The Greentopia fest is back this year as Greentopia | ECOFEST. Running from Saturday, September 15th through Sunday, September 16th, Greentopia | ECOFEST is your one-stop destination for all things green. The same folks are also bringing you other great programs throughout the week, through Greentopia | INNOVATION, Greentopia | FILM, and Greentopia | MUSIC.

So what does preservation have to do with sustainability and Greentopia? Preservation is about reusing our existing resources (whether they be buildings, open space, parks, bridges), reinvesting in our historic neighborhoods (rural villages, urban neighborhoods, and downtown cores), and planning for smart growth. All of these principles are critical components of sustainability. Without using our existing resources creatively and wisely, without attracting people to our more dense and walkable communities, we simply cannot become a sustainable society.

You can learn more about the intersections of preservation, sustainability, and community at many Greentopia events this year. Below are just a few highlights. Be sure to check the official Greentopia website for details.

• Greentopia | FILM presents Detropia, the story of a Motor City run out of gas.
  Thanks to auto-industry downsizing and other factors, Detroit is now a poster child for urban decay, with whole neighborhoods abandoned – but hope, determination and innovation among resilient residents suggest pathways to renewal and, just maybe, brighter days ahead.
  Wednesday, September 12, 6 p.m., The Little
  Thursday, September 13, 8 p.m., The Little
  >>Purchase tickets online.
  
• The Greenest Building is One that Already Exists
  Wayne Goodman (Landmark Society Executive Director), Katie Comeau (Bero Architecture), & Paul Minor (architect)
  How does preservation fit in with overall sustainability?  Preservation is the original recycling!
  Sunday, September 16, 2-2:30 p.m., Centers at High Falls, Seneca Room
• Preservation
  Andrew Meier (Historic building owner and Mayor, Village of Medina)
  Saturday, September 15, 4:30-4:45 p.m., Centers at High Falls, Atrium

If you missed it last time around, check out our Greentopia post from last year: Preservation & Sustainability–Resources You Can Use.