Plants have been enriching our planet with oxygen for millions of years. Using natural processes, they work tirelessly to purify the air we breathe. In this respect, plants act as significant air purifiers on a global scale. But did you know they can perform the same role inside your home? Indoor plants can significantly improve air quality, removing toxins and releasing oxygen. In this article, we will explore the science behind how plants filter air, their benefits in our homes, and some DIY ideas on how to incorporate them into your living space.
The Science Behind Air Purifying Plants: How Do They Cleanse the Air?
To understand how plants filter air, we must learn about photosynthesis. This natural process, performed by all plant-life, involves absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) and sunlight to produce glucose (energy) and oxygen (O2). What makes this process special is that it not only generates oxygen for all living organisms to breathe but also reduces CO2 levels, mitigating its harmful environmental effects.
However, photosynthesis is just the tip of the iceberg regarding plants’ air purifying capacities. A groundbreaking study by NASA, originally aimed at finding ways to purify the air in space stations, unveiled that indoor plants could also eliminate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. VOCs are common pollutants found in most homes, emanating from household goods such as furniture, cleaning products, and electronic devices. These compounds are potentially harmful and have been associated with numerous health problems, like asthma, allergic reactions, and even cancer.
The natural removal of these pollutants by plants occurs through a process called phytoremediation. Basically, plants absorb these compounds and transport them to their roots, where microbes then break them down into harmless substances.
Health Benefits of Indoor Air Purifying Plants
Aside from their aesthetic appeal, plants offer a plethora of health benefits. By purifying the air, they improve its quality, which can translate into improved health and wellbeing. Some of the benefits include:
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Improved Air Quality: Indoor plants actively filter airborne toxins, waste gases, and even airborne microbes. This contributes to cleaner and healthier air to breathe, which is particularly beneficial for people with allergies or respiratory conditions.
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Increased Humidity: Plants release moisture into the air during transpiration. This increased humidity can be beneficial in dry climates or during winter months when heating systems can dry out indoor air, potentially causing dry skin and respiratory discomfort.
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Reducing Stress: Multiple studies have shown that houseplants can reduce stress and improve mood. The presence of greenery induces a sense of calm and helps increase focus and productivity.
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Improved Sleep: Certain plants, like the snake plant, release oxygen at night, promoting better sleep quality.
DIY Home Projects with Air Purifying Plants
Incorporating air purifying plants could be fun and engaging, and the perfect opportunity for DIY home projects. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Indoor Plant Wall: An indoor plant wall can make a spectacular visual statement while also purifying the air. Build a vertical garden on a wall in your home using air purifying plants such as English Ivy, Spider plants, or Ferns. This project would need a sturdy wall-mounted frame, suitable containers for your plants, and a watering system.
2. Creative Planters: One great way to incorporate more plants into your home is by using creative planters. Old books, drawers, tea pots, wine bottles, or mason jars can be upcycled into unique little homes for your green friends.
3. Suspended Window Garden: If you lack floor space, a fantastic solution would be a suspended window garden. Use plants like golden pothos, peace lilies, and Boston ferns, which are hardy and don’t need direct sunlight.
4. Terrariums: Terrariums are excellent for those with little space or those who want to bring some greenery into their office space. You can use a variety of containers, such as glass cloches, vases, or jars, to create miniature green worlds with small indoor plants.
5. Recycled Bottle Herb Garden: Herbs are great air purifiers, and they also have culinary benefits. Use recycled plastic bottles to create an indoor herb garden on your kitchen window. Basil, mint, rosemary, and thyme are some good options to start with.
In conclusion, air purifying plants offer many benefits. From improving indoor air quality to lifting your spirits, there’s no downside to incorporating them into your home. Plus, with these DIY project ideas, you can have a blast while doing so! Incorporate some greenery into your abode and enjoy the healthier, fresher air indoors.
Note: Plant care is essential for these DIY projects. Different plants require different light levels, watering routines, and temperatures. Always research the specific needs of your chosen plants to ensure they thrive in your environment.
Sources:
NASA. (1989). Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement. Retrieved from https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19930073077/downloads/19930073077.pdf
Wolverton, B. C., Johnson, A., & Bounds, K. (1989). Interior landscape plants for indoor air pollution abatement. National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Raanaas, R. K., Evensen, K. H., Rich, D., Sjøstrøm, G., & Patil, G. (2011). Benefits of indoor plants on attention capacity in an office setting. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 31(1), 99-105.
Mahy, C. E., Moses, J. N., & Moffitt, R. T. (2015). How and where to hang indoor plants. Hanging Planters: Indoor, Outdoor, Herb, Wall, Kitchen, Garden, Vertical, Creepers, Modern, Hanging Baskets, DIY, Tutorials, Pictures, Ideas, Designs, Plastics, Pots, Metal, Wood, Ceramic, Cement.
