While visiting Krogers grocery store the other day, it was very encouraging to see them offering their Naturally Preferred salad mix in a completely compostable clear container. On doing a little research, we come to learn that this is an innovative product of NatureWorks who are manufacturing food-grade plastic-looking containers made entirely out of 100% renewable sources such as corn. While the Hostel always takes its own reusable shopping bags on the grocery run, it was also good to see Kroger offering reusable shopping bags as an alternative to the paper or plastic bags at the check-out. Remember, the grovery store is a great place to think about what is recyclable before you buy it.

It is that time again folks! The Anual Spiritual Retreat is planned for March 28, 29th. and 30th. 2008 and we are looking for Instructors to book for the event! If you are interested in guiding a workshop, or class, we would love for you to contact us. Please send us an email. Just be sure to put “Workshop Instructor” in the heading, then let us know what workshop(s) you may be interested in leading; your workshop experience; have you been to The Hostel before; and finally how may we contact you?

The Hostel received coverage in three well written stories this past month. Here at EcoSpace – Conscious Community here at Ecofriend an environmental blog and here at Carbon Neutral Tourism in the uk

How would it be if everyone lived like you do? Would it be sustainable? These and other similar questions have been tackled in a fascinating on-line game developed for American Public Media™ based on analytics came from Christopher Kennedy and Redefining Progress. The game is called Consumer Consequences and was part of American Public Media’s™ special series, “Consumed,” which explores whether the modern American lifestyle is sustainable in the long run.

We’re always looking for feedback about experiences and inspirations. How was your visit to The Hostel? Do you have any ideas or suggestions that you would like to share with us?

We have had a lot of people asking about Nikki and Jeremy’s trip so for those interested, here is their blog.

Travis is really working hard to gather input for the Hostel’s Literary Magazine. He is seeking out all kinds of artwork relating to or inspired by the Hostel. This can include; poetry, fiction, photography, sketches, as well as stories of meetings and magic moments, ‘the first time I came to the Hostel’ stories, essays on sustainability and ecological philosophy, and any other Hostel folklore. Please contact him here

We are still looking for instructors for our second annual Artists Retreat. We are looking for anyone who can teach a music or a dance workshop. It can be theory, or put in practice. Anyone interested? know anyone? Can you teach drums? Can you belly dance? Can you teach people spiritual lessons using music or dance as an outlet? Let us know! we would love to hear from you…

In appreciation of The Hostel in the Forest’s Staff Family the Hostel wants to offer an Alumni T-shirt priced at cost. Suggestions?