Sustainability is a hot topic of the present, which is good because it will be the only topic of the future. The interconnectedness of all things. As an Arizona resident, I see potential that does not exist anywhere else in the country, possibly even the world. Living in a place that gets nearly 300 days of sun a year and has never seen a real natural disaster is encouraging to say the least. Here is a bulleted list of sustainable development that can help reach a sustainable goal.

1) Expand public transportation.
2) Use renewables as much as possible.
a) Rooftop wind turbines
b) Solar PV systems
c) Solar water heating systems
3) Use energy conserving building materials both on homes and businesses.
a) Heat blocking window film & tints
b) Insulation
c) Radiant barriers
d) Vent fans
4) Build a downtown vertical farm to supply local restaurants.
5) Convert abandoned and vacant properties into urban gardens.
6) Give incentive to use organics and locally grown food.
7) Give incentive for sustainable business to headquarter in Phoenix.
8) Give incentive to manufacturers of sustainable material
9) Build solar farms to sell the energy to support the local economy
10) Create incentive to keep ASU business and sustainability minded students in the area
11) Install green living rooftops to cool the city
12) Plant trees and vegetation to cool the city
13) Install community compost areas
14) Give incentive to recycle
15) Educate of the benefits of sustainability
15) Install electric car stations

Being sustainable saves money, time, and the environment. It ensures future Phoenix generations the same ability and opportunity we have. It makes Phoenix a desirable and healthy place to work and live. It sets a standard that other cities will soon follow. Detroit is known for the auto industry, New York for the business capitol, what do we have? What do we want to be known for? Sustainability is the answer.