Models wore outfits made of junk in a mini fashion show during the opening ceremony. It drew a huge crowd of environmental protection volunteers as well as people from various arts circles, including film, television, fashion and contemporary art.

Artists employed various mediums of painting, photography and installations to show the benefits of going green. Organizers say they want to use the power of art to encourage people to protect the environment.

The exhibition was initiated by the Beijing Water Source Conservation Foundation. It was founded in 2008 and is the first non-governmental organization of its kind in China.