13 February 2008

This article compiled by Raphael Siket explores the many advantages of introducing plants to the indoor environment. When you explore how much plants provide for us in the way of building materials, clean air, clothing, energy and positive psychological effects you may never take them for granted again.  

PLANTS – SO HOW IMPORTANT ARE THEY?

In an age where energy conservation is becoming increasingly important, dwellings are being built more along the lines of tightly sealed units that prevent heat from escaping and therefore reducing the demand for energy. This is particularly the case here in Australia with the introduction of the 5 star energy rating system for new residential dwellings. In essence a great idea, but in some parts of the world (eg. USA, Europe and Canada) it has given rise to a dramatic increase in illness due to poor indoor air quality and a lack of fresh air.

Indoor air is on average 6 times more polluted than outdoor air, even in built up areas and cities.

You may be surprised to learn that we breathe around 8500 litres of air in and about the same out again everyday. That’s approximately 17000 litres of air passing through our lungs on a daily basis. When we exercise or are stressed we breathe more and we we are at rest we breathe less. Men generally breathe more than women.

We also spend an average of 90% of our time indoors and this is why the quality of the indoor air we breath is incredibly important, but mostly taken for granted.

How can we naturally create cleaner air indoors?

The same way that the natural environment does outdoors…………………….PLANTS!

Plants provide for an extraordinary amount of our needs. Take a minute to contemplate the importance of plants.

WHAT DO PLANTS PROVIDE?

OXYGEN

FOOD

ENERGY

MEDICNE

CLOTHING

BUILDING MATERIALS

PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS

CLEAN AIR TO BREATHE

Plants also have a calming effect on almost all of us.

Many studies have proven again and again the positive psychological affects of plants. However, we don’t need research studies to prove this.

Just think how often we use plants for these positive affects without realising we are doing so……... weddings, funerals, hospitals, gestures of affection and gestures of apology.

Plants release water vapour into the air through their leaves in a process called transpiration. Amazingly they do this at a higher rate when the air is dry and at a lower rate when the air contains more moisture.

They therefore naturally work at maintaining an ideal level of relative humidity.

Plants have also demonstrated an astonishing capability for absorbing toxic air pollutants without being adversely affected. In fact their air filtering capabilities increase as they are exposed to air pollutants for longer periods of time. Even more extraordinary is that root microbes convert these pollutants into food for the plant.

A particular species of cactus (Cereus Peruvianus) seems to thrive when exposed to electromagnetic radiation. There have been cases in the Arizona desert where cacti have sprung up below power lines and seem to feed off the electromagnetic radiation. In many cases these cacti are utilised in areas of an office where people work around electronic devices that emit electromagnetic fields.   

So introduce as many indoor plants as you are willing to care for.

They naturally filter the air, maintain ideal levels of relative humidity (45% - 55%) and introduce supportive colours and life into your indoor space.

Bill Wolverton was involved with NASA in studying the effect of plants on indoor air quality for over 20 years and some of the plants that he found to be highly beneficial are listed below:

Low maintenance plants:

TheBamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

Rubber Plant (Ficus robusta)

English Ivy (Hedera helix)

Peace Lilly

Some other highly beneficial plants that willhowever require more maintenance:

GerberaDaisy (Gerbera jamesonii)

Florist’s Mum (Chrysanthemummorifolium)

Kimberley Queen (Nephrolepisobliterate)

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

There are also other things that can be done to improve your indoor air quality. Many of which are simple and cost effective.

☺       Cleaning should be done by utilising effective, natural and environmentally friendly products and techniques. Use high quality micro-fibre cloths and water to clean most surfaces. It has been scientifically proven to be more effective than toxic chemical sprays.

☺       Dust by using a damp cloth only.

☺       Fit good quality drinking water and shower filters.

☺      Choose genuine non-toxic personal care, cleaning and pest control products. 

☺       Purchase organic produce as much as you possibly can.

☺       Consult with a Building Biologist with respect to building design, building materials, paints, carpets, insulation, ventilation and furnishings whenever you are renovating, building or moving home or business. A Building Biologist can also help to improve your current living or working environment.  

In conclusion always remember that any small change that you can and are willing to make, will have an enormous benefit on your health as well as that of the planet as a whole.

These benefits are greater than you could imagine and in the long run will improve the quality of life for future generations.

Biography ofthe author

RaphaelSiket is a qualified Building Biologist and the Director of Australia's leading Building Biology service company - ecolibria. He is president of the Australasian Society of Building Biologists and lectures at The Australian College of Environmental Studies in Melbourne.

Pleasevisit www.ecolibria.com.au

RaphaelSiket © ecolibria           12 February2008