Our home. The one place in the world where we should feel safe and secure. Only problem is there are poisons lurking in the air in our homes that often makes it more polluted than outdoor air. According to Health Canada: Canadians spend close to 90% of our time inside; at home, at work and in recreational environments. Most people, however, are unaware of the effects that poor indoor air quality can have on their health. They go on to suggest that the following can be found in the air within our homes:

• Formaldehyde
• Carbon monoxide
• Radon
• Asthma and allergies
• Other Major indoor air pollutants such as VOC’s offgasing from personal care products etc…

At another time I plan to fully explore the cause of some of these pollutants but for I now I would like to take a proactive stance and share one of the easiest ways for each of us to improve the air in our homes…with plants.

It is suggested that one plant should be allowed for approximately 10 square yards of floor space, assuming average ceiling heights of 8 to 9 feet. This means that you need two or three plants to contribute to good air quality in the average domestic living room of about 20 to 25 square yards.

Research has shown that these 10 plants are the most effective all-around in counteracting offgased chemicals and contributing to balanced internal humidity.

• Areca palm
• Reed palm
• Dwarf date palm
• Boston fern
• Janet Craig dracaena
• English ivy
• Australian sword fern
• Peace Lily
• Rubber plant
• Weeping fig

Treehugger.com suggests the peace lily, bamboo palm, English ivy, mums, and gerbera daisies, all of which are both easy to find and easy to care for, so even if you don’t have a green thumb, you can still have a green home or office.

My plan for the weekend is to buy a few plants. For whatever reason, plants don’t seem to last in my care. My plan this time is to research the heck out of each particular plant that I purchase to ensure that I provide them with enough sunlight, water and food. Wish me luck!