Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Go Green for Oxygen

Ivy plants for oxygen.
Succulents for oxygen.

Oxygen. It is an element with the atomic number 8 and represented by the symbol O on the periodic table. In its most stable and useful form two oxygen molecules join together to form dioxygen, O2. Uptake of dioxygen (which we all just commonly refer to as oxygen) from the air is essential to our respiration, to living! We like oxygen. We need oxygen. Let’s fill our homes and offices with awesome life giving oxygen. Let’s go green for oxygen!

Spider plants are very effective at
removing carbon monoxide from
the air.
We recently learned that the universal color for oxygen is green and, being florists totally in love with plants, we find it no coincidence that most plants are green too. We all remember learning about photosynthesis in school… plants take in carbon dioxide and water and turn it into sugars and oxygen. It’s perfect! We exhale carbon dioxide and breathe in oxygen, plants do the opposite. It’s a wonderful symbiotic relationship that we have, so it only makes sense that we surround ourselves with these wonderful creatures. Houseplants do more than just brighten up a room with color and living energy; along with being pleasing to the eye, they bring real health benefits to our bodies.
Spathiphyllums, commonly
known as peace lilies, are
great for removing carbon
monoxide.

Ficus tree, great for
removing formaldehyde.
Some houseplants, such as spider plants and spathiphyllums (peace lilies), are effective for removing carbon monoxide from indoor air. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that when inhaled may result in seizures, coma, or even death. Spathiphyllums are also the most popular house plant in the US. They give off more oxygen then any other houseplant, a winner in our book!
Other plants, like ficus and aloe vera are effective at removing formaldehyde often found in adhesives and furnishings from the air. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen… it causes cancer. Cancer sucks.
Aloe vera plant, removes
formaldehyde from the air.
Cattleya orchid for oxygen.

Not only do houseplants purify air, but complaints about headaches, stress, heart/circulation-symptoms and colds decrease when indoor plants are present, according to Dr. Leona Rogler. Not feeling so hot? Get a plant! Bring a touch of the outdoors in with beautiful verdant houseplants. They only require a small amount of care and can really liven up the home or workplace. Leafy or blooming, whichever plant you choose it will add a bright touch to any room and trade your unneeded carbon dioxide and toxins for wonderful oxygen. Take a deep breath and enjoy.

Go green for oxygen!

2 comments:

  1. What an informative post. This takes me back to my days in biology and horticulture. Thanks for sharing all this great info!

    ReplyDelete