In determining which items make the list for a “Bad Feng Shui” award, they need to fulfill the requirements of following four categories: Bad Design (arguably not aesthetically pleasing on any level), Bad For The Environment (contains known carcinogens, toxins or irritants), Bad For Your Well-Being (its not efficiently designed, its poorly made or it doesn’t make your life easier/better/healthier/happier) and my personal favorite, Bad Juju (an overall, negative energetic quality). I’ll start from #5 and work up to #1.
5. Antiquated-finish on mirrors
In Feng Shui, mirrors are quite important and should be used judiciously through out the home. Its key that mirrors reflect a good view -not a pile of bills or clutter- and that they have a clean, reflective surface. Mirrors that are cracked or have an antique finish on them are not considered to be auspicious since they represent your mental clarity and how clearly you see the world and your own issues.
4. Plastic or Dried Flowers
Plastic flowers should be banned. I won’t even go into why. I think it’s obvious. Dried flowers are nothing but dead energy. Both are sad remembrances for what once was. Both collect dust and deplete energy. Its crucial to have a home that has live, vibrant sources of life in it. Live plants scrub the air of toxins and are beautiful reminders of vitality and the gifts this planet has to offer.
Typical bed-in-a-bag choices are like this
3. Bed-in-a-Bag
One-stop shopping for synthetic bed sets that take all the joy out of creating an original creation for the place you spend a third of your life. What could be worse? Nothing, as far as I see it. Generally, these all-in-one purchases are poorly made out of polyester fiber fill (plastic and petroleum) and lack originality. Your bed should be where you invest the most you can on good quality linens made from natural fibers like silk, linen, jute, hemp or organic cotton. A poly-fill pillow lacks comfort and substance and is unnatural to rest your precious head on. Don’t you think its more healthy, fun and unique to create a bed that is custom to your comfort and design needs?
2. Synthetic carpeting
Synthetic carpets are filled with formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds which release toxic vapors into your environment. Carpets with stain resistant finishes are even worse with their high levels of toxicities. If you really need an area to be carpeted wall-to-wall, go for pure wool or even carpeting tiles that have been made from recycled plastic and can be replaced easily. Throw rugs or natural fiber rugs that can be picked up and thrown in the wash are best. While carpeting does not score high in Bad Design, it is my highest score for Bad Juju. Think of all the “stuff” from nasty germs and crumbs to pet accidents and spills that are deeply embedded in the synthetic fibers that you’ll never fully get out. They are also atmosphere sponges for bad smells and energy. Yuck!
1. Vertical Vinyl Blinds
These window coverings are synthetic, awkward to handle and are made with phthalates (a toxic chemical that keeps the PVC flexible). Phthalates cause hormone disruption in humans and produce dioxins in the environment. Since these dreadful, perpendicular synthetic strips hit all of the criteria for general badness, they are #1 on my list. It’s better to have nothing on your windows then these top Feng Shui offenders!
