My vision of a sustainable community includes people working together not against each other for the common good of the people and community.  We would have to identify strengths among community members, let the experts in each area make the recommendations, and work amicably to create the most sustainable environment possible.  The biggest change needed that I can see in our current city is the overwhelming increase in development.  The current rate of development could potentially make it difficult to successfully raise livestock and crops to sustain us in the future.

Prior to this challenge I had heard of biomass technology, but was not aware of all of the different types.  That you hear the term biomass technology or biomass as an energy source like it is something new.  The reality is that we have been using is for quite some time.  Wood to create fires to heat ourselves and homes or ethanol in our lamps to light our way.

I found the Wave and Tidal energy to be the most exciting because I learned so much when researching it.  It is also in infancy so we still don't know what all of the possibilities and potential could be.  However, with that being said the cost projections are grim.  The cost to implement is projected at $412 billion, with net losses of $1 trillion over the next three decades.  The projected outcome would be that wave and tidal energy would grow from .0004% of global electricity production to .28% by 2050.  Thus, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 9.2 gigatons over the next three decades.

In Denver, we could potentially install micro turbines on large structures such as the convention center, the Pepsi Center, maybe even the Webb Building?

I learned that by the tides changing, the movement of water is a natural form of kinetic energy.  The most surprising information that I read is "by using the power of the tides, energy is produced from the gravitational pull from both the moon and the sun, which pulls water upwards, while the Earth's rotational and gravitational power pulls water down, thus creating high and low tides (Riding the Renewable Wave:  Tidal Energy Advantages and Disadvantages, Husseini, Talal  26 October 2018)."

Before participating in the Eco Challenge, I had not heard the term "silvopasture".  Because I am an animal lover I think that the biggest advantages to silvopasture is that the trees create a sheltered microclimate to shelter the animals from heat and cold.  Also, by creating a more biologically divers environment additional wildlife and their habitat can be created.

If we continue to lose fertile soil, indigenous seeds, and knowledge we may be threatening our future ability to survive and feed ourselves.

I think that asphalt, transportation, industry manufacturing process, energy creation and consumption, as well as agricultural process have large footprints that are not always obvious.  You can learn more on how daily processes and material affect our environment with their carbon footprints by reading information on websites like the ones listed below.
https://www.livescience.com/13835-carbon-footprint-daily-activities.html
http://theconversation.com/the-hidden-carbon-cost-of-everyday-products-96745
https://www.activesustainability.com/sustainable-life/the-carbon-footprint-of-everyday-objects/

I learned that there are so many reasons and benefits that family planning is needed.  It empowers people and enhances education.  It lets families make more informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.  Some benefits include:  preventing pregnancy-related health risks in women, reducing infant mortality,
helping to prevent HIV/AIDS, reducing adolescent pregnancies, and  helping to control population growth in order to prevent negative impacts on the economy, environment, and development efforts.

Another motivator for me is to use alternative energy.  I also like the idea of having this type of water heater in our home in case there is an emergency that might affect our power sources.