Of course, you’ve seen all the images on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, you name it. It seems that nowadays that adding tons of greenery to your home are in vogue right now. Yes, houseplants are aesthetically appealing, but what are the benefits besides making your home look better? Also, are plants worth having around despite the level of upkeep they require? Here are a few ways they can not only make your home nicer to look at, but also more eco-friendly:

Houseplants Improve Air Quality

The first major positive of adding more houseplants is that it improves air quality. This may come as a surprise, but according to the EPA, (Environmental Protection Agency): “Americans, on average, spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors, where the concentrations of some pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than typical outdoor concentrations.” The EPA also reported that people who are more sensitive to pollution tend to spend more time indoors. Pollutants in the home are a bit difficult to get rid of, but plants can help. Plants can pull in hazardous chemicals, and can even remove around 87% of pollutants.

Houseplants Eliminate Dry Air

By increasing humidity, they eliminate dry air which can lead to dry mouth, skin, and also irritation in the lungs. They release almost all of the water that they absorb. Buying plants can also be a more eco-friendly and cost-efficient alternative than a humidifier!

Houseplants Help Boost Your Health

Plants can also help you feel better. Not just emotionally, but physically as well! Plants carry phytoncides and other chemicals that can help reduce stress. And with a reduction in stress, that almost always leads to a decrease in physical ailments. Also due to the higher oxygen provided by plants, they help to reduce anxiety. They can also increase your productivity and speed up healing. Here are a few other interesting facts:

• They can help clear toxic chemicals such as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, acetone, ammonia, benzene, and more.
• When it comes to improving humidity, plants can help reduce the transmission of illnesses such as the flu.
• In a study from the National Recreation and Park Association, it is reported that  79 percent of patients said they felt more relaxed and calm, 19 percent felt more positive, and 25 percent felt refreshed and stronger after spending time in a garden from a sample of 4 hospitals in the San Francisco Bay area.

What Houseplants Should You Have in Your Home?

So what kind of plants should you consider adding to your home? Here are a few recommendations that are extremely beneficial for improving air quality and so much more:

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Where to Buy Houseplants

Looking to start (or expand) your plant collection. There is a multitude of places that you can go to find some excellent plants. There are a variety of places that you can go online and in-person, depending on your area:

• You can visit traditional stores such as Home Depot, Walmart Supercenter, or Lowes.
• You can also visit local nurseries, garden centers, and more.
• Lastly, there are plenty of shops online that you can order houseplants and have them delivered to your door. Some reputable stores are Bloomscape, The Sill, 1-800-Flowers, Etsy, and Urban Stems, just to name a few.

Here’s to a healthier home life!

Earthwise Hauling is dedicated to creating a more eco-friendly and sustainable Southern California. Earthwise Hauling services all of Orange County and many other local areas, including Long Beach. Looking to declutter your home in order to make it more eco-friendly? Give us a call!