Yesterday's Earth Day drew attention to the planet's pressing environmental issues, as is another special "green" event in Shanghai on Saturday.

Shanghai's growing awareness of environmental protection is reflected by the diverse number of "green"-friendly bags on the street. And in supermarkets, more and more families have started to shop in the organic food corner, even though the food is usually more expensive.

But there is still a long way to go in terms of availability, quality, and variety of green products available to the public.

On Saturday, the Eco Design Fair will be held in the city at China's first carbon neutral hotel URBN hotel. The hotel has an agreement with Climate Bridge - an international company committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions - to purchase credits to neutralize its carbon consumption.

Purposed to raise awareness of environmental issues and help the public to make sustainable lifestyle choices, the Eco Design Fair covers products from 27 eco-conscious businesses and groups.

The products fall into categories of advice/support, building/technology, fashion, food/drink, furniture/lighting, lifestyle, and stationery/gifts.

The fair also includes architecture firms like A00 Architecture, known for its modern conversion of Shanghai's historic houses into highly personalized residences. The firm has also completed two Rammed Earth projects recently which uses environmentally friendly, durable, low maintenance masonry for building.