Twenty-six young artists from the US and China showcased their original artwork on the importance of protecting the planet as part of an exhibit held at the United Nations in New York on Monday.

The exhibition, named Live Green Art, was organized by Helpyoulearn LLC and the Sino-American Cultural Council. It focused on the UN mission of "Environmental Sustainable Development". UN staff and representatives from member countries attended the exhibit's opening ceremony.

The artists, ranging in age from 6 to 35, brought their own understanding of the environment to their artwork and photography as each piece was a reflection of the harmony between man and nature while advocating for everyone to take care of the environment.

Dr Rosemary J. Uzzo, an educational consultant based in New York, coordinated the display. "Protecting the environment is a universal language that we can all relate to," she said.

Each artist is considered a representative for thousands of people and through their art they have brought their ideas to the UN to help protect the environment.

The exhibit allowed youth from China to voice their opinion on environmental matters they were concerned about.

Harry Pang, 15, is from China and now studies in California. He told the audience that people should be more concerned with environmental protection and promoting a "green" lifestyle.

Pang said that pollution and excessive use of the earth's energy resources are big environmental issues he is concerned about. Back in China, Pang and his friends collected and recycled plastic bottles for money and then donated the funds to migrant children.

Shu Zhengzhou, 16, from Manhasset, New York, showed three works of art. One is a collage of a wolf surrounded by computers and cellphones. "If there were less electronic devices the environment would be healthier," Zhou said.

This exhibit provided a platform for the artists to become the environmental warriors of tomorrow and it was also an opportunity for Chinese youth to interact on an international stage.

"I want to encourage people to see the beauty of nature through my camera," said Ian Huang, a photographer from Shanghai who is studying in San Francisco. He represented the 19-35 group of artists.

Lu Chang, 18, an intern involved in the project with Helpyoulearn, who recently moved to California with her parents and now is a student at the University of Michigan, said: "The young people of China have creative talent that has yet to be seen by the world."

Much of the art work emphasized that being environmentally friendly isn't just a catchphrase and requires others to accept a green lifestyle.

"I believe art can build bridges between people," said Live Green Project Manager Zhu Haoyang.

Helpyoulearn is a consulting and training company providing consulting services for international businesses and individuals.