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This issue presents you with valuable and unique insights such as the Feng Shui of Tuscany and 9 Chi Tips from Sandy Humby. Learn about the recent completion of the largest, solar-Powered, affordable housing community in the U.S. Plan on attending the online Color Alchemy conference in July to connect with the power of color. Enjoy the wealth of wisdom offered to you all !
Peace and Prosperity
Renae Jensen
Editor

Interiors & Exteriors

By: DAK Kopec, Ph.D., IDEC, CHES

The symbiotic interaction between humans and the environment has been a concern since we first learned that harm could come from natural sources (fires, mudslides, storms). The first environmental scientists probably observed the sky, weather patterns and animal behaviors as a way of predicting disasters and protecting people from harm. Today rich traditions from these ancient practices remain in the form of Feng Shui, Vastu, and the oral traditions of native people.

Feature

Written by Kat Robertson

I find it interesting that although it is not considered a "woman's issue" the science of Bau-Biologie® is one that is appealing to women of all ages and varying backgrounds. I first became introduced to the term through my partner, Jorn Schroder.

An Eco-Architectural consultant, Jorn has been building for the past twenty years-- applying the principals of Bau-Biologie® with building projects in Germany and the US; a house he built from the ground up in Canada and a re-constructed brick brownstone in NY. Jorn explained that the only way to truly build a healthy indoor environment is to approach the objective from a holistic perspective. This thought resonated with me theoretically but I had no idea of the full scope of the concept.

Feature

Crescent Park
The Largest, Solar-Powered, Affordable Housing Community in the U.S.

24 Buildings with 378 Family Apartments at Crescent Park in Richmond, California

The new solar installation at the Crescent Park apartments in Richmond, California was dedicated on Tuesday, June 10, 2008 making this large apartment complex the largest, solar-powered affordable housing community in the United States. EAH Housing, a nonprofit affordable housing developer and manager based in San Rafael California announced the dedication of the solar system installed by Sun Light and Power serving 24 buildings and 378 family apartments for this large community on nearly 25 acres.

The Crescent Park community has been undergoing a complete renovation, including the installation of solar energy. On hand were representatives of Sun Light and Power Company, installers of the solar energy systems, including president and CEO Gary Gerber, who delivered a memorable address outlining the vision and historical events that has led to the growth of renewable energy. Also on hand was City of Richmond Mayor Gayle McLaughlin, a representative sent by the governor's office, several parties involved in the development, design and construction aspects of the project, as well as numerous community residents, including those sitting on the project's board of directors.

About the Solar Energy Installation
The solar installation at Crescent Park - a $7 million dollar project installed by Sun Light and Power, based in Berkeley, CA - will help reduce the production of greenhouse gases while providing lower utility costs for this large, family complex. The installation also helps the city of Richmond to meet almost 20% of its 5 MW goal for usage of solar power.
Producing nearly a megawatt of clean, renewable energy, the 908 kilowatts system includes 4323 SunPower, 210-watt modules and 180, SunPower M Series inverters.

Green Design

I am not a design expert, but when I do build my "green" home, I will have my front loading washer/dryer in the kitchen. It will have doors on the front, counter top is my folding table. I find so much time is spent in my kitchen, so I would pay attention to my laundry because I'm right there. It will also FORCE me to put the clothes away and not just close the laundry door :) Definently drawer style dishwasher and infrared stove top. Microwave hidden behind a cabinet door... Sorry, got caught up in my own dream.
The point of this is use of space. I hate having wasted so much room upstairs on my laundry room! My bedroom could have been smaller, no laundry, my house would have been smaller. Less to heat, cool, CLEAN!

Of course a major part of keeping a kitchen green is the use of green cleaning products. This will not only keep the kitchen surfaces free of toxic residue, which transfers to food and skin. It will also help your indoor air quality. Keep you microwave clean on inside to maximize its energy. Keep the coils on back of fridge (uses 15% of homes total energy) clear of dust to keep it running efficiently. Run full loads in your dishwasher. Do not rinse your dishes before you put them in the dishwasher. The 7,300 gallons saved per year by not rinsing is equivalent to the amount of water the avg person drinks in lifetime!
Maggie Mohs co-owner simplyneutral maggie@simplyneutral.com www.simplyneutral.com 320.309.5496
"Live simply, so others may simply live.." -Gandhi

Bau-biologie

By
Valerie Tourangeau

Valerie is the Executive Director of the Institute for Building Biology and owns Naturally Healthy Homes

In Phoenix Arizona the average rainfall a year is 7" however it takes approximately 50" of rain a year to maintain an average sized lawn. Due to severe water shortages around the country many cities have turned to Xeriscaping to convince homeowners to remove their lawns and to conserve water in areas where water is scarce. Xeriscaping is utilizing plants in the landscape that do not require supplemental irrigation. Native plants whose natural requirements are appropriate to the local climate are emphasized, turf is discouraged and actions are taken to avoid losing water to evaporation and run-off. Utilizing native plants increases the habitat for native bees, butterflies and birds, involves less time and work and lowers water bills. For homeowners wanting a natural, organic, holistically designed landscape that considers all of these possibilities and more there is another option - permaculture. Permaculture is both a design system and a philosophy. Developed in 1976 by Bill Mollison and Dan Holmgren, as a means to heal the ailing agricultural system, many permaculture concepts are adaptable to urban yards, school yards or apartment balconies.
The ethics of permaculture, Care of the Earth, Care of People and Sharing Surplus serves as a guidepost for living in concert with the environment. It values Nature for its true functions such as producing oxygen, building soils, pollinating our food crops, and keeping our world in balance.
Though many aspects of permaculture are applicable to any landscape a true permaculture design requires patience and commitment. Observation is the starting point. How does the sun move across your property, where does the wind flow on the site, where are the hot and cold spots, what are the typical traffic patterns of the residents and pets and what is the water availability. In smart permaculture landscape weeding, planting and watering are kept to a minimum. In fact permaculture strives for a fruitful landscape that requires little work.

Conscious Design Tips

Creating Curb Appeal:
A Home Seller's Checklist
By
Karen Michela Parziale

TheRealEstateStagingStudio.com

Creating curb appeal in the front yard

1. The front entry should be clean, welcoming and clutter-free. Remove the line of small pots (you know, the ones with the dead plants) and make space on the steps.
2. Update the hardware on the front door and make sure it opens smoothly.
3. Repair cracked steps, aging fences, or drooping woodwork.
4. Update dated lighting fixtures, house numbers and mailboxes.
5. Are your trees or bushes hiding your home? Hire a professional landscaper to trim -- it can make your home look larger and more welcoming.
6. Plant beautiful and colorful flowers throughout your yard. Add a few hanging potted plants or flower boxes to liven up the windows.
7. Consider repainting the house or at least the trim and front door.

Money Corner

9 Chi tips by Sandy Humby

Most of us have been affected to some degree by the current situation in the housing marketplace. Our homes serve us as places of sanctuary and refuge in every day life and as such anything that puts the safety of our 'home' in question, creates a response in the body. Our homes are the outer temple to the inner temple of our physical bodies and reveal in their own way who we are and how we are. Money (abundance or lack of) which is an energy form in itself, also impacts on our energy for life, so in these times of unprecedented change on our planet it is useful to have self-awareness of what impacts on our feeling of well being and tools in our tool bag for bringing our energy back into balance when we feel 'drained'

Product Spotlight

This is a beautiful addition to your new green kitchen ! Verterra dishware is made from only fallen leaves. No chemical glues or bonding agents. The products are oven and microwave safe and compost in 6 weeks.These environmentally-friendly plates, bowls, cups, and serving dishes come in a variety of beautiful shapes and sizes.

Sacred Space

Creating Sacred Space
Mission Hospital - North Carolina
featuring
Jaan Ferree - Intentional Designer

Mission Hospital, in Asheville, North Carolina, has recently re-designed both chapels to better serve an interfaith community. Learn about the Interior Designer, and the original work of Western North Carolina Craft Artists, that went into this project.

Asheville, North Carolina, May 29, 2008) A re-design of the chapel on the St. Joseph campus of Mission Hospital began in 2005. An interfaith committee and interior designer Jaan Ferree planned and executed this new sacred space. On June 10, 2008 a ceremony celebrated the opening. Interior designer Jaan Ferree met the dual challenge of updating Mercy Chapel, named for founding sisters of Saint Joseph's Hospital, and creating an interfaith design motif in the main chapel area. St. Joseph's merged with Mission in the late 1990's.
The sacred space is designed to honor natural elements and incorporates original pieces by Western North Carolina craft artists working in wood, ceramic, stained glass, and paint. These works represent talent from the Arts and Crafts movement in Western North Carolina: stained glass artist Martha Mitchell, furniture makers William Everette and Josh Bruton and artist Jesi Trentham. Mercy Chapel retains the meditative presence of a Christian chapel. Relaxed lighting, new fixtures, and a reupholstered church pew and kneeling benches are some new features. A Venetian plaster finish on the walls by Perry Francis utilizes Earth Paint, a locally made non-toxic natural paint.

The Feng Shui of Tuscany

By
Joy Abrams MA, FSII

The verdant rolling hills of Tuscany are not manicured by a gardener but by the sheep and animals that roam there. During the spring time the hills are framed by beautiful red and yellow poppies. On top of the hills are lovely villas that have been there in some cases for hundreds of years. They are framed by Italian Cypress trees in the front. Most villasare protected by Italian Cypress trees in the back.. The sides of the villas have dense foliage.

These villas are in Feng Shui terms sitting in the "Belly of the Dragon". Since the dragon is a mythical character that is considered to be auspicious, it is considered to be good feng shui to be in this position. To understand the "Belly of the Dragon" position, imagine a big armchair with a high back and large arms on either side of it to place your hands comfortably on it. Imagine a tiny house sitting in the middle of the chair. You can then see how protected and nurtured that house would be.

Ask Conscious Design

How can Feng Shui be incorporated into real estate?

A Personal and Professional Evolution in Feng Shui Written by Sara LaForest

With my masters in psychology and over 18 years of experience in counseling, management and training, I first became attracted to Feng Shui as a tool to develop balance, well being and abundance in my life. I delighted in learning and applying these principles in my home, with wonderful outcomes noticed by myself, family and guests. I have completed extensive independent study in Feng Shui, with emphasis on traditional form school and western school. I have completed course-work and intensive consultant training with renowned Feng Shui consultant, trainer and best-selling author, Holly Ziegler, whom is now a precious mentor to me.

The Media Room

The Feng Shui Continuum: A Blueprint for Balanced Living
By Kartar Diamond

This third book by Kartar Diamond deals with the more subtle and advanced applications of classical feng shui. The unseen flying stars are powerful in their influence and Diamond emphasizes that most homes are rather ordinary in their designs, but the non-obvious flying star energies are what usually determine if a dwelling has good or bad feng shui.
About the Author:
Kartar Diamond is one of the American Feng Shui Institute's most well-known graduates and instructors and she routinely advises several hundred new and returning clients each year. Kartar Diamond founded her consulting firm, Feng Shui Solutions, in 1993 and has been evaluating both residential and commercial properties full time ever since. She also helps people in the design phase and with house hunting. Kartar's books have had numerous foreign translations and she enjoys helping people world-wide.

Nature Notes

If you are consumed by love the beautiful Hibiscus is for you. The flower says, "Seize this opportunity! "

This tropical flower is called the flower of celebration . Well known as a symbol representing love and beauty, this flower also has healing properties that have been used for generations. Hibiscus healing potions are used to treat headaches, bronchitis, swelling and as an antidote to poison. Malays use the flowers in exorcism for epidemics and diseases. Hibiscus flowers are worn by women in the Pacific islands to show their status of being single.

Stone Power

By Deana Schimmenti

It's that time of year again! Dieting to fit into your bathing suit, starting up a membership at the gym, and hoping your will power will not evaporate when dessert is served. Don't despair, help can be found at the little Rock Shop around the corner.
There are several stones that can help you to calm your appetite. Try holding a piece of Blue Lace Agate or Sodalite in your hand while sitting down to eat your meal. The cool blue color will calm your appetite and slow down the pace of your meal. This is perfect because the slower you eat; the less likely you are to over-eat. Blue Lace Agate and Sodalite have the ability to still the mind, relax the body and calm inner turmoil. So, keep these stones handy and say goodbye to compulsive eating

Conscious Real Estate

Dating back to the 1750's, these charming, semi-detached, 18th Century Grade II listed cottages are located in the older part of a popular village near Stonehenge. With a wealth of original period features, Ti Trees 1 and Ti Trees 2 have been sensitively refurbished whilst remaining sympathetic to their original features and character.

Ti Trees 1 Porton Wiltshire

Restored with great care and attention to detail, the result has been the creation of a very light and spacious home with a pleasant atmosphere fusing the ancient with the contemporary. The property is spacious and stylish with good ceiling heights and the current owners have taken great care to retain the many period features including the exposed wall and ceiling beams, some very interesting period doors, an inglenook brick fireplace etc, and mixed this with modern, contemporary fittings in both the kitchen and bathroom including some vertical column radiators. The property has been recently re-thatched and to the rear lays a good size garden and garage with an area of off-street parking in front and to the side of it.
Brochure

Ti Trees 2 Porton Wiltshire

Great care has been taken to maintain and nurture the old, whilst complementing this with stylish, modern touches. The cottage is warm, light and welcoming with some fascinating period doors, locks, wall and ceiling beams. The kitchen and dining areas have solid oak flooring and units with Travertine flooring in the kitchen. The sitting has a large Inglenook fireplace.
Brochure
Contact: christian@kyriacou.com

Conscious Design Magazine highlights homes and properties that have been uplifted with feng shui, have positive features and/or are sustainable and environmentally friendly. These conscious properties provide a supportive environment for a perspective buyer.

Astrology

New to Conscious Design, we want to welcome Your Monthly Four Pillars Horoscope
by Yasha Jampolsky.

The Earth Sheep Month begins on July 7 at 2:35 am. and ends on August 7 at 12:17 pm
The Sheep also called Ram and Goat is eighth in the "Cycle of Twelve". The fixed element carried by the Sheep is Yin Earth. The Heaven Stem is also Yin Earth providing a month of Earth sitting on Earth.
This is likely to bring much needed grounding during a year when Earth sits over Water and is constantly being destabilized.

The Sheep is a symbol of fertility and agriculture. Warm, easygoing, gentle, sweet natured, relaxed and centered on family activity; very much like the season in which this month falls. Artistic and elegant the Sheep inspires our creative nature and our love of beauty. Always the humanitarian the Sheep leads the way to social reform and inspires the best of family values. In both the personal and public domains the Sheep inspires reconciliation and healing in troubled relationships.

Profiles

Quote from Dedication Speech : You may think that this is idealistic and unrealistic, and perhaps it is, but it is that idealism that has kept me inspired for the past 32 years. When I started, there was no solar industry. And yes, the solar industry is still very small, but it is growing at 40 to 50% per year, and it doesn't take many years at that pace of growth to get pretty darn big.
So, step by step, one roof at a time, I am confident that together we can and we will achieve the dream of solar panels on every rooftop as far as the eye can see.
Sun Light & Power's president and founder, Gary Gerber, serves on the board of directors of several non-profit organizations including the California Solar Energy Industries Association (CALSEIA), a nonprofit solar industry trade association committed to the advocacy of solar energy and the promotion of its Code of Ethics for solar industry professionals. He is a member of ADPSR (Architects, Designers, Planners for Social Responsibility. He regularly conducts seminars and classes on solar energy, as well as a lunchtime lecture program for architects.

News Briefs

Sierra magazine named Oberlin College number one in environmental sustainability efforts and programs.

A third of the food served in its dining halls is produced locally, the school hosts the first car-sharing program in Ohio, student activity fees subsidize public transportation, and half of its electricity comes from green sources. A real-time monitoring system tracks 17 dorms and displays how much juice all those laptops, blenders, and iPod chargers are burning at any moment. Last spring Oberlin held its first ecofriendly commencement, with biodegradable utensils and programs printed on 100 percent recycled paper.