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 Living Green Most of us eagerly embrace the appropriateness of ecology and holism—their essential importance to the survival of our planet. We understand the problem of non-biodegradable products, which linger forever and, in many cases, injure the Earth. We act on our concerns; we do our best to protect our environment. But the truth is that most of us don’t really understand the meaning of these two words, ecology and holism. Because if we did, why haven’t we completely embraced these concepts and applied them to that critical part of us—our self? If we believe in the holistic "oneness" that exists in everything around us, then why don’t we extend this belief to our oneness with everything else--and protect our self from harm as well? Instead, all too willingly, we bring toxins that harm the natural environment into our interior environments. Consider Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which are harmful vapors released by certain chemicals that are used to create products in the home. So many people worry about VOCs seeping into the air and the groundwater and demand their proper disposal. Yet we casually introduce VOCs into the home and other interior spaces. In a study of six American communities undertaken in the late 1980s, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) discovered that the level of VOCs was 10 times higher indoors than outdoors. Formaldehyde is often in the glue that is used to install so many wall-to-wall carpets. Formaldehyde is often used in the creation of laminates, particle boards and other wood products. Formaldehyde, which is a VOC, is a known carcinogen. Its presence is accepted in so many of our interior environments. When many of us paint walls or refinish floors or furniture, we apply paints and finishes that are apt to contain high levels of VOCs and poison the air. We throw open the windows for ventilation and consider the problem solved. It isn’t. The toxins from the VOCs linger and linger. VOCs are not just apt to be carcinogenic; they are apt to be neurotoxic (capable of damaging nerve tissue). No wonder that cancer is on the rise, along with asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Vastu Living reminds us that all creation has the same needs and vulnerabilities. What is good for the environment is good for us; and when we protect our environment, including our interior environments, we protect ourselves. This thorough application of holism defines the philosophy of Vastu Living. We believe that it is our responsibility to use healthy natural products, whenever possible, to create healing and nurturing environments that respect all creation. This is the heart and impetus behind Vastu Living. |
New York • media@vastuliving.com • info@vastuliving.com • t. 917-848-0495 |