Maps
The Availability of Water Around the World
As the human race expands it is also depleting natural resources at an alarming rate. The entire planet has less than 1 percent of freshwater available for human consumption and 70 percent of that usable water is utilized for farming and livestock. People may be surprised to learn that the average meat eaters diet in the US consumes 1,320 gallons of water a day to generate. Areas around the world where malnutrition is a problem are often the same areas that droughts and flooding hit the hardest. When water becomes scarce, so does the food supply. Today’s visualization comes to us from Roman Zydyk who shared his work in the visualization subreddit. He created this piece using Tableau. Check it out:
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Fast Facts:
- Asia is the continent with the least amount of water and North America is second behind it.
- South America is the continent with the most fresh water reserves available.
- The country of Turkmenistan in the Middle East uses the most water in the world on agriculture.
- Africa is the continent with the worst access to clean drinking water for its population.
- 780 million people (approx.1 in 9) live without access to an improved water source.
- An improved water source is any process that protects water from outside contamination, such as fecal matter.
There are many simple ways you can help conserve water. We all know taking shorter showers helps but did you know that taking a bath will save more water then even the quickest showers? If you are someone who gardens or likes to water the lawn, you could install a rain barrel to collect run off and reuse it for irrigation. Another great way to save water, time and your hands is to wash dishes in the dishwasher. Using an Energy Star certified appliance can use as little as three gallons per load opposed to cleaning them in the sink, which can use over 25 gallons. Doing your job to conserve water benefits our society now and the many generations that will hopefully follow it.
Other great water conservation resources:
Noise pollution can have a major impact on sleep quality, and NapLab’s latest study sheds light on the noisiest and quietest places to get a good night’s rest in the U.S. Using data from the National Transportation Noise Exposure Map, they pinpointed areas with the highest and lowest decibel levels.
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The three loudest cities were all in Colorado: Denver, Aurora, and Colorado Springs. These cities experience a mix of factors contributing to the noise, including rapid population growth, which increases traffic and construction noise. Denver International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the country, adds constant aviation sounds to Denver and Aurora. Meanwhile, Colorado Springs is home to several military bases, where aircraft activity and training exercises raise noise levels even further.
On the other hand, the quietest places for sleep were found in Zephyrhills, Florida, Cape Coral, Florida, and Lakewood Township, New Jersey. These locations benefit from a slower pace of life, less urban development, and fewer transportation hubs. Zephyrhills and Cape Coral are popular with retirees and seasonal residents, leading to quieter neighborhoods. Cape Coral also enforces strict noise ordinances to maintain a peaceful environment. Lakewood Township offers an outdoor-focused, laid-back lifestyle with activities like golfing and canoeing that contribute to its calm atmosphere.
Whether you’re seeking tranquility or braving city sounds, this map offers insight into how your environment might affect your sleep.
Ever wondered which states are the most daring behind closed doors? A recent Too Timid survey of 1,427 Americans sheds light on the most sexually adventurous states in the U.S. The study ranked states based on four key factors: the average number of sex toys owned, sexual partners, sexual experiences, and fantasies that turn people on.
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Here are the top 10 most adventurous states:
- Montana
- Iowa
- Oklahoma
- Arkansas
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- Oregon
- Nevada
- Alaska
- Indiana
Meanwhile, the least adventurous states include Rhode Island, North Dakota, Maine, and South Dakota.
Beyond state rankings, the study uncovered some intriguing trends in American bedrooms. The most common sexual experience is watching porn with a partner, followed by one-night stands. When it comes to fantasies, most people keep it simple, dreaming about sex with their current partner and enjoying some steamy dirty talk.
The Too Timid team highlights the positive effects of sexual openness, noting that people who embrace their sexuality often report better body image, stronger relationships, and more satisfying sex lives.
While this survey offers a fascinating glimpse into America’s intimate habits, more data and future studies could reveal even more surprising trends. Whether your state made the top ten or not, one thing’s clear—America’s curiosity about sex is alive and well!
Homelessness in the United States remains a pressing issue, especially as rates have surged by 18.1% in 2024—a historic high. Vulnerable populations face rising housing costs, mass migration, and evictions, with many renters categorized as “cost-burdened.” Meanwhile, over 14 million vacant homes exist across the country, a number that far exceeds what’s needed to house every homeless individual.
A study by the Mortgage Calculator team maps this disparity, highlighting states with the highest ratio of vacant homes to homeless individuals. Mississippi tops the list with 187.31 vacant homes per homeless person. Despite high poverty levels, the state’s low cost of living and relatively small homeless population contribute to this striking ratio. Southern states dominate the map’s highest ratios, reflecting the availability of vacant housing in rural areas. However, these areas often lack the economic infrastructure and job opportunities necessary to support new residents, complicating potential solutions.
The findings reveal stark contrasts: urban areas, where jobs are more plentiful, tend to have higher homelessness rates but fewer vacant homes, while rural states have the opposite challenge. Advocates suggest that leveraging vacant housing could significantly reduce homelessness, but practical barriers remain. Addressing this issue will require not only repurposing unused housing but also creating sustainable economic opportunities to support vulnerable populations.
This study underscores the urgent need for innovative policies and programs to bridge the gap between empty housing and homelessness, offering hope for a more equitable future.
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