LOS ANGELES, CA - Daryl Hannah, whose commitment to the environment is as notable as her acting career, will host the "FORCES OF NATURE--The Future of Sustainability" panel from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday, April 27, at LOHAS 9 Forum: Getting to the Heart of Conscious Commerce. Hannah is an environmental activist who uses solar power, adopts animals, drives a clean burning vehicle that runs on biodiesel, and lives a sustainable lifestyle. Sustainability is a state or process that can be maintained indefinitely and healthfully, incorporating elements of the environment, the economy, and social systems. Those committed to sustainable living strive to buy products that are made with the fewest resources or utilize earth-friendly materials that replenish themselves easily.

Hannah selected the members of the "FORCES OF NATURE--The Future of Sustainability" panel for their innovations and contributions toward sustainable processes and products. Panelists include Charris Ford, Biodiesel Pioneer and Founder of Grassolean.com; John Picard, President and Founder of E2 Environmental Enterprises; Paul Stamets, Mycologist, Author, Inventor & Founder of Fungi Perfecti; Danny Way, Pro Skateboarder, X-Games Gold Medalist and member of the Board of Action Sports Environmental Coalition (ASEC); and Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Ford created the first biodiesel facility in Colorado using recycled French fry oil he collects from local eateries. He and Hannah are spreading the word about the efficiency of biofuels. Architect, builder and entrepreneur Picard, a leading environmental consultant, uses his knowledge of engineering and design to apply sustainability to structures and industrial campuses.

Stamets, who has written six books on the cultivation and use of mushrooms, has been active in using mycelium in breaking down toxic wastes, capturing pathogenic bacteria, and has developed strategies where mycelium kick-starts habitat restoration in ecologically devastated environments.

Pro skateboarder Way is a member of ASEC, the Action Sports Environmental Coalition, which is behind the greening of the X-Games. Another panelist who changed the way his sector of the entertainment industry does business is Kiedis, lead singer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who was instrumental in getting Warner Brothers Records to use paper made of hemp, flax and post-consumer waste in their major CD releases. In 2004, the Red Hot Chili Peppers also unveiled "The Red Hot Love Nest," a sustainably built eco-suite at San Francisco's Hotel Triton, which donates all of its profit to Julia Butterfly's non-profit organization, Circle of Life.

The LOHAS 9 Forum: Getting to the Heart of Conscious Commerce begins the evening of April 25 at The Ritz-Carlton in Marina del Rey, California and ends April 27. Other panelists include experts in health and the environment, Fortune 500 and entertainment industry executives, and celebrities who promote the LOHAS lifestyle, such as Amy Smart, Mariel Hemingway, Ed Begley Jr., and Raquel Welch. LOHAS 9 will include a musical performance by Rickie Lee Jones and other surprise entertainment. The first Inspiration Film Festival will be launched in conjunction with LOHAS 9, showcasing spiritually uplifting work of emerging filmmakers worldwide.

LOHAS sponsors and partners include Ford Escape Hybrid, Gaiam, Ben & Jerry's, Intel, Dell, Natural Health Magazine, Organic Bouquet, Clif Bar, Wellness Water Filters, Golden Temple, Antique Drapery Rod Co., Anna Sova Luxury Organics, Hemptown, Ajna Music, Izze Beverage Company, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, JASON Natural Cosmetics, Living Tree Paper Company, Utne Magazine, Co-Op America and the Environmental Media Association. Other sponsors include Under the Canopy, Experience Life Magazine, Breathe Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, Expansion Capital Partners, Portfolio 21, Zhena's Gypsy Tea, EV Rentals, Naked Juice, Concept Farm and Native Energy, who is powering the LOHAS conference with wind power.

Full-priced tickets for all three days of LOHAS 9 cost $795. A pass to the Inspiration Film Festival, including Monday's joint program and reception at LOHAS 9, costs $50 or $25 when purchased with LOHAS 9 tickets.

To purchase tickets or to learn more, visit www.lohas.com or www.inspirationfilmfestival.com or call 303-222-8263.

LOHAS

LOHAS

Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS) describes an estimated $209 billion U.S. marketplace for goods and services focused on health, the environment, social justice, personal development and sustainable living. The consumers attracted to this market represent a sizable group in this country. Approximately 19% percent of the adults in the U.S., or 41 million people, are currently considered LOHAS Consumers. This is based on surveys of the U.S. adult population estimated at 215 million.

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