World Environment Day has been celebrated on June 5th every year since 1974. It is the main United Nations instrument to raise awareness of the challenges and the need for environmental protection. The theme of World Environment Day 2020 is biodiversity, a concern that the Environment Day Committee calls “urgent and existential” on its website. This year marks the day calling for urgent action to protect our planet’s biodiversity. “The emergence of COVID-19 has underlined the fact that by destroying biodiversity, we are destroying the system that supports human life. By disrupting the delicate balance of nature, we have ideal conditions for the spread of pathogens – including coronaviruses – created.” says the website for World Environment Day.
One consequence of the locks caused by corona viruses around the world has been less pollution. In April, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported a 46 percent reduction in PM2.5 and a 50 percent decrease in PM10 in Delhi – one of the most polluted capitals in the world. As the world emerges from barriers and companies are resumed, it is important to take measures to ensure that the air we breathe remains clean. Studies show that breathing clean air can contribute to better health. Here are some plants that purify the air in your home:
Investment
Money plant is a sturdy plant with heart-shaped leaves and a common houseplant. This low-maintenance system is a homeowner’s favorite for a reason – it releases oxygen at night and is great for filtering the air – not to mention how pretty it looks.
Areca Palm
According to Ferns n Petals, this plant can absorb harmful gases such as formaldehyde and benzene. In fact, not only does it filter the air, it also adds moisture to it and is considered helpful for people who have sinus problems. This plant prefers partial shade to grow well, which makes it an ideal houseplant.
Gerberas
The gerbera plant – also known as Barberton Daisy – is an air purification plant that is ideal for those who like bright flowers that can bloom with minimal care. The NASA Clean Air Study to explore ways to purify air in space stations found that gerbera is one of the plants that removes volatile organic pollutants.
Snake plant
The hardly snake-like plant not only looks beautiful, it also serves to purify the air in your home. This evergreen perennial, also known as the mother-in-law’s tongue, grows best in a sunny place by the window. It is used to remove toxins like formaldehyde, nitrogen oxides and benzene from the air around you.
Tulsi
The Tulsi or Holy Basil is an excellent air-purifying houseplant that is widely touted for its health benefits. It can grow with a few hours of sunlight a day and filter the air from harmful toxins.