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Cleaner air
A few years ago I had the privilege to go down to Costa Rica for a vacation and an opportunity to explore different eco systems. I travelled between mountains peaks, cloud forests, desert zones and beaches. While this was definitely a trip of a lifetime for me, it was also an incredible learning situation as I went from eco-system to eco-system in a span of a few hours. My biggest take-away was the quality of the air. I was able to physically feel the difference in the air I was breathing when I went from zones that were packed with plants to ones that had very little. When in a cloud forest (a tropical area that has low-lying clouds), the air quality was so fresh and clean I savoured every breath. Compare that to the desert area that had hot dry air, which was still clean from the ocean breezes, but lacked the same sense of freshness I found in the forests. Then I got on a plane and felt like I didn’t even want to take a deep breathe. My simple conclusion: the trees and plants make a massive difference to the air we breathe. This is not a shocking revelation, but its one we seem to forget when it comes to having plants in our homes.
Time magazine did a report (January 17, 2018) on the actual impact that houseplants have on the quality of air in a home. NASA did much of the research in this area in 1989 in controlled environments where they tested the ability of plants to clean contained air. Newer studies have challenged these findings, showing that because the air in our homes is changed more often due to HVAC systems, air conditioners and forced-air heaters there’s less of an effect. While the science makes sense, there is definitely a noticeable difference when you walk into a home that is full of leafy green plants. Much like going from the desert to the jungle in Costa Rica.
Here are the best plants that you can add to your home now if you want to make a difference to your own “stale” air.
PEACE LILY
One of the easiest house plants to grow, Spathiphyllum is the one plant that almost anyone can grow. It requires less light than most, lets you know when it needs to be watered with drooping leaves, and it is one of the best air-cleaners according to NASA. In my books, this is a winner on all fronts!
DRACAENA
This houseplant requires very little water to survive, making it ideal for homeowners who go away for long periods (or ones that just forget). Dracaena prefers areas of bright light, but don’t need direct sunlight, making them ideal for north-facing rooms or condos with lots of windows. The only downside, Dracaena can be toxic to cats and dogs, so keep an eye out for chewed leaves.
ENGLISH IVY
A forgiving houseplant, Hedera Helix is a personal favourite because of its ability to trail down the sides of containers. This ivy does need some consistency in the watering regime. If you are away a lot, consider getting a simple watering system that will keep your ivy happily growing and cleaning the air around it.
The only challenge with relying on houseplants to clean the air that we breathe—you need a lot. In fact, you need one eight-inch potted plant for every square foot of space in your home. Now that’s a lot of plants!
I’ll be speaking on food sustainability in the world and in the County: growing food for all, at the Ameliasburgh Town Hall, 13 Coleman Street on January 26 at 7 p.m. All are welcome.
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