If you're in Cape Town and interested in all things green and organic, then I can guess where you'll be heading this weekend. Now, as a reader of urban sprout, you'll get to visit for free - click here for your complementary ticket that allows you access to both the Natural & Organic Products Exhibition and Womens Show.

This year's show at the CTICC (Fri 19 - Sun 21 Feb) promises to be bustling, judging by the turnout at the Joburg show last year and the growth in consumer interest, so get there early!

Cape Town's Natural & Organic usually draws more visitors with 15 000 attending in October 2008, but this was eclipsed in Joburg last June when 26 000 people visited the show. This was a 370% increase over the last Joburg show and at a time of recession!

Clearly the organic & green movement is shifting from a niche market to a mainstream lifestyle choice here in South Africa.

David Wolstenholme, director of the N&O says, "The growth and popularity of the Natural and Organic Products Exhibition provides an accurate gauge for the degree to which the average South African consumer has evolved into a more environmentally conscientious and selective buyer. What started out as an exclusive trend five years ago has grown into a sustainable and global green movement that is reflected by the boom of new organic product lines available in the marketplace. Consumers are also recognizing that their Rand allows them to exercise their power to choose, and actively support, brands that are not only good for them, but good for the environment too."

"Climate change and the resulting global food and energy crisis have put an even bigger spotlight on the need for sustainable economic solutions and environmentally conscious lifestyle practices, making the organic industry the fastest growing industry segment worldwide. To address this we have started the Green Home Exhibition – a dedicated section of the Natural & Organic Products Exhibition featuring environmentally friendly products for the home."

According to N&O's website, the Green Home Exhibition will be a good source of information about:
* the latest products and technology that will inspire you to embrace solar and wind energy
* understanding the new developments in LED lighting
* minimizing water use with state-of-the-art taps and shower heads
* how drip irrigation will be the future for your garden
* garden furniture and decking from recycled plastics
* new ideas from composting solutions and recycling to wall paints and cleaning products