5.18.2005 ET

(CSRwire) LOS ANGELES -- The LOHAS 9 Forum: Getting to the Heart of Conscious Commerce took place April 25 to April 27 at The Ritz-Carlton in Marina del Rey, California. The conference brought together corporations, media executives and celebrities committed to Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS).

Panel discussions included Making Sustainability Sexy and Consciousness Cool, led by Environmental Media Association President Debbie Levin and included Wendie Malick and Amy Smart. LOHAS Marketing and Branding was led by Andy Marks, Founder and Managing Partner, MATTER, and included Ty Montague, Co-President and Chief Creative Officer of ad agency JWT New York, with Bryan Olson, Marketing Manager, Ford Escape Hybrid, Chris Hacker, Senior VP of Corporate Marketing and Design of Aveda, and other socially-conscious marketing and media executives. Joan Baez was the "surprise guest" of LOHAS 9 and participated in the Building LOHAS Community panel with luxury-eco designer and pioneer, Linda Loudermilk. The last panel, one of the highlights of the conference, Forces of Nature: The Future of Sustainability was led by Daryl Hannah and included Anthony Kiedis, of the Red Hot Chili Peppers; Charris Ford, Founder of Grassolean Solutions; John Picard, President and Founder of E2 Environmental Enterprises; Danny Way, World Champion Skateboarder; and Paul Stamets, Founder of Fungi Perfecti. After the last panel session, Baez led the crowd in song, and then to a drum circle performance with RhythmVillage.

Examples of healthy, sustainable living were practiced throughout LOHAS 9 as evidenced by Native Energy, who powered the conference with wind power; by Ford, who gave test drives of the Escape Hybrid and other alternative fuel vehicles; and with Organic Bouquet, who provided stunning arrangements of organic flowers throughout the conference area. Wellness Water Filters provided drinking water and Fabe's All Natural Bakery served vegan snacks. LOHAS 9 aimed to be a zero-waste event, with all products that were brought into the event being recycled, reused or composted. LOHAS 9 partnered with the Spitfire Agency, GreenHome.com, Living Tree Paper, Native Energy and In-House Tickets to assure that all products used by the conference were completely sustainable. 100% recycled toilet paper, paper towels, and trash bags were used throughout LOHAS 9, along with tree-free paper, made from flax and hemp for printed materials. The candles and soaps used by LOHAS 9 guests were chemical-free. Rolling Sunlight, a solar energy truck, powered Rickie Lee Jones' performance and Native Energy supplied wind energy certificates to offset all CO2 emissions related to LOHAS 9 for power used for air and car transportation and office work.

Some lucky guests received surprise drawing gifts, such as exclusive spa packages from Miraval, The Crossings and The Living Spa(R) at El Monte Sagrado, along with an outfit from luxury eco by Linda Loudermilk and other great prizes. Ben & Jerry's supplied ice cream after lunch and Natural Health Magazine provided massage therapists to give hand and back massages between sessions.

Intel and Dell sponsored the Cyber Café, providing state-of-the-art computer workstations and free internet access so attendees could check email and surf the web, while Gaiam provided décor elements in the LOHAS Lounge presented by Ford Escape Hybrid. Couches that the panelists sat on were supplied by Organic Interiors and the stage was made with reusable and recyclable components designed by Kevin Davies. Other highlights of LOHAS 9 included welcome remarks by Mariel Hemingway, a yoga class with Seane Corn and a Budokon class with Cameron Shayne (trainer to Courteney Cox and Jennifer Aniston).

The first annual Inspiration Film Festival, which led into LOHAS 9, showcased spiritually uplifting work from emerging filmmakers. The winner of the festival was "Illusion," starring Kirk Douglas and directed by Michael A. Goorjian ("Party of Five" and "SLC Punk"). Many said this is one of the best performances of Douglas' career. Another popular film and Inspiration Documentary Award Winner was "The Real Dirt on Farmer John." At the LOHAS 9 Forum, one of the topics addressed was Heart & Soul in Hollywood, which discussed concepts in inspirational films and included Hollywood Reporter Publisher Robert J. Dowling and film producer, Barnet Bain, who is working on the film version of "The Celestine Prophecy."
Also celebrated at the event was The Sustainable Style Foundation's OSSA (Outstanding Sustainable Style Achievement) Awards, which recognized outstanding social and environmental efforts across style industries. Supermodel Angela Lindvall, of the Collage Foundation, presented the Youth Award. Actress Sharon Lawrence was also a presenter.

LOHAS sponsors and partners included Ford Escape Hybrid, Gaiam, Ben & Jerry's, Intel, Dell, Natural Health Magazine, Organic Bouquet, Anna Sova Luxury Organics, Antique Drapery Rod Co., GreenHome.com, Expansion Capital Partners, Portfolio 21, Experience Life Magazine, Breathe Magazine, Clif Bar, Golden Temple, Hemptown, Concept Farm, Living Tree Paper Company, Wellness Water Filters, Native Energy, Under the Canopy, Co-Op America and the Environmental Media Association. Other sponsors and affiliates included Coleman Natural Meat, Ajna Music, Izze Beverage Company, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, JASON Natural Cosmetics, Zhena's Gypsy Tea, Silk, EV Rentals, Utne Magazine, Naked Juice, Better World Telecom, Organic Vintners, InHouse Ticketing, Honest Tea, Fabe's All Natural Bakery, Aveda, Floracopia, Modern Organic Products, Miraval Spa, The Crossings, The Hollywood Reporter, What Is Enlightenment Magazine, Daily Om, ENN.com, CSRWire.com, The Green Guide, Delicious Living, First Affirmative Financial Network, Social Venture Network, Sustainable Style Foundation and Global Green USA.

LOHAS 10 and the second Inspiration Film Festival are now being planned. To learn more, visit www.lohas.com or www.inspirationfilmfestival.com or call 303-222-8263.

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