of our Earth's atmosphere. This is never seen by humans, they are somehow able to hide it very well for such a large place.

Houtenians help humans in many ways, and are responsible for many many of lifes conveniences. They are responsible for air mail delivery and delivering christmas presents, under the pseudonym of Santa. In this world, humans believe he really is real! When really its just 100 pigeons or something. No humans know about Houtengoku or the Houtenians, even some celestials aren't aware of their existance. Though they are seen as the midway point between Earthlings and Celestials.

Houtenians are said to be related to Lumierans in some way, something like a common ancestor.

魔女 (Witches)

◆ Witches Witches are a humanoid race found on earth. They are experts in specified magic and spells which science can't explain. Witches can vary in appearance, but most look like regular humans. Identified usually by their large hats or magical staff. They can have a very long lifespan compared to regular humans, depending on how proficient their powers are and how many familiars they have.

Some beings are born with a natural sense of magic, it is currently unknown how this happens, but is assumed to be genetic, as witches often pass down their magic to their offspring. Though humans and other species can train to become witches if they so desired, albeit it is very difficult. Some beings are merely witches by cosmetic appeal and hobby.

Magician is a gender neutral term, Sorcerer and Sorceress are terms applied to witches who have lived a very long time and are a powerful master of their craft, often feared.

◆ Familiars Familiars, to a witch, are animals or monsters who accompany a witch and are at their aid if needed. Familiars can range from domesticated pets, to wild humanoid animals, or even high level myths such as dragons. Familiars are captured by witches and have their soul bound to their wands, and can be summoned at any time if the witch desires to. Witches with many familiars increase their magical strength, and live much longer, so its common for witches to capture many familiars, even if they are rarely summoned upon.

Some witches merely choose to have their "familiars" as friends. At the expense of not being able to extend their life-span, they do not tie their familiars to the wand for moral reasons, so they have a much more mutual and fair dynamic and are not bound to them against their will. Though this practice is met with confused stares by most witches.

Some beings should NOT be caught by lower level witches, or advised to never be captured at all. These can be upredictable or dangerous to witches, and may not obey.

It's kind of like Pokemon.

幽霊 (Ghosts)

Synonyms: Phantoms, Ghouls, Ghasts, Wispers, Souls, Spirits, Phantasms

◆ Ghosts Ghosts is a general term given to a variety of different, yet similar variations of souls. Though this term is mostly applied to spirits summoned by necromancy.

Ghosts are often, but not always, the soul of a dead earthling. This soul is usually lightweight and seeming to be made of gas, flame or some kind of soft ectoplasm. Celestials won't turn into ghosts.

Sometimes they're kept as pets or familiars.

◆ Ghosts Souls summoned through Necromancy. In their base form, they look like a squishly blob with a funny face. Though their appearance may vary based on who summoned them. They can regain their original appearance for a short time, but is tiring and cannot maintain it for long. Have to be summoned to exist. Usually they were originally monsters or animals.

◆ Wispers Wispers are a type of ghost who may be human souls who did not go to reincarnate. Some cases of wispers being born from nothing exist as well. They usually look like little balls of fire, but can show their true form if desired. This can be done at will. This form is solid. Often haunts places. It is common for them to be in the lamps of witches.

◆ Souls A human soul in its raw form. Though this is actually made up of two components. The conscious soul and the unconscious soul. The concious soul look exactly like the human was before they died, and feels like them too. The unconscious soul manifests as a mostly formless dark shadow, or inhabits nearby objects around the conscious soul. It can grow with negative emotions and may act instinctively or agressively. In the process of being reincarnated, these two aspects of the soul are combined together as one to form a Core. It is crucial this process be performed otherwise it would be dangerous if left able to manifest both seperately. The unconcious soul in this form is often called a phantasm.

This type of Ghost is usually only seen when in the reincarnation process of a human.

◆ Inugami A type of dog soul. It died in a very terrible way, but lives again now with the utilities of dark magic and immortality. They still feel a pain in their necks.

人間 (Humans)

Synonyms: organics, earthlings, people, patients, eccentrics, the boring ones (hey?!)

◆ Humans Humans are...well..Humans. It really is self explanitory. There isn't much to say here than what you already know.

Humans are organic creatures native to Earth. Nobody knows where they came from, or what their purpose is. Celestials crafted themselves in the image and likeness of humans, observing them and learning from them in ways of life.

Humans can stay their entire life as humans, or become witches, make a deal with a demon, or other means which would no longer let them able to be classed as humans.

Humanity's purpose is unclear, but they're too intelligent to be dismissed.

◆ People  Humans in this universe are the same as any other. Though in this universe, while most things are the same, some things are ever so slightly different. Particularly the myths and legends humans had with Celestials from long long ago. Humans used to regard Celestials as deities or gods, while others formed cults despising them thinking they were inheretly no good.

Though since being banned from visiting earth and interacting with humans for over a century, most humans don't believe in celestials anymore. Thinking they were just myths, legends, or mythological stories. Humans who have discovered proof Celestials or Monsters in modern times and try to speak of them are labeled as Eccentrics.

ダークマター (Dark Matter)

Synonyms: Spectre, ghost, monochrome, void

◆ Dark Matter   tffnjohmz bopuifs uzqf pg hiptu.. uipvhi uijt pof jt b mjuumf ejggfsfou... uifz dboopu cf tffo uispvhi boz nfbot, ops ifbse ps efufdufe. uifz mjwf bmpof jo bo foemftt fnquz wpje po bopuifs qmbof pg fyjtubodf. mjlf tpnf ljoe pg qvshbupsz. b dfsubjo tdjfoujtu ibt nbobhfe up dpoubdu pof pg uifn uispvhi sbejp gsfrvfodjft. ju tffnt uibu fmfduspnbhofujd xbwft jt uif pomz xbz up efufdu uifn tp gbs. uif wpjdf po uif puifs foe tbje uifjs obnf xbt "ufusb". uifz bsf uif pomz lopxo pof pg uijt ljoe. uifz xfsf evccfe ebsl nbuufs. ju jt uifpsjafe uibu uijt jt nbz cf xibu ibqqfot up b opo-tubs dfmftujbm podf ju ejft. ps qfsibqt boz tpvm uibu dboopu npwf po xjui tpnfuijoh mfgu offejoh up cf tbje.... dpnqmfufmz npopdispnf.

  opuijoh fmtf jt lopxo bcpvu uifn.. dpnqmfufmz bmpof.

TRANSLATION (ROT25?):

s̔̃̅e̓͐̿é͐͊m̒̀͛ḯ̌̿nͣͤͨĝ̮̌l̈͆͛y̅̒ͫ ͂̑͊ã̃ͭn̎̽́ȍ͛̐t̅ͮͣhͣ̏̉ȇ̆͞r͊ͭ͌ ̒̄̈́t͂̾̒ŷͮͭp̐ͫ̍ȇ͋̆ ͤͬ̇oͣ̌̏fͦ͑͒҉̛͇̯ ͣͤ̈҉̟gͯ́ͨhͬͥ̑oͮ̕̕s̷̿̇tͤ̆̄.̯ͯ̐.̉͌̽ ͮ̑ͪẗ́͂ͭh̨̢͐o͌ͪ͗uͨ̔̌g̝̋ͥh̎̓͛ ̗ͯ̅t͊̀̚hͦͤ̚ḯ͊ͪs̍ͪ͋ ͊̋̆õ̓̅n͂e is a little diff҉erent... ҉they cannot be seen through any means, nor heard o҉r detected. they ҉live alone in an҉ endless empty void҉ on another҉ plane of existance. l҉ike som҉e kind of ҉purgatory. a certain scientist has mana҉ged t҉o contact one of them through radio frequencies. it see҉ms that e҉lec҉tromagnetic waves is the only way to dete҉ct ҉them҉ so far. ҉the voice on the other end said t҉heir name was "tetra҉". they are the only kn҉o҉w҉n one of this kind. they w҉ere dubbed dark matter. i҉t is theorized that thi҉s҉ is ҉may ҉҉be what҉ happ҉ens to a҉ non-star celestial once it die҉s. or perh҉aps any ҉soul that cannot move on҉ with som҉ething left needing to be said.... complet҉ely m҉onochr҉ome.

n͊̐̑o̔ͣ̇t͒ͨ́hͭ̆͋ḯ̆ͣnͩ͛̓g̋̊̔ ̡̆͐ẹ͍̊l͊ͩ̓s̆͗ͮe̍̀̏ ̨́̚ìͣ͋s̀̉̏ ̓̓̔kͫ̔̒҉̖̭̟n̄̌͗ỏͩͤw͊̈́ͪń̆͐ ̧ͤ͏ă͆̓b̅̂ͦo͌͂̃uͣ̂̚t̎ͧ̃ ̏ͭ̋t̢ͤ̚hͦ̑ͩe̔ͣ̔m͛̍͌.̏̂ͯ.̴̻ͮ ̛̔́c̆̀̍o͒ͫ͗m͊̃͌p̋҉҉̴͉̘l̵̟ͩeͦ̎ͯ҉̭̟͞t̉̂̌e̎̓͑l͋ͮ̏y̍̑̍ ̃͗̚aͪͬ̉l̾one.

[unfortunately-obsessed]

On Earth, I Look Into Everything With Love

Summary: In this universe, Kara arrives on Earth at the same time Kal does.

Cw: grief/morning, unfinished work. Based on another Tumblr post but I can't find it anymore. 🩵 AO3 Link.

｡⁠*⁠♡

The Earth, a rocky planet and the densest of its solar system, is known for being a water world. More than 70.8% of Earth's surface is covered in water, which is central for the survival of its dominant species: humans.

Humans.

Kara is not sure of humans.

She doesn't understand much about them, and understands less their language. Of course, it is– was in the Kryptonian language database, she just never looked into it.

They – the two humans, supposedly a woman and a man – found her and Kal curled up in the rumble of their ship, trembling cold with space-loneliness on the remains of home. The two humans have been kind and nice so far, rushing Kara into their house as she carried, ever carefully, baby Kal El.

They offered safety, shelter, warmness. They're farmers, judging by the crops the ships just ruined, a vast field of green and yellow scattered with a desperate landing.

It's dark outside, night.

Kal is sleeping peacefully, still drowsy and lethargic from the cryogenic chamber, wrapped in red. He's so small, the last son of Krypton.

Surprisingly, her arm isn't aching from holding him for so long. Sitting in one of the chairs in what seems like a common area of the humans' house, she can hear them hushed talking in another room, a garble of sounds foreign to Kara's ears.

Everything she looks at is sharp, the edges and colors more vivid than in Krypton.

She'll have to figure something out, and soon. She needs to figure out how to communicate with the aliens.

The woman approaches, holding something, then makes a gesture of– offering? Maybe. Showing her teeth, she puts a cup in front of Kara.

Kara slumps her hand forward, in a grabbing motion, but stopping just before touching the object, testing the waters. The woman seen expecting, so Kara does actually grab it.

A liquid, somewhat luscious and slightly sweet-smelling drink, is inside the object. Maybe milk? It's hot, it's white, and the recipient it sits in has some kind of handle, probably so the person drinking doesn't burn themselves.

Kara accepts it, gulping in a diplomatic gesture. Rich taste, and sweet indeed. It tastes good.

The man follows behind, carrying some kind of tray. An overwhelmingly mellow aroma fills the room as he place it, also, on the table.

"Pye," the woman announces, the language simple-sounding. She puts a round plate with a slice of what the man was carrying.

Kara curiously peers at it, the smell bubbling hunger into her stomach.

The slice is triangular, a layer of crisp crust, filled with oozy red hot cream, maybe jam, and then another layer of crust that forms a geometric forms. It's made by hand, which is impressive on its own.

Again making the offering gesture, with open palms and expectantly, the woman gives Kara the plate with the slice and an utensil made of metal.

Everything is very delicate. The plate has a dedicate and luxurious paint around the edges, flower-like, painted in warm colors; and the utensil, which Kara assumes is to help eating, is carved with an alike flowery pattern and is very shiny.

The utensil is strange and clumsy on Kara's hands, yet she still gets a bite of the pye.

It's sweet, warm. This pye thing is delicious, and makes Kara think they're overcompensating. Or maybe those two aliens are just this generous and kind, even if Kara just destroyed their crops.

The woman says something to the man, a gibberish of sounds, but showing her teeth. The man seems to agree.

Kara didn't expect to understand the language, but the lack of clear communication nags at her as she starts to familiarize herself with the sounds, trying to grasp at any pattern. Those humans speak in a very rhythmic and melodic way.

She takes another bite of the pye, not quite anything she tasted before. Sweet and tart at the same time.

Kal seems to wake up with the smell, too. He is an unexpectedly well behaved child, so just because this pye didn't upset her own stomach, Kara puts her finger in the jam, and brush it against Kal's lips.

He is well pleased by the taste, licking his lips and already eager for more, trying to catch Kara's hands with his tiny palm.

The humans stopped talking to watch the interaction.

So suddenly, Kara is overhwelmed by a wave of building sadness. It crashed every bone and made her tremble in a single motion, of wishing her mother to see the cute face Kal is making.

But before any tear can be shed, the woman burst, "Mart'a."

Kara doesn't have idea of what it means. Maybe her expression gives it away, in some interspecies' common sense.

The woman puts her hand on her own chest. "Mart'a–" then she puts her hand on the man's chest, "–Jonat'an."

"Jonat'an," the man repeats, putting his own hand over his chest.

Kara crushes her grief between the hands, trying eagerly to understand this new interaction. Then, it turns clear between the two humans, and she places her own hand on her chest.

"Kara," she introduces herself, then gingerly lifts Kal, that is looking at everything with a curious gaze, "Kal."

The woman– Mart'a shows her teeth once again.

It helps, almost, by how gentle she looks.

"Kara," she repeats.

Kara nods and repeats the expression, strangely, showing her teeth, even if her facial muscles are foreign at it.

She offers a hand, like the woman were doing earlier, nearly pointing. "Mart'a," tries vehemently with a clumsy pronunciation.

The humans seen very happy by it.

Kara feels at ease, too.

[reevaraikar]

Human form 100 years #draft2

**1. Nutrition**

Humans adopt a hybrid system of nutrition delivery through edible algae-based films and drinks enhanced with bioactive compounds. These compact, flavor-infused films dissolve in the mouth, delivering all necessary nutrients while maintaining the sensory experience of eating. Kitchens evolve into multifunctional health hubs where food is grown using hydroponics and personalized nutrient packs are created, balancing traditional meals with cutting-edge technology. Social dining becomes a blend of tech and tradition, where "recipe codes" allow people to share interactive cooking experiences.

**2. Water Consumption**

Smart aquifers are developed, powered by solar energy and integrated with local ecosystems. These subterranean systems collect and store groundwater, filtering it through bioengineered membranes that mimic natural purification processes. Communities access clean water through decentralized tap points that monitor and adjust water quality. To ensure sustainability, individuals use "water credits" that encourage mindful consumption. Cities plant hybrid trees that enhance local rainfall and biodiversity, serving as both aesthetic and practical water solutions.

**3. Living Structures**

Humanity thrives in modular, floating eco-cities that adapt to environmental changes. These cities are decentralized yet connected through hyperloop networks, allowing mobility and resource sharing. Each city integrates renewable energy systems, vertical forests, and aquaponics, enabling self-sufficiency while maintaining biodiversity. The surrounding environment is rehabilitated, with abandoned areas turned into nature reserves or experimental rewilding zones.

**4. Education**

Education combines AR/VR immersive experiences with social and collaborative learning. Students use wearable neural interfaces that enhance focus and allow interactive, simulated environments tailored to individual learning speeds. Instead of instant data transfer, education emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and hands-on experiences. Group projects in virtual ecosystems simulate real-world challenges, encouraging teamwork and empathy. The learning process remains active, not passive, ensuring creativity and emotional intelligence are nurtured alongside knowledge.

**5. Healthcare**

Healthcare emphasizes natural symbiosis with technology and the environment. Advanced bioengineering creates symbiotic microbes that live within humans, boosting immunity and repairing tissues naturally. Genetic enhancements are focused on adaptive resilience rather than permanent alterations, ensuring ethical boundaries. Personalized health ecosystems monitor well-being using biodegradable implants that dissolve when no longer needed. Mental health care is revolutionized through AI-guided therapy and sensory experiences in virtual nature, focusing on preventive care and emotional well-being.

**6. The Outside World**

Societal reform transforms "criminals" through restorative justice in sustainable rehabilitation hubs. These hubs focus on skill-building, eco-reclamation projects, and mental health support, reintegrating individuals into society. The external world becomes a place of recovery and innovation, where marginalized groups work on environmental restoration and community-driven projects. The divide between "inside" and "outside" dissolves as these areas evolve into thriving ecosystems that support both people and nature.

7. Rebellion and Justice

Rebellion takes the form of grassroots alliances between those inside and outside the system. Dissidents from within the eco-cities collaborate with marginalized groups to build equitable communities outside the privileged zones. This movement uses decentralized technology and open-access resources to bridge gaps, creating a society where innovation and humanity thrive hand-in-hand, breaking down the very concept of "inside" and "outside" forever.

**8. Gender Equality**

Instead of reversing power structures, society embraces true equality through the dismantling of patriarchal systems without replacing them with dominance by any gender. Leadership roles are equally distributed, and inclusivity drives governance, corporations, and culture. Pay equity is universal, and career opportunities are accessible to all, regardless of gender. Social roles are no longer tied to traditional expectations, fostering a world where fairness is rooted in collaboration and mutual respect. Society thrives on shared responsibility, where innovation and compassion coexist.

**9. Gender Wage Gap**

Industries achieve a balance where pay and opportunities are determined solely by merit and contribution. Female-dominated sectors thrive, but so do male-dominated and mixed-gender fields, ensuring that success is measured by skills, not stereotypes. Flexible roles enable individuals to pursue careers or domestic responsibilities based on personal choice rather than societal pressures. Conversations about equality shift from competition to cooperation, fostering a culture where everyone can flourish together.

**10. Energy Harvesting**

Energy is harvested from a symbiotic relationship between humans and nature. Instead of solely relying on human bioelectricity, cities integrate biomechanical systems that work with flora and fauna to generate power. Vertical gardens equipped with microbial fuel cells harness energy from plant growth, creating a shared ecosystem where humans, plants, and even animals contribute to renewable energy production. This decentralized approach ensures sustainability while preserving natural diversity.

**11. Peace and Justice**

Governance merges AI's precision with human intuition, creating hybrid councils where AI offers unbiased analysis while humans provide emotional and cultural context. Justice systems focus on reconciliation and empowerment, using AI to identify systemic issues and propose proactive solutions. Education emphasizes global citizenship, fostering emotional intelligence and a collective sense of responsibility. Conflicts are addressed through global assemblies where all voices, including marginalized groups, are heard, ensuring peace is rooted in inclusivity and mutual respect.

**12. Transportation**

Transportation evolves into modular, on-demand systems. Personal pods powered by renewable energy adapt to users' needs, combining individual convenience with communal efficiency. Elevated trains are replaced by dynamic, self-organizing networks of autonomous vehicles that navigate above ground using smart grids. Underground spaces are transformed into urban forests and wildlife sanctuaries, fostering coexistence between urban infrastructure and nature. Cities become ecosystems, where mobility supports both human activity and environmental rejuvenation.

**13. Political Power**

Political power shifts to true egalitarianism, where leadership is based on capability, not quotas or historical corrections. Parliaments and councils are restructured to value diverse perspectives, including not only gender but also age, culture, and socio-economic backgrounds. Decision-making becomes a collaborative effort driven by empathy, logic, and fairness. Policies focus on long-term global challenges, like climate action and technological ethics, ensuring inclusive representation of all voices. Leadership becomes a shared, collective responsibility, fostering a balanced and sustainable political environment.

**14. Air Pollution**

Air pollution is mitigated through large-scale environmental restoration efforts. Urban areas implement vertical forests and algae-based biofilters, which absorb carbon and toxins, while renewable energy replaces fossil fuels. Outside cities, rewilding projects revive damaged ecosystems, creating green belts that stretch across continents. People wear wearable air purifiers embedded in clothing, and low-cost technologies are distributed to marginalized communities, ensuring equitable access to clean air. The divide between clean and polluted areas diminishes as humanity unites to reclaim the planet's atmosphere.

**15. Noise Pollution**

Instead of eliminating spoken communication, urban design incorporates sound-mitigating technologies that create quiet spaces. Cities are planned with acoustic harmony in mind, where natural sounds like flowing water and birdsong are amplified while industrial noise is suppressed. Silent, AI-driven public announcements replace loudspeakers, and personal sound-dampening devices are commonplace for individual use. Verbal communication remains, but its volume is moderated, allowing for a balance between human connection and peace.

*16- non human life*

Non-human life flourishes as humans integrate biomimicry and ecological preservation into every aspect of life. Advanced biospheres protect endangered species, while rewilding programs restore ecosystems. Technology supports this harmony, with AI monitoring wildlife health and genetic engineering helping species adapt to climate challenges without exploitation. Farming coexists with biodiversity, using natural predators and pollinators to sustain crops. Urban areas include green corridors for animals, ensuring coexistence even in densely populated spaces. Non-human life is no longer separate from human systems but a critical part of a shared, thriving planet.

**17. Chemical Pollution**

Chemical pollution is countered with innovative, self-repairing ecosystems. Mycoremediation fungi are deployed to detoxify soils, while bioengineered plants extract heavy metals and purify water. Factories use closed-loop systems that recycle every byproduct, eliminating industrial waste. Ocean clean-up programs use autonomous machines to filter microplastics and toxins from waterways, restoring marine ecosystems. Pollution hotspots are transformed into research centers where scientists and engineers work on further solutions. This integrated approach creates a global effort where polluted areas become symbols of recovery rather than inequality.

**18. Water Bodies**

Water bodies are revitalized using nature-based solutions rather than heavy engineering. Communities plant mangroves, restore wetlands, and use bioengineered coral reefs to naturally regulate water cycles and purify water sources. Advanced desalination and nanotechnology are integrated into floating ecosystems that produce clean water without disrupting marine habitats. Human innovations work in harmony with natural processes, increasing water availability to 20% of Earth's supply while preserving and strengthening ecosystems.

**19. Waste Management**

Waste is transformed into a resource rather than discarded. Advanced recycling plants use molecular disassembly to break down all materials into reusable components, eliminating the concept of trash. Cities integrate waste-to-energy systems that convert organic refuse into biofuel, powering urban infrastructure. Landfills are repurposed into parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Humanity no longer exports its problems but creates a circular economy where every product is designed for continuous reuse, fostering environmental responsibility.

**20. Land Use**

Land use embraces sustainable urban farming and ecological restoration. Rooftops and vertical gardens transform cities into green havens, providing food and oxygen for residents. Public spaces are designed to encourage biodiversity, with small forests, pollinator corridors, and water features that sustain wildlife. Instead of focusing solely on human art, land use integrates community efforts to rehabilitate ecosystems, creating spaces where nature and humanity thrive together. Artworks become tributes to natural resilience, celebrating unity between the urban and the wild.

**21. Ocean Pollution**

Ocean pollution is eradicated through bioengineered marine organisms that naturally decompose plastics and toxins without harming ecosystems. Large-scale ocean clean-up operations deploy fleets of solar-powered autonomous vessels that remove pollutants while monitoring marine health. Coastal communities implement zero-waste systems, ensuring no new pollution reaches the sea. Rather than exporting waste to space, humanity focuses on reducing consumption and redesigning materials to biodegrade naturally, creating a sustainable cycle that honors Earth’s waters.

**22. Climate Control**

Climate control technologies focus on repairing natural systems rather than creating artificial environments. Large-scale reforestation and rewilding efforts restore carbon sinks, stabilizing global temperatures. Cities employ passive cooling designs and renewable energy grids to adapt to changing climates without manipulating the weather. Communities outside advanced urban zones benefit from shared resources like decentralized energy grids and irrigation systems that combat droughts. The world shifts toward resilience and adaptation, reducing inequalities while respecting nature’s autonomy.

**23. Urban Agriculture and Greenification**

Urban agriculture integrates fully with local ecosystems, blending high-tech solutions with natural processes. Rooftop farms, vertical gardens, and edible landscapes thrive alongside pollinator corridors and water-saving irrigation systems. Instead of mandatory plant ownership, communities collaborate on shared green spaces and urban forests. Bioengineered plants are replaced with native species that support biodiversity, ensuring cities sustain both human and non-human life. Public participation fosters environmental awareness naturally, creating a balance between technological innovation and ecological preservation.

**24. Gender and Sexuality**

Gender and sexuality are celebrated through a fluid, intersectional approach rooted in individual empowerment. Societal systems eliminate the need for labels, allowing people to define themselves dynamically across their lives. Education focuses on empathy and cultural exchange, fostering a global network of understanding. Policies ensure equality in opportunities and representation while recognizing intersectional challenges such as economic or cultural disparities. Communities offer spaces for exploration and support, building a foundation where individuality thrives and collective unity strengthens.

**25. Diversity and Inclusion**

Diversity and inclusion evolve into dynamic societal systems where individuals share power in decision-making. Communities prioritize equitable representation, ensuring leadership reflects a spectrum of backgrounds and perspectives. Public spaces are co-designed by diverse groups to meet varied needs, creating environments that adapt to cultural, social, and physical diversity. Education emphasizes collaboration through lived experiences, breaking down systemic barriers and replacing them with networks of mutual respect. Unity arises not from uniformity but from embracing and learning from differences.

**26. Accessibility**

Accessibility becomes seamless through universal design principles. All public and private spaces use modular systems that adapt to individual needs in real-time. Advanced materials and technologies allow infrastructure to evolve alongside accessibility requirements, ensuring lifelong usability. Hazardous areas are replaced with fully automated systems, removing restrictions while maintaining safety. AI-driven simulation spaces allow people with disabilities to explore virtual versions of these areas safely. Accessibility is no longer an add-on but a fundamental aspect of all human innovation.

**27. Sustainability**

Sustainability is achieved through decentralized systems that empower communities to manage their own resources responsibly. Localized circular economies focus on reducing consumption through resource-sharing platforms, where citizens can exchange, repair, and recycle goods collaboratively. Instead of monitoring consumption, advanced AI guides individuals in making eco-conscious choices through interactive, non-intrusive suggestions. Food waste is eliminated by connecting excess to local needs using decentralized food redistribution networks. This approach fosters collective accountability without enforcement, embedding sustainability into societal values naturally.

[reasonsforhope]

"The last coal-fired power plant in New England, which had been the focus of a lawsuit and protests, is set to close in a victory for environmentalists.

Granite Shore Power said Wednesday it reached an agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency to close the Merrimack Station in New Hampshire by June 2028. As part of the deal, the company said the site will be turned into the state’s first renewable energy park that host solar power and battery storage systems. The company also said it would shutter Schiller Station in Portsmouth in December 2025. That facility, which is permitted to use oil, coal and biomass, has not operated for several years...

The 460-megawatt station in Bow has long been a thorn in the side of environmental groups. Most recently, the Sierra Club and the Conservation Law Foundation filed a lawsuit against plant owners, alleging it was violating the Clean Water Act. The plant was owned by Eversource until 2018, when it was sold to Connecticut-based Granite Shore Power. Both were named as defendants.

The environmental groups claimed the plant draws about 287 million gallons (1.1 billion liters) of water per day from the Merrimack River, heats that water as a result of its cooling process, and then discharges the water back into the river at temperatures that often exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius).

Climate activists also protested the plant and demanded its closure over concerns it is a major source of air pollution. [Note: Coal plants are by definition major sources of air pollution. x] In one incident, climate activists last year paddled canoes and kayaks down the Merrimack River to the plant site and were arrested after going onto the property.

“This historic victory is a testament to the strength and resolve of those who never wavered in the fight for their communities and future,” Ben Jealous, Sierra Club Executive Director, said in a statement. “The people of New Hampshire and all of New England will soon breathe cleaner air and drink safer water.”

The Sierra Club said the announcement will make New Hampshire the 16th state that is coal-free and New England the second coal-free region in the country."

-via AP News, March 28, 2024

--

Note: It doesn't say it in this article, but the coal plants are being replaced by renewables! Specifically solar and battery farms! Source

[dineshyadav2024]

Packing for a trek to Kanchenjunga

Packing for a trek to Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world, requires careful preparation. The trek is remote and challenging, so it's important to bring the right gear and supplies. Here’s a suggested packing list to help you prepare:

Clothing

Base Layers: Moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms.

Insulating Layers: Fleece or down jackets for warmth.

Outer Layer: Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants.

Trekking Pants and Shirts: Lightweight, quick-drying fabrics.

Warm Hat and Gloves: Insulated gloves and a wool or fleece hat.

Sun Hat and Sunglasses: Protection against sun exposure at high altitudes.

Buff or Scarf: For added warmth and protection against dust.

Socks: Several pairs of moisture-wicking and warm socks.

Underwear: Comfortable and breathable options.

Gaiters: To keep debris and snow out of your boots.

Footwear

Trekking Boots: Sturdy, waterproof, and broken-in.

Camp Shoes: Lightweight sandals or sneakers for evenings.

Gear

Backpack: 50-70 liters, with a rain cover.

Daypack: For carrying essentials during day hikes.

Sleeping Bag: Rated for -10°C (14°F) or colder.

Trekking Poles: To help with balance and reduce strain on your knees.

Headlamp: With extra batteries.

Water Bottles or Hydration System: At least 2 liters capacity.

Water Purification: Tablets or a filter for safe drinking water.

First Aid Kit: Include personal medications, blister treatment, and basic supplies.

Personal Toiletries: Biodegradable soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and hand sanitizer.

Towel: Quick-drying and lightweight.

Sunscreen and Lip Balm: High SPF to protect against strong UV rays.

Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, or dried fruit for extra energy.

Extras

Camera or Smartphone: To capture the journey.

Power Bank/Solar Charger: For charging electronics.

Journal and Pen: To document your adventure.

Books or E-Reader: For entertainment during downtime.

Map and Guidebook: For reference and navigation.

Cash: For tips and small purchases in local villages.

Documents

Passport and Visa: Ensure you have a valid visa for Nepal.

Permits: Trekking permits specific to the Kanchenjunga area.

Travel Insurance: With coverage for high-altitude trekking.

Remember, the weather can change quickly in the mountains, so it’s important to be prepared for cold, wet, and windy conditions. Also, consider the weight of your pack and try to keep it as light as possible while ensuring you have all the essentials. Safe travels and enjoy your trek!

[esgtrends]

Top 10 Most Sustainable Countries in the World

Sustainability has become a crucial issue today due to climate change and environmental degradation. Sustainable practices satisfy present needs while preserving the resources for future generations. Consequently, sustainability has become a significant factor in ranking countries based on their economic, social, and environmental policies.  

This blog post will examine the top 10 most sustainable countries worldwide, analyzing the reasons for their high rankings. Furthermore, we will take a closer look at some of the sustainable practices that have contributed to their success and discuss the importance of sustainability for our planet’s future. 

Criteria for Sustainability Ranking

Sustainability is a multifaceted concept that involves environmental, social, and economic factors. Various criteria must be considered to determine which countries are leading in sustainability.  

The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) is widely used for ranking sustainability. It is a comprehensive index that ranks countries based on their environmental performance across different indicators. The EPI includes factors such as air and water quality, biodiversity data, habitat protection, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and the sustainability of a country’s energy and transportation systems.  

Other criteria may include a country’s social welfare policies and economic sustainability. By considering a range of different factors, it is possible to get a more comprehensive picture of a country’s sustainability performance. 

1. Denmark

Denmark’s Environmental Performance Index score in 2022 was 77.9, much lower than its score in 2020 of 82.5, as is the case in most other nations. Nonetheless, Denmark retains its position as the world’s most sustainable country. In addition to receiving special recognition for its efforts in renewable energy and sustainable agriculture, Denmark stands out for having excellent ratings in “nearly all topics covered by the EPI.”  

Moreover, Denmark is among the select few nations with “net zero” CO2 emissions by 2050. Denmark has long prioritized sustainability, advocating clean products like eco-friendly hotels, solar-powered boats, and organic food and enacting some of the most effective legislation in the world to cut greenhouse gas emissions and stop climate change.  

2. United Kingdom

The UK is the second most sustainable country in the world. With a 2022 EPI score of 77.7, the United Kingdom ranked second globally, and its 23-point increase from 2012 to 2022 was the third-highest improvement of any nation. The UK is one of the few countries on pace to cut its net CO2 emissions to zero by 2050, along with Denmark, which especially singled out the UK’s efforts to manage greenhouse gas emissions.  

Read more: https://inrate.com/esg-data-solutions/climate-impact-data/ 3. Finland

Finland comes third in this list of top 10 sustainable countries. Finland shares the top spot in several performance measures with many other high-scoring countries, including grassland loss (protection), marine protected areas, wastewater treatment, soil acidification, sanitation, drinking water, solid household fuels, PM2.5 (air quality), “black carbon” emission and heavy metals.  

4. Malta

Malta, rated 23rd on the 2020 EPI but improved by 25.4 points from 2012 and 2022, the most increase of any nation worldwide during that time, soars into fourth position. Malta tied for a top place in many areas, including N2O emissions, marine trophic index (which gauges the caliber of fish in its fisheries), and conservation of forest cover.  

5. Sweden

The fifth position goes to Sweden, which ranks highly in several air and water quality areas, such as soil acidification and PM2.5. Sweden also ranks fourth globally for lead management and is second for sustainable pesticide use, only one spot behind Australia. Sweden had the fifth-highest EPI rating (72.7) in 2022. 

Read more: Features of ESG Data & Solutions

6. Luxembourg

Luxembourg, a small European country, ranks sixth in the world in environmentally friendly countries with an EPI of 72.3. It is second to Botswana worldwide for conserving its varied plant and animal species. In the areas of sanitation, waste management, household solid fuel consumption, and soil acidification, Luxembourg likewise achieves top rankings.   

7. Slovenia

Slovenia, the seventh-ranked nation in Eastern Europe according to the 2023 EPI, is only ranked 35th in total air quality due to its disappointing greenhouse gas emissions. While it has the best Terrestrial Biomes, the least amount of Wetland Loss and Soil Acidification, and the best Species Protections in the world, it is placed second in the world in terms of overall Ecosystem Vitality. According to the EPI, Slovenia has the greatest amount of protected land in all of Europe—more than 30%. 

8. Austria

Austria, which ranks first globally in Ecosystem Vitality and is the only nation to score higher than Slovenia, is the eighth-most environmentally friendly country globally with an EPI of 66.5. Austria has some of Europe’s strictest regulations in sectors such as waste management, chemicals, and air pollution.

9. Switzerland

Switzerland, ranked ninth, has excellent environmental health, sustainability, water resources, and water sanitation. Environmentally and resource-friendly solutions are becoming increasingly necessary in Switzerland’s public sector. The nation heavily supports renewable energy and is among the top recyclers in the world. For instance, SBB (Swiss Federal Railways), Switzerland’s major transportation provider, relies on electric trains, and as of 2023, 90% of the electricity used by the trains was produced by hydropower facilities. 

Inrate, a Sustainability Data and ESG Ratings company, helps financial institutions view sustainable finance from an “impact” lens. 

10. Iceland

Iceland, the tenth-placed country in 2023, tops the global Environmental Health rankings, which include factors like Air Quality, PM2.5 (a measure of particle air pollution), Drinking Water, Ozone, Sanitation, Waste Management, Lead, Recycling, and more. Although there aren’t many areas of concern with Iceland’s environmental performance, the EPI research suggests that better grazing management in the agriculture sector might raise Iceland’s ranking even higher. 

In Conclusion,

the issue of sustainability has become increasingly important for countries worldwide, and many have taken significant steps to address environmental, social, and economic challenges. The top 10 most sustainable countries highlighted in this article have demonstrated their commitment to sustainability through various policies and practices. 

Moreover, rating agencies such as Inrate provide valuable assessments of corporate sustainability performance and evaluations of a country’s overall economic and financial stability, which can be essential for determining sustainability. By considering both sovereign ratings and corporate ratings, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of a country’s sustainability performance.