TED is a dynamic and interactive series of ongoing confernces that has taken the world of keen learners and curious people by storm. The conferences focus on innovation, new ideas, problem solving and creative ways to push the world forward. One particular clip that caught our attention was a short 5 minute talk.
The idea is simple – the more plants in our lives, the better.
Kamal Meattle, an air quality researcher working in India’s capital city New Delhi, explains how three common house plants can change the way we use energy and positively affect our health. His talk focused on these plants:
1. Areca Palm (house plant): Converts CO2 and converts it into oxygen. You’ll need 4 shoulder high plants per person in your office. Make sure to wipe the leaves once a week and take them outside every 3-4 months.
2. Mother-in-law’s Tongue (bedroom plant): Converts C02 into Oxygen at night – You’ll need 6-8 waiste high plants per person at your office.
3. Money Plant: Removes formaldihydes and other harmful chemicals from the air.
When inplemented into commercial and residential buildings, the following resulted:
- Significant reductions in eye irratations, respitory problems, asthma, and skin conditions
- An increase in human productivity by 20%
- A reduction in energy requirements in buildings by 15%
Why is this important? [Read more…]