Water is a precious resource on this planet, particularly freshwater. Many people need to walk miles to a pump to get it, while others are only allowed certain amounts daily or monthly. The World Economic Forum listed water scarcity as one of the largest global risks in 2019. This makes have vegetation, especially vegetation that needs water, seem a bit superfluous.
However, my wife inherited from her maternal grandmother a love for flowers. We love to have annuals on display at our house, usually in pots spread throughout the driveway and landscaping. We also have many perennials in our landscaping. We have planted marigolds, dahlias, calliopes, begonias, daylilies, peonies, and many more flowers around our house. Last year we also added on to our garden, which features asparagus, kale, broccoli, sweet potatoes, carrots, and pumpkins. This means the flowers and garden all need water regularly to produce and thrive. We both understand that water scarcity is prevalent and try to conserve it in and around the house. Rather than go to the spigot, we recently purchased a rain barrel to collect water for our flowers and garden. A rain barrel is usually hooked up to a rain gutter downspout with a diverter that keeps water moving through the downspout and out while filling the rain barrel. In other words, the barrel fills up while water is still able to move away from the house when the rain barrel is full. Obviously, this requires rain, and the last few years have been dryer than the years before that. The key fact is it does not take much rain to fill a rain barrel.
According to gardeners.com, a half inch of rain on 1,000 square feet of roof can yield 300 gallons of water. Our rain barrel only holds fifty gallons. Therefore, we need to pay attention to the barrel as it fills. When the rain barrel fills, we can use a small hose attached to the barrel to drain it in to buckets and watering cans, allowing the barrel to fill again. This water and money saving option is important for a world of water scarcity and an easy alternative to hose water. (Note: From what I have seen online, water collection is illegal in Colorado.)
As climate change continues to affect our globe, it is important to conserve water. If we each are able to focus on small practices in our own homes, a large collective difference can be made. I long for the days when it will be simple to convert ocean water to drinking water, especially as the seas continue to rise. However, in the meantime, any action that can be taken locally will benefit the world.
Compared to those who have grown up missing school or work to walk for their daily use of water, I have lived a privileged life. That is why I like to donate to campaigns that benefit access to water or pump drilling. It is also important to buy from companies that use water in the best ways possible. If those who are far away from water are able to get easier access, it can free up time for them to focus on education or work and better their lives.
Rain barrels are relatively cheap options for collecting water and can be easily utilized for water conservation. When shopping at your local home improvement store next time, stop by the rain barrels or do some research online. It may be a good option for you. (Note: We placed our rain barrel on a side of the house that does not feature a basement. The gutters tend to clog easier with a diverter. This requires extra attention to avoid water backing up around the gutter.)
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Noah Glenn
Many make light of the gaps in the conversations of older married couples, but sometimes those places are filled with… From The Boy, The Duck, and The Goose
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A Diet Refocus
The April sun seemed especially strong. The dandelions had just appeared recently and were a beautiful, bright yellow. I hopped around the yard taking in the beautiful view. I had not picked my nest yet but knew this backyard would be a good place. There looked to be a nice garden at the east end of the lawn. Asparagus was already peeking through. I hoped there would be carrots later in the year. Hopping along the fence line, I found some tall grass that was going to seed and stopped to take a few bites.
By Noah Glenn5 years ago in Feast
Nitrogen is necessary for young tropical rain forests to combat climate change.
By absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in wood, tropical rainforests contribute to the slowing of climate change. Forests that develop quickly are even more important because they absorb carbon more quickly.
By Francis Damiabout 3 hours ago in Earth
DoJ Attorneys Resign Over Decision Not to Investigate Agent in Minneapolis ICE Shooting
A Justice Department Decision Sparks Fallout Several US Department of Justice (DoJ) attorneys have resigned following an internal decision not to pursue a criminal investigation into a federal immigration agent involved in a shooting in Minneapolis, according to multiple officials familiar with the matter. The resignations have intensified scrutiny of the DoJ’s handling of the case and fueled public debate over law enforcement accountability, particularly when federal agents are involved. The shooting, which occurred during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in Minneapolis, has already drawn local outrage and national attention. The decision not to open a formal investigation has now added a new layer of controversy—this time from within the Justice Department itself. What Is Known About the Minneapolis ICE Shooting Details surrounding the incident remain limited, as authorities have not released a full public account. What has been confirmed is that an ICE agent discharged a firearm during an operation, resulting in a civilian being shot. The condition of the victim has not been fully detailed in official statements, though local officials confirmed the individual survived. Local law enforcement initially responded to the scene, but jurisdictional authority shifted quickly due to the involvement of a federal agent. Under standard procedure, incidents involving federal officers are typically reviewed by the DoJ to determine whether a civil rights or criminal investigation is warranted. It was this review—and its outcome—that ultimately triggered internal dissent. Why DoJ Attorneys Walked Away According to sources familiar with the resignations, multiple attorneys—some with experience in civil rights and public integrity cases—objected strongly to the decision not to open a formal investigation. They argued that the shooting met the threshold for independent review, regardless of whether charges were ultimately brought. One former official described the decision as “a dangerous precedent,” warning that declining to investigate could erode public trust. Others reportedly felt that political considerations, rather than legal standards, influenced the outcome. While the DoJ has not publicly confirmed the number of resignations, officials acknowledged that departures occurred and said they were handled in accordance with internal procedures. The Justice Department’s Position In a brief statement, the Department of Justice said it had conducted an initial assessment of the incident and concluded that there was insufficient basis to proceed with a criminal investigation at this time. Officials emphasized that such decisions are made after reviewing available evidence, including use-of-force policies and witness statements. The department rejected claims that the decision was politically motivated, insisting that prosecutors follow established legal thresholds rather than public pressure. However, the DoJ declined to provide further details, citing the sensitive nature of law enforcement operations and personnel matters. Minneapolis Officials and Community Reaction In Minneapolis, the reaction has been swift and critical. City leaders and community advocates have called for greater transparency, arguing that federal agents operating within city limits should be subject to the same level of scrutiny as local police. “This isn’t about politics—it’s about accountability,” said a local civil rights advocate. “When someone is shot, there must be an independent investigation, regardless of the badge involved.” Protests and community meetings have followed, with residents demanding the release of body camera footage, operational details, and a clearer explanation for the DoJ’s decision. ICE Operations Under Renewed Scrutiny The shooting and subsequent fallout have reignited broader concerns about ICE enforcement tactics. Critics argue that immigration operations often take place with limited oversight, creating conditions where accountability gaps can emerge. Advocacy groups note that ICE agents are armed and authorized to use force, yet incidents involving shootings are relatively rare—and therefore require especially careful review when they occur. Supporters of ICE counter that agents operate in dangerous environments and must make split-second decisions, warning against rushing to judgment without full facts. Political Pressure and the Rule of Law The resignations have also raised questions about political pressure within federal law enforcement agencies. While no direct evidence has been made public, former prosecutors say internal disagreement of this magnitude is unusual and concerning. “When career attorneys resign over a single decision, it signals a serious breakdown of trust,” said a former federal prosecutor. “That doesn’t happen lightly.” Lawmakers from both parties have begun asking questions, with some calling for congressional oversight hearings into the incident and the DoJ’s decision-making process. Legal Standards vs Public Expectations At the heart of the controversy is a long-standing tension in US justice: the gap between legal thresholds for prosecution and public expectations of accountability. Opening an investigation does not imply guilt, but declining to investigate can be perceived as preemptively closing the door on transparency. Civil rights experts argue that even if prosecutors believe charges are unlikely, a formal investigation can still serve an important public interest. “The process matters as much as the outcome,” said one legal scholar. “Especially when federal authority is involved.” What Happens Next While the DoJ has indicated it will not revisit its decision at this time, pressure is mounting. Civil lawsuits, independent reviews, or congressional inquiries could still follow. Meanwhile, the resignations themselves may become part of a broader reckoning inside the Justice Department, as leaders assess how internal dissent is handled—and how public confidence can be restored. For the attorneys who resigned, the decision appears to have been a matter of principle. For the public, the unanswered questions surrounding the Minneapolis shooting remain unresolved. Conclusion: A Case That Won’t Fade Quietly The resignations of DoJ attorneys over the decision not to investigate an ICE agent involved in a Minneapolis shooting have turned a single law enforcement incident into a national flashpoint. Beyond the specifics of the case, the episode raises fundamental questions about accountability, transparency, and the independence of the justice system. Whether through further investigation, legal action, or political oversight, the issue is unlikely to disappear—and the consequences may shape how similar cases are handled in the future.
By Aarif Lashari2 days ago in Earth
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