EcoChi: Designing the Human Experience. Debra Duneier

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      Ancient Chinese philosophy teaches us that we have a measure of control over our lives and that by using feng shui techniques we can balance Chi and maximize good luck. However, it is generally agreed that feng shui only works if you are a person who also lives by this short list, which I have named “The Three Points of Honor.” These are:

      Educate yourself so that you have clarity in what you think and do;

      Understand that we cannot control fate but can create opportunities; and

      Undertake good deeds consciously, as an act of free will.

      I advise my clients to check this short but profound list before, during and after incorporating EcoChi into their lives and projects. It is important that your core persona be aligned with these three principles, because they are vital to having the best human experience possible. If you do not live with honor, feng shui may not work at all, and certainly will not be as powerful and lasting.

      The Green / Sustainability Factor

      When you “Go Green and Sustainable” you have made choices that involve participating in an environmentally friendly lifestyle. The intention of these lifestyle choices and initiatives is to create ecological integrity by helping to protect the environment and sustain its resources for future generations. As I studied for my LEED^® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) exam, I soon realized how technically complex this subject is. LEED is a green building rating system and independent certification program that provides voluntary guidelines for developing energy-efficient, sustainable buildings. Created by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED concentrates its efforts on improving performance across these five key areas:

      •Energy efficiency

      •Indoor environmental quality

      •Materials and resources

      •Sustainable site development

      •Water quality and efficiency

      In the course of my studies, I followed a rigorous regimen that included the close evaluation of all aspects of new and existing buildings, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, indoor air quality, landscape, neighborhood development, transportation, water quality and conservation, and more—including “brownfields.” In the United States city planning jargon, a brownfield site is land previously used for industrial or commercial purposes. The land may be contaminated by low concentrations of hazardous waste or pollution, but still have the potential to be reused once it is cleaned up. Lands that require more substantial clean-up are not brownfields.

      Misleading Use of the Term “Green”

      During my months and eventually years of study in this new arena, I began to notice that many corporations, in their public communications, whether in the popular press or online, used the word green or even just the color green as a marketing tool. There is a term used to describe the deceptive use of green PR or green marketing. That term, “greenwashing,” refers to the practice some companies employ of disingenuously spinning their products and policies to make them appear environmentally friendly when, in fact, they are not. As an informed consumer, your best way to make sure your dollars are buying and supporting safe, environmentally-conscious products, companies and practices is to carefully research all products you plan to use.

      As my research and studies progressed, I also saw how integrating feng shui techniques could make Green spaces even better places to live in, work in or visit. With both of these disciplines in play, people within these environments would be more in harmony with the natural world, and live healthier and happier lives. This was all good, but for me something was still missing. I recognized that while I was being taught about energy efficiency, and how to reduce global warming, how to phase out ozone depleting chlorofluorocarbons, and new ways to save or make money by “going green,” something big was still not being addressed, namely, the human experience!

      Enter the Third Aspect of EcoChi: Environmental Psychology

      Environmental psychology is a fascinating, interdisciplinary science focused on fostering a greater understanding of the interplay between human beings and their environments. The field defines the term broadly; it can include natural environments, designed environments and learning, social and informational environments. It is believed that protecting, building and creating a “preferred environment” increases a sense of well-being in all human beings and facilitates behavioral effectiveness.

      The questions addressed by this discipline are these: Do our homes, offices and public spaces make us feel peaceful, happy and sheltered? Do they feel like the safe havens they were meant to be? Are they calming, sustaining, mood-elevating and strengthening? All of this is attainable, and can be made possible with natural ventilation, lighting, plants, colors, shapes and views.

      Looked at from a greater perspective, environmental psychology is about our relationship with Mother Earth. There are many different theories as to why we, as a species, have found ourselves seemingly intent on destroying our own planet. Some environmental psychologists believe that when we left our tribal way of living, we were separated from our mothers far too early in life. Under this theory, we experienced premature separation from the mother at the same time as we were being isolated from the natural world. This abrupt disconnection, the theory holds, has led us to suffer a kind of post-traumatic stress disorder. Underlying this hypothesis is the belief that feeling connected to the natural world is an essential component for proper maturing and responsible behavior toward the environment.

      Others in this field hold that we as a species are suffering from a “disassociation syndrome.” While similar to post-traumatic stress disorder and multiple personality disorder, this thinking is based on a belief that many, if not most, people are no longer able to respond appropriately to the natural world. The complex causes, as argued by the advocates of this particular theory, involve advertising, economic systems, politics, and our schools and universities, all of which reportedly have “disassociation” built into their fabric. Yet another theory is that humans may just be suffering from a form of collective amnesia. We have forgotten about our inherent link to nature and the lessons of our forefathers. If you want to look into this in depth, I encourage you to do your own research and draw your own conclusions. The more people who study this subject, the more aware we will all be. This can serve us as a society and bring us closer to living responsibly.

      As I studied and undertook new projects, my findings took me by surprise. I could clearly see how environmental psychology could be integrated with feng shui and green and sustainable practices to enhance and deepen the human experience in our indoor spaces and in our world. Now I had my three-legged stool and EcoChi began to take shape.

      As I said earlier, and it