Most of us feel better after we have had a good spring clean – clearing space can in-still a sense of freshness and openness, making us feel lighter and brighter. Another thing we can do to keep our homes fresh and clear is to recognise that the certain houseplants can help keep the air clean.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air quality is one of the top five risks to public health. When I read this I was astounded – this is a result of home products made with toxic chemicals, such as vinyl flooring and air fresheners.
I guess the best remedy would be to stop using them altogether or to at least limit their use in our homes – however – if you don’t wish to stop using these products and leaving the windows open all the time isn’t an option, there are houseplants that can help detoxify your indoor air.
Here are some of the more effective.
Aloe Vera
You may know this plant as a sunburn soother, but its also a wonderful air purifier. Aloe actually absorbs chemicals from cleaning products and even gives you a warning sign by developing brown spots if the chemicals reach high levels!
Purple Waffle
Researchers at the University of Georgia tested 28 common indoor decorative plants for their ability to remove the top five indoor pollutants. And the purple waffle plant was rated one of the best detoxifiers. This showy, low-maintenance spreading plant is an excellent choice as ground cover in a terrarium or to drape over a cupboard.
Areca Palm
This beautiful palm tree pumps out loads of oxygen during the day and was rated by NASA as having the eighth highest removal rate for formaldehyde – a chemical often found in carpeting. Additionally, the Areca palm helps restore moisture to dry winter air at levels comparable to an electric humidifier.
Peace Lily
This lily absorbs pollutants suah as formaldehyde (found in carpeting) trichloroethylene (found in plastics), benzene (found in paints),and xylene (found in adhesives). The peace lily requires watering once a week and your choice of a bright or shaded home. Even though this is a “peace” lily, which is less toxic than true lilies, it still can pack a toxic punch if consumed by pets.
Rubber Plant
The thick, deep green leaves of rubber plants help filter formaldehyde, benzene and ammonia from the air – all while improving the aesthetic of your living space. This somewhat demanding plant requires high light and frequent deep watering, and should also be kept far away from animals or children, as it is poisonous when consumed.
Mother-In-Law’s Tongue
Complementing the Areca palm’s daytime oxygen production, this plant is an evening oxygen producer – making it an excellent plant choice for the bedroom. To sweeten the deal, this prehistoric-looking plant is perfect for those lacking a green thumb. The Mother-in-Law’s Tongue can withstand any environmental conditions from light to dark, and wet to dry.
English Ivy
This glossy climbing plant comes in a variety of shades and is typically grown as a hanging plant that will also climb up walls or beams. Relatively easy to grow, English ivy is excellent at removing benzene from the air and also reduces airborne particles of fecal matter.
Spider Plant
This “spider” is tough to kill – but that’s a good thing because unlike its creepy-crawly namesake, you’ll really want this plant to thrive in your home. It has long wispy leaves and tiny white flowers. The spider plant destroys benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene – a solvent found in leather and rubber.
More Detox Ideas
The environment we live in plays a large part in how we feel so being mindful of this can help us to maintain a state of balanced health.
We can take this mindfulness one step further by becoming aware of how the changing seasons can effect our health. Most of us have suffered with colds during the year and more often than not these come at the change of the season – either at the Spring/Autumn Equinox or the Summer/Winter Solstice – take a look at Spring – the King of Seasons for ideas to keep those seasonal snuffles at bay.