Whether you are returning to an office building or establishing a home office, you may wonder about the quality of the air inside your space. Plants are nature’s air filter. They improve indoor air quality by converting CO2 (carbon dioxide) into O2 (oxygen) and naturally reducing the ecological footprint. Research has found that an increase in oxygen allows humans to be more focused, creative, attentive, happy and healthy. Plants in a business setting were found to raise productivity of employees, increase occupancy and retention rates of leased space, and lower worker absenteeism. Hotel rooms with garden views are reserved more quickly and command higher rates.
How Do We Know Plants Filter the Air?
Dr. Bill Wolverton, a NASA scientist and author of “How to Grow Fresh Air,” confirmed that houseplants purify the air in 1984. In 2002, new research reconfirmed the original Wolverton study. More good news – a 2007 study by the Center of Health Design found the use of plants reduces stress, supports pain management, and promotes a sense of overall well-being. Other benefits of the study concluded that workers in plant friendly environments missed fewer days, had less stress and more job satisfaction, increased positive feelings, and enhanced problem-solving skills for both men & women. The study also found that plants reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs), sick building syndrome, and reduce noise levels and decrease temperatures inside the building.
Plants can help remove toxins from detergents, tobacco smoke, carpeting, cleaners, foam insulation, paper products, plywood, furniture, adhesives, paint, and dry cleaning chemicals, just to name a few.
The top plant picks for use indoors include the following:
How to Get Started
- Purchase plants the recommended list above
- Most of the plants on the list need medium to low light
- Need water only every 7-10 days and less
- One 8-inch diameter pot in an 8-foot X 10-foot room is all you need to make a difference
Maintenance is Important
Proper care is important for the concept to work. You will need to know who has allergy triggers in the home or office. Over-watering can lead to mold spores and cancel any benefits. Under-watering or over-watering can kill the plant.
In summary, live plants are imperative to the “green” initiative. Plants filter the air and cool the earth. They are a natural way to provide a relaxing and healthy setting and a big return for the amount of money spent.
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