As soon as November rolls around I feel a sudden urge of cleaning and organizing. Holiday cleaning is one of my favorite activities to do. Yes! I do like cleaning… when I have time. Decorating and rearranging my living space makes me feel refreshed and like I just moved into a new house. Our environment impacts our family’s wellbeing. It can help us have peace, tranquility, and health.
Even though I love new fine-looking decorations, the real things that I know adorn my home and create my healthy environment are simple and free elements from nature. Sunlight peeking through the windows, fresh air circulating through our home, colorful flowers and cleansing plants are some of the most beautiful home décor we can all enjoy and benefit from.
Top Ten Plants to Clean Indoors:
The quality of the air in our homes is very important. Research done by NASA show that living, green, and flowering plants remove several toxic chemicals from the air in building interiors. NASA found that the following ten plants are the top picks for removing formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the air:
- Bamboo palm
- Chinese evergreen
- English ivy
- Gerbera daisy
- Janet Craig
- Marginata
- Mass cane/corn plant
- Mother-in-law’s tongue
- Pot mum
- Peace lily
We usually think air pollution is outside of our homes, but there are many things we have inside our homes can affect the quality of the air we breathe. Indoor air pollution is created when we use toxic chemical products such as household cleaners and pesticides; it’s in carpets, foams, and composite wood products made from fume-emitting synthetic materials, among many other things. (Source: CREATION Health)
After seeing images of these plants, they look so familiar because many homes in my island, Puerto Rico, have them. I used to think that here in Florida (since I have air conditioning and windows are closed) my home would not get dusty, but thinking back as I grew up with all windows opened and breathing fresh air, (dust did enter the house), but I do not remember suffering allergies as I do now.
Living in a pleasant, clean space can influence our mood and health. Simple things like adding a plant to help clean the air in our home, or opening the windows to let the fresh air run through can help us stay happy and healthy.
I am starting December planting a few seeds to keep herbs near my kitchen window, and flowers near my bedside to dress my home with the beauty of God’s creation.
Join me in picking from the list one of the plants that will be a beautiful treasure to help remove any toxins from my home. “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. Proverbs 24:3-4.
Creation Health:
I recently completed the Creation® Health Seminar Training. I choose to live by this wonderful wellness model following God’s model for health which is found in the CREATION story. CREATION® Health is an easy-to-remember acronym for full health. I will be sharing some great information in some of my future posts.
C-Choice
R-Rest
E-Environment
A-Activity
T-Trust
I-Interpersonal
O-Outlook
N-nutrition
