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House
& Home . A
Breath of Fresh Air
One of the greatest pleasures of Spring ... not the calendar date, of course, when there was still three feet of snow on the ground ... but the actual sense of Spring, when the sun is strong and warm, and the air begins to follow suit, is to throw open the windows and air out the house. There is no surer sign of Spring than the feel of a gentle breeze wafting through the window or screen door. And, after a winter of arid heat and enclosed space, there is no better smell than the clean air as it filters through the house.
For most of us, the reasons for the pleasure associated with that first breath of fresh air are probably as much psychological as physiological. But there's no discounting the physiological benefits. The fresh air, especially as grasses and plant life begin to grow, contains more oxygen. Not only that, but plant life also helps to dissipate and transform a variety of what are called volatile organic compounds [VOC's], which build up in the enclosed home during winter months. As Dr. B. C. Wolverton, a former NASA researcher, points out in his book, How to Grow Fresh Air: 50 Houseplants that Purify Your Home or Office, the sources for these VOC's are quite ubiquitous around the house -- in carpeting, upholstery, wallpaper, paint, plywood, ceiling tiles, and many other synthetic products, as well. The added benefit of plants doesn't have to be limited to Spring and the Summer season to follow, though. Taking time to propagate some houseplants now, in fact, can make for a more pleasant ... and more healthy winter next time. Dr. Wolverton suggests a variety of plants because of the rate at which they 'transpire' {i.e., cycle carbon dioxide and oxygen}, as well as the ease of care, and their resistance to insects and disease. With these criteria, he selects 50 plants most suited to replenishing the oxygen and breaking down VOC's. Dr. Wolverton found that several varieties of palm were particularly suited to his criteria. Among his other choices:
In addition to the general placement of such plants around the house, Dr. Wolverton also suggests placing a plant or two in any area where you spend an extended period of time, for example, in the bedroom or at a desk. Such placements help to purify what he refers to as your "personal breathing space" -- the six to eight cubic feet of air around you. There is no replacement for that first breath of fresh air you enjoy when Spring finally does come creeping through the open windows on a finally-warm day. But the addition of houseplants, now, can not only help to brighten up your home during the Spring and Summer months to come, but help you make it through the winter ... maybe in better spirits, and in better health, than you managed this time around. . ******* ******* If you would like to submit something for our House & Home section, don't hesitate to let us know. Simply e-mail us at house@downstreetmagazine.com. The e-mail should contain your name, address, and a phone number where we can reach you. You may also send a copy of your proposed article. The text can either be included in the body of the e-mail, or you can send it as an attachment in just about any word processing format. If your piece is accepted, we will pay a small honorarium for your interest & your time. [See Freelancers Wanted for more details.] ******* ******* If you would like to advertise in this section, or throughout the magazine, please visit our Advertising Info Pages ... or call, write, or e-mail ads@downstreetmagazine.com. ******* ******* |
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