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This year, give yourself and your home the gift of fresh air. With temperatures dropping, we’re all spending a lot more time indoors increasing our exposure to stale air and potentially harmful chemicals. The good news is, one trip to the nursery and you’re on your way to developing a healthier habit.
Once you've put the plants around your apartment or office, they will do all the heavy lifting! Back in 1989, NASA discovered that certain houseplants can rid the air of certain toxins and purify your space. If you’re looking for a green way to freshen up the air around you, consider planting one of these green, cost effective, and natural air purifiers that can also increase your productivity, improve your mood, reduce stress, and strengthen your concentration.
1. ENGLISH IVY
This plant does a number of wonderful things for your air quality. English Ivy purifies benzene (found in plastics, dyes, pesticides, rubber, and more), formaldehyde (the stuff that’s in glue and cleaning products), and trichloroethylene (a compound in paint removers and carpet cleaners). The greenery also reduces the amount of carbon monoxide, so plant some English Ivy in your home and breathe easy.
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2. SNAKE PLANT
The snake plant (aka mother-in-law’s tongue) is meant for low lit areas of the home. At night, the sharp-leaves absorb carbon dioxide, gets rid of formaldehyde and benzene, and releases oxygen into the air. Stick a pot of this plant in your bedroom for a healthy and fresh addition to the room.
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3. ALOE
If you’re still working on your green thumb, Aloe is a great place to start, as it’s easy to care for and maintain. This miracle plant also helps clear the air of formaldehyde and benzene, and you can also use its juices to soothe sunburns, cuts, burns, and other skin conditions. The ‘plant of immortality' has been used to heal wounds for around 6,000 years.
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4. PEACE LILY
The Peace Lily’s flowers will appease your eyes and your lungs. While this isn’t a good option if you have pets, the flowery plant gets rid of carcinogens such as benzene, and it also reduces acetone, a chemical released from electronics, cleaner, and adhesives. Just remember to water it once a week so it’ll stay vibrant.
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5. BOSTON FERN
Stick this drapey plant into a hanging basket and let it get to work purifying your air. Although the Boston Fern does require more upkeep (as it needs constant moisture and humidity), it’s well known for its ability to formaldehyde, and toxic metals such as arsenic and mercury.
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6. RED-EDGED DRACAENA
If you’re on the hunt for a low-maintenance plant, this could be your new air purifier. Keep this upright shrub in indirect sunlight and make sure the soil stays moist. The Red-Edged Dracaena reduces trichloroethylene, and xylene, as well as formaldehyde and benzene. Just be sure to keep your pets away from the plant, as it could be toxic if consumed. Stick this shrub around your home for an easy way to destress.
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