Here at LIV, we’re all completely aboard the Green train. From trying to save the rainforests, to spending time in the great outdoors cleansing our mind to embracing plant-based foods as much as we can, we know that green = good.
But did you know something as simple as having more plants around your home or desk could have a huge impact on your health?
As well as improving the aesthetics of your daily bubble, your green-leaved friends can actually remove harmful gases from your environment.
You probably remember from school learning all about how plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen thanks to a clever process called photosynthesis. This pretty much makes them completely essential to sustaining human life.
But as if that wasn’t enough, they also remove other harmful substances from the air around you.
Take the aptly named spider plant. Studies have shown that the spider plant can reduce formaldehyde from the air. What is formaldehyde we hear you ask? It’s a nasty little pollutant which can cause allergies, respiratory issues and irritated eyes, throat and lungs. It’s pretty much guaranteed to be found in your house or office as it comes from building materials.
Then there’s the peace lily. This gorgeous plant can help remove formaldehyde and also gets involved in reducing the amount of benzene, trichloroethylene, toluene and xylene in the air. And trust us, none of these are good for you! They are known as volatile organic compounds. Enough said.
And don’t forget the soothing power of lavender, whose scent can calm you on even the most stressful day at the office. That, and a sneaky glass of wine perhaps…
Finally, we’d like to pay homage to aloe vera. Unless you’ve had your head buried in the sand for the past 5 years, you’ve probably got aloe vera knocking about in a lot of your bathroom products. But did you know you can have your very own fresh supply? As a cactus, they are super easy to look after and you simply need to chop off a leaf, cut it down the middle and apply the gooey goodness to your skin or pop it in your morning smoothie.
So there’s your weekend activity lined up. Head to your local nursery (or Bunnings!) and stock up on some plant goodness to help your body and soul.