Organic Air Purifiers

When it comes to environmental assessment, one of the most important aspects is air quality. Indoor air is important in the lives of you, your family, even your pets. To make it cleaner, you can certainly go greener with cleaning supplies, make sure your HVAC system is periodically serviced, and other smart decisions. But there’s another way to keep the indoor air clean and make your home look spectacular.

During the 1980’s, a study was performed by NASA that experimented with using houseplants to purify breathable air for possible space stations. The results were astonishing, and they found that certain plants were highly effective at filtering out airborne pollutants. These plants are commonly available at your local florist or home and garden store. Read on to learn what plants will help your home look its best and create air that’s healthy and clean.

• The ancient Egyptians had a thing for both everlasting life and the healing powers of plants. That’s why they referred to aloe vera as the “plant of immortality.” They used it as a treatment method for burns, wounds, and as a natural laxative. Aloe is an ideal kitchen plant since it can filter residue caused by the chemicals benzedrine and formaldehyde, both of which are chemicals found in many cleaning products. Aloe thrives in sunny areas and it’s a snap to grow.
• Some of us are reluctant to get a plant because we’re afraid we’ll kill it accidentally. For those people, the spider plant is a perfect choice. It’s a plant that has lush foliage and pretty white flowers, as well as being extremely hardy and tough to kill. This plant excels at removing airborne chemicals like xylene, benzene, and carbon monoxide. If you have pets, the flowers and leaves of the spider plant are totally safe for them to eat.
• The snake plant, also known as the mother in law’s tongue, is tremendous when it comes to removing airborne particles of formaldehyde. It likes humidity and requires very little light, so it’s a great choice for a bathroom plant. The snake plant also absorbs carbon dioxide and emits high levels of oxygen, so consider putting one in your bedroom for an oxygen boost while you sleep.
• Speaking of formaldehyde, one of the most common places this chemical is found in the home is inside the garage. Car exhaust has lots of this chemical, and that’s why the golden pothos plant is the perfect candidate for removing its presence from the air. This plant can be poisonous to pets and children, and it should be kept far out of reach. It loves bright light and doesn’t need too much water. If you place it in front of a sunny window, you’ll be rewarded by a gorgeous cascade of green vines.
• For a plant that keeps the air clean with a high degree of style, you simply can’t go wrong with the gerberas, or Gerbera daisy. This plant blooms brightly colored and dramatic flowers, and it’s excellent at filtering out particles of benzene and the chemical trichloroethylene, frequently used by dry cleaning services. To help it flourish, simply mist it with water a couple of times a week, and give it at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day.