The weekend of Sept. 17-18 saw Historic High Falls in the heart of Rochester transformed from a quiet urban district to a music filled display of everything environmentalists and greenies love. From recycled jewelry made out of computer parts to the latest in electric and solar powered cars to local produce, Greentopia proved to be a success. There was a host of tents for different organizations, like the Department of Environmental Services and even more information for how to live green.

 

What really attracted me to this festival were the different bins for garbage, recyclables and compostables. High school students from local schools in Rochester volunteered to show festivalgoers what could be recycled and which items were for the compost. Not many festivals I have attended have had sorted garbage bins, let alone composting!

 

Since there was so much going on at this festival, I can only hope to let the photos I took tell the story.

 

 

These miniature wind turbines were part of a display where people could sign up to get their electricity from New York State wind energy, instead of fossil fuels.

 

 

 

A new project was launched to beautify the High Falls Bridge which overlooks the Genesee River. Zen-like gardens will serve as habitats for butterflies as well as a new tourist attraction.

 

 

 

And this was a wind turbine and solar panel all in one!