Improving the Air Quality in Your Home
by Michele Kadison
We all realize how important it is to breathe clean air, whether it be outdoors or in. When it comes to our homes, which are our sanctuaries, clean air is essential. If you have pets, allergies, asthma, or are adverse to constant cleaning, a little help from some effective resources can make all the difference to your sense of well-being.
The most natural way to improve air quality is incorporating houseplants into your décor. These lovely living air purifiers help to absorb many airborne pollutants such as smoke, carpet residue, and fumes from commercial cleaning supplies (if you still are using them!) According to a study made by NASA, houseplants are ideal for filtering out toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde. Because plants undergo photosynthesis even in low light conditions, they are constantly cleaning the air around them.
Besides filtering your air, plants play a big part in enhancing the look of your home as well as helping to lift the spirits of everyone in your household. Even if your thumb refuses to go green, there are many plants that can grow quite easily with just a minimum of care.
Here is a list of my favorites for some of you non-gardening types:
• Tillandsia: doesn’t need soil to grow as it feeds on the air. Once a week immerse the plant in water or give it a thorough misting and you’re done.
• Ivy: an extremely low maintenance plant that is great for softening the look of hard edges in hour home or for making a topiary.
• Kentia Palm: grows up to 12 feet indoors, so is great for homes with high ceilings.
• Dracaena: comes in a wide range of colors including light green, dark green, and green and white stripes.
• Rubber Plant: has lush, thick, dark green leaves that remind you of a verdant jungle.
• Bamboo: needs no soil and looks great when placed in big vase full of water.
• Cactus: place it near bright sunlight and water once a week or less.
• Philodendron: lovely trailing plants that endure with very little care.
• African violets: with their soft fuzzy leaves and beautiful flower clusters, they are wonderful additions for brightening your home.
Whatever type of plants you choose, follow the directions on the tags that are attached when you buy them and you will have thriving natural air fresheners working 24/7.
Along with houseplants, actual air purifying units are excellent choices for cleaning up airborne toxins, no matter how miniscule. Choosing a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter will keep your home free of harmful irritants.
Some of the best commercial air purifying units include ionizers that help boost their performance or come with charcoal or carbon filters to help control household odors.
By combining houseplants with a good commercial air purifying system you are guaranteeing that your home will maintain the best air quality possible. What a great guarantee to give your loved ones.
