When we think of air quality and air pollution we tend to focus on what’s going on outside our homes. Allergy sufferers you know the drill; headaches, stuffy nose, scratchy throat, and eyes that don’t seem to quit watering. We tend to put the blame for these pesky problems on pets, pollen and other seasonal bloomers. The scary truth however, is that many allergens are caused by indoor toxins. Chemicals from carpets, construction materials, ducts and vents in air conditioning and heating systems, fire retardant chemicals used to treat household materials, wall paint, and of course, the dreaded dust mite. I know, scary.
There is hope however! With just a few simple steps you can significantly improve the quality of air in your home in no time. Change to more mild and environmentally safe cleaning products, keep your vacuum filter clean, open windows from time to time and dust often. Even keeping your bed unmade has been found to improve home health. But beware; kids may have a field day with that information!
One of the most effective and cost efficient ways to improve indoor air quality is by simply bringing home a few plants. Through the process of oxygenation, plants absorb and reduce the amount of harmful chemicals in the air. You don’t even need a green thumb. How about that? Many houseplants are low-maintenance; requiring a modest amount of natural sunlight and infrequent watering. Just don’t forget to take a little time every now and then and share a little afternoon conversation (and carbon dioxide) with your plants. After all, they will be working hard day and night for you.
Sage Advice: Try any one of these easy-care indoor plants for better air quality.
* Philodendron
* Spider Plant
* Golden Pothos
* Boston Fern
* Gerber Daisy
* English Ivy
* Chrysanthemum
* Palms
* Peace Lily
Did You Know?
Indoor air is 5-10 times more polluted than the average outdoor air?
Megan DiPerri is a graduate of the University of Maine where she obtained a B.S. in Landscape Horticulture with a focus in business and design. A true plant nerd at heart and secret tree-hugger by night, Megan is dedicated and passionate about the environment. She is always looking to educate others on how going “green” is not only beneficial to the world around us, it’s the new wave of the future.
Her Green Living insights, "Sage Garden," will be featured regularly in future issues of
Aetherial Living.
If you enjoy this article, or would like to know more about Megan, please drop her a comment at megan@aetheriaspa.com
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