The general thought is that staying indoors is a protective measure against pollutants. However, air quality culprits exist inside the home as well, in the form of chemical-based cleaners, detergents and even — ironically — air fresheners.
Bad air exacerbates conditions such as COPD and respiratory infections. While installing an expensive air filter system is an option, a cheaper bet is to simply purchase a houseplant.
According to Wellnessmama.com, plants naturally absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, but certain plants also eliminate significant amounts of benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene. Plants, in fact, have been filtering the air since the beginning of time.
Why not breathe easier? Bring one home, or consider a houseplant as a novel gift this holiday season.
The key is to find “safe” plants — ones that, if ingested, are not poisonous to children or pets. If they harm pets, they are often hazardous to children, and vice versa. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals offers a list of dozens of safe plants. Included are:
• African violet
• Christmas cactus
• Spider plant
• Pilea aluminum plant
Savvygardening.com adds palms, such as areca, parlor and ponytail, to the list. Plus, the site shares that bamboo is easy to grow, while the prayer plant is interesting because its leaves close each evening to resemble prayer hands.
Cats, especially, like to play with and munch on some of these plants, but homeowners can rest easy. Cast iron plants, for example, might get mangled and chewed but they live up to their name and tend to thrive despite abuse.
And then there are various non-toxic orchids. Phalaenopsis orchids are actually edible.
The flowers of these plants often grace Hawaiian dishes and drinks and can be consumed if desired. Plus, they are easy to find and affordable. Trader Joe’s, Walmart and Harry & David are a few retailers typically carrying Phalaenopsis orchids.