About 5 years ago when I was certifying to become a Feng Shui practitioner I loved the study of the five elements in nature and how they had supportive and destructive relationships (think water dousing out fire).  I use these relationships in my design and color consultations because they demonstrate our relationship with nature and the great outdoors. It struck me how strongly Feng Shui tied the individual to nature and balance with all the elements.  Now we see words like “sustainable”, “recyclable”, and healthful.  So what does it all mean?

Feng Shui is rooted in the earth and its magnetic energies, both weak and strong.  Besides the terms Yin and Yang or the Bagua, Feng Shui practitioners blend the outdoors with the indoor environment.  We always look at the five elements of nature (wood, fire, earth, metal and water) and how they affect our spaces.  I love to design my spaces using an “organic” feel.

When we consider green design it is good for our planet, our well being and our spirit.  We hear about the toxins and gases from carpets and flooring.  We now have options like corkboard and bamboo flooring, because they grow prolifically and are considered a renewable resource.  Another new item catching on in new homes are eco-resins made of recycled plastics embedded with recycled glass, grasses, or shells for shower doors, tabletops, or light fixtures.

As a colorist, I always encourage my clients to use only low or no-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints that emit lower fumes and fewer odors.  At some paint stores you need to inquire what products fit this criteria.  As popular demand rises, more paint retailers are offering many options.

I recently read that Las Vegas’ own City Center is striving to become a gold rated LEEDS center.  LEEDS stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is now becoming the “gold standard” for new construction.   One real estate office in the Northwest moved into a LEEDS rated building and the parking lot surface is made out of recycled tires!  The new April edition of Las Vegas Life magazine will feature 12 pages on recycling and sustainability in our everyday lives.  This is a start to heighten our awareness.

The good news is that going GREEN is now chic and you no longer compromise on design.  A great way to get involved and get educated is to find your local chapter of one of the many organizations that promote green.  The U.S. Green Building Council (USGB) has chapters nationwide and our own Southwest Gas has a mission to educate ways to reduce energy costs.  Check out the website, www.freecycle.org if you want a good online resource for recycling.  If you would like more information on the GREEN topic please let the editors of this community website know and I will happily provide what I research on this subject. 

Health benefits aside, we could all reduce our waste, save energy, use more sustainable products and maximize natural light.  Let’s go GREEN!!