ECLA PA LAUNCHES NEW MONTHLY SUSTAINABILITY & ENVIRONMENTAL FILM/DISCUSSION SERIES at HATBORO PA'S FIRST FRIDAY ARTS & CULTURE CELEBRATION

IS SUBURBIA SUSTAINABLE WHEN ENERGY COSTS ARE SKYROCKETING?

That question will be asked at a new monthly environmental and sustainability film and discussion series at the first of Hatboro, Pennsylvania's First Friday Celebrations. The series is hosted by concert pianist and piano teacher, Mary Comtois, at her new, holistic Art of Life Studios in Hatboro's Red Barn Mall. The Post Carbon Institute's ECLA PA will present two cutting edge films on the environment, global climate change, and oil depletion to an audience that is growing alarmed by skyrocketing energy costs.

Larry Menkes, a regional coordinator for the Post Carbon Institute in southeastern Pennsylvania will present an updated version of a film program that played to packed audiences when first shown in 2004. Menkes was a co-founder of Warminster Township's groundbreaking Energy Advisory Committee.

The first film of the evening, award-winning The End of Suburbia, is credited with introducing the concept of peak oil to an unsuspecting American public. At that time Americans were totally unaware that the cost of energy would begin a relentless climb toward ten dollars a gallon and beyond.

The second video, Natural Capitalism, is a presentation on a reinvention of capitalism that could save the planet from environmental destruction and resource depletion. More upbeat and positive, Natural Capitalism is a rare presentation by Time Hero of the Planet award winner, Amory Lovins of the Rocky Mountain Institute, a famed research facility on energy efficiency. Lovins is a recipient of the Right Livelihood Award, known as the "Alternative Nobel" prize.

Audience participation is encouraged. Menkes' home is a lab for low cost energy improvements. As a building energy surveyor, Menkes, a trained energy auditor, will offer suggestions on how to cut home energy costs by 50% and more.

The Art of Life Studios is at Suite 6 in the Red Barn Mall, 120 South York Road in Hatboro, near Byberry Road. Admission is FREE and the program will begin at 7:30 PM. Seating is limited so reservations are suggested. For information and reservations call (215) 444-0249 or email at: artoflifestudios@gmail.com.

The film series will also be shown at two or three more area Friday locations. One is scheduled for the Center for Radikal Healing on the Warminster-Upper Southampton border, and other locations TBA.