photo credit: The Equinest

According to the World Health Organization’s report in 2002 on indoor pollutants, indoor air can be up to 12 times as polluted as outdoor air.  Volatile organic compounds, known as VOCs, released from paints, adhesives, varnishes, solvents, furniture, and clothing can all affect indoor air quality. Urea-formaldehyde, found in the resin of many pressed wood products and in some insulation, can also contribute to poor indoor air quality.  Both VOCs and formaldehyde can cause allergic reactions, illnesses, irritation, and cancer.

Luckily, many decorative plants can have a significant impact.  During a study at the University of Georgia, common indoor plants were tested for their ability to remove five common VOCs from the air.  Of the 28 species tested, the Purple Waffle Plant (Hemigraphis alternata), English Ivy (Hedera helix), Waxy Leaved Plant (Hoya carnosa), and Asparagus Fern (Asparagus densiflorus) were best at removing harmful pollutants.  Plants adapted to grow in low-light conditions, like many houseplants, have to efficiently capture the gases for photosynthesis, and this adaptation enhances their ability to soak up toxic products.  Plants are a cheap and effective way to improve indoor air quality while beautifying your home.

Sources: EPA, Telegraph.co.uk

At the TED conference, we filled our Kohler LivingHome with furnishings and products made by companies that share LivingHomes’ commitment to sustainability.  Seventh Generation outfitted the laundry and nursery with non-toxic products that are sustainable and healthy for the homeowner.

Seventh Generation is committed to reducing their reliance on natural resources, reducing pollution, reducing the emissions of toxic chemicals into the environment, and making the planet safer. With a wide range of cleaning, feminine care, paper, and diaper products, Seventh Generation is one of the first self-declared “socially responsible” companies in the US.

Many corporations claim to be contributing to sustainability, but Seventh Generation sets itself apart from the crowds with considerable transparency and loads of informative details about the ingredients, manufacturing processes, and packaging of their products. They disclose all ingredients and components because they believe we, as consumers, have the right to know what makes their products safe and effective.

Seventh Generation fosters sustainability in three ways: by educating this and future generations, by offering a complete line of non-toxic household products, and through their non-profit donations program.

Education
To help consumers make informed choices, Seventh Generation includes information on their packaging, website, newsletter, blog, and announcements by the company’s Executive Chairperson.  In the Learn section of the Seventh Generation website, you can find healthy living and cleaning tips, read the company blogs, ask questions about the products, or discuss in the forum. To learn about Seventh Generation’s commitment to corporate responsibility, read their Corporate Consciousness Report.

Non-toxic Household Products
Seventh Generation only offers products that they believe are safe and effective.  They disclose all ingredients, explain all components of each product, and provide material safety data sheets for each product.  Products include: 100% recycled, non-chlorine bleached paper towels, bathroom, and facial tissues, and napkins; non-toxic, phosphate-free cleaning, dish and laundry products; recycled plastic trash bags; chlorine-free baby diapers, training pants, and baby wipes; and chlorine-free, organic feminine care products.  Seventh Generation participates in the EPA’s Safer Detergents Stewardship Program and is recognized as a Champion, the highest level, for its use of safer, non-polluting surfactants that break down quickly.

Donations Program
Seventh Generation offers 10% of their profits to community, environmental, health, and responsible business non-profit organizations.

Seventh Generation partnered with LivingHomes and displayed their products within the Kohler LivingHome at the TED conference in Long Beach, CA in February 2009.  Find out more about Seventh Generation and its commitment to health and sustainability here.

So beautify your house while keeping your family healthy. Tropical plants can be some of the most effective as they are naturally super-efficient plants, due to their natural location under a sunless canopy.

For more information on growing indoor plants for better air quality view the links below.
http://www.zone10.com/tech/NASA/Fyh.htm
http://www.plant-care.com/indoor-plants-clean-air-1.html
http://www.extension.umn.edu/yardandgarden/ygbriefs/h110Indoorair.html