Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Think Globally: The Best Laid Plants
(from Fifty Simple Things Your Business Can Do to Save the Earth, the Earth Works Group)

It is estimated that nearly a third of all new office buildings have indoor air quality problems. Everything from copier to the carpet can give off hazardous gases. A four-year U.S. Army study found that workers in modern, energy-efficient buildings were 50% more likely to get colds and contract respiratory infections than people in older buildings. Common office pollutants include formaldehyde (given off by particle board, wall paneling, plywood, furniture, and carpeting; trichloroethylene (from some inks, paints, and vanishes); and benzene (from gasoline fumes and some plastics).

Act Locally: Bring in Air-Cleaning Plants

Plants can absorb these pollutants through leaves, roots, and accompanying microorganisms. Some of the most effective plants are: philodendrons, golden pothos, English ivy, peace lily, and snake plant.