On a green renewal
> Bring nature back into our lives and homes to reduce the harmful effects of too much modernisation
decorating our home to consciously make it more eco-friendly, things may well turn out for the better.
From the vaastu and feng shui perspective, the soil around a building needs to breathe.
Hence, planting trees around the house to filter the air, and using paving blocks for terraces instead of cement, both of which are in line with green design principles, would be a creative and effective approach.
Green architecture, or green design, is an approach used for reducing the harmful effects of building on human health and environment.
Vaastu and feng shui principles emphasise harmony and balance between human and nature. Thus, the concept of green architecture has been supported by these ancient sciences for thousands of years.
Green in feng shui is the colour of renewal, fresh energy and new beginnings.
Green represents the Wood element, and is said to nourish growth and health, calm the nerves, and balance the whole body by bringing healing vibrations from nature.
From the fresh pale colour of newly-opened leaves, to the dark clumps of moss growing underneath a mighty tree – there are literally hundreds of shades of green to choose from in your feng shui applications.
A great way to bring the colour green into feng shui, is with actual plants that have lush green foliage.
When it comes to construction materials, the recent adaptation of bamboo in construction in place of steel – such as in fabricating wardrobes, doors and flooring – has been found to be very effective.
Bamboo is one eco- friendly option, as it is a fast growing grass that can be selectively harvested annually.
It is extremely durable and harder than red oak and maple, has a 50% lower contraction and expansion rate than wood, and is a renewable resource.
If you wish to adapt familiar methods and not get into unconventional materials, then tiles are good.
Tiles are hardy, easy to clean and can be another eco-friendly durable material if they are made from recycled materials such as broken window panes and granite dust.
Eco-friendly construction can not only help to create a better outdoor environment, but also help to build a healthier indoor environment.
Adapting vaastu and feng shui designs in the layout, décor and landscaping of a property can effectively lead to the construction of an eco-friendly, green and healthy home.
S.BS. Surendran is an accredited master feng shui consultant, bioenergetician and traditional vaastu practitioner. Readers can contact him at lifestyle.fengshui@thesundaily. com.