This is a collaborative post.
Air pollution is a big contributor to climate change. It’s also affecting our health – causing respiratory problems for humans and animals around the world. Factories, cars, planes and ships all contribute to air pollution. We can all take measures to reduce air pollution by driving less or converting to sustainable power. But there is one other big way in which we can fight air pollution; and that is by growing more plants.
Plants remove carbon from the air and create fresh oxygen. On top of this, they are able to remove various toxins from the air; such as formaldehyde and benzene, as well as natural toxins like mold spores. They are natural air purifiers and are one of the best defences against air pollution.
Many urban planning committees are already working hard to plant more trees and shrubs. However, you can do your bit too by growing plants at home. Below are just a few ways to fight air pollution at home with plants.
Opt for a real lawn
Think twice before laying that artificial turf. Real lawns are one of the best ways to fight air pollution from your home. In fact, the average 50ft² lawn produces more oxygen than a tree – in many cases, producing enough daily oxygen to support a family of four.
Real lawns do require a fair amount of maintenance, however this can be reduced by choosing a good quality grass seeds supplier and by taking time to prepare the soil first. Don’t worry about mowing your lawn too often. In fact, if you want your lawn to produce more oxygen, it’s better to let it grow out occasionally.
On top of improving air quality, real lawns can help to support local wildlife such as insects (and in turn birds). This makes them a great eco-friendly feature in your garden.
Plant a tree
Planting a tree in your garden could also help to fight air pollution. A single mature tree can absorb 48 pounds of carbon dioxide per year, while producing enough daily oxygen to support two human beings.
You can plant a tree as a sapling or you can plant a fully-grown tree in your garden. The former option is much cheaper – you can buy some saplings for as little as £20 and plant them yourself.
Beyond improving air quality, trees have many other environmental benefits including providing a home for wildlife like birds, squirrels and insects. They can also serve practical advantages in your gardens such as creating shade, providing privacy or acting as a sound buffer if you live near a busy road. All in all, it’s worth having a tree in your home.
Grow indoor houseplants
Even if you don’t have a garden, you can still grow plants. In fact there are many houseplants that produce a lot of oxygen including spider plants and snake plants.
Even if these plants do little to combat air pollution at large, they can help to improve your home’s indoor air quality. You could find that you don’t get sick as often and that you have a better night’s sleep simply by growing houseplants in your home.