:: Outdoor Vs Indoor ::

While external air quality is a variable of multiple factors and it is, most often, out of one’s control, here’s how you could still improve the indoor air quality for a healthy living.

The quality of air in the urban areas is deteriorating. People are advised not to leave their homes unless absolutely necessary. It is a prime time news that the situation of air pollution is going out of hand. Air quality indoors however is a lot more in our control.

Citizens should not only be aware of environmental air pollution, but also of indoor air pollution in their homes. It is often caused by ordinary household items, which can sometimes be toxic. For example, formaldehyde contained in composite wood and chemicals contained in common cleaning materials release pollutants in the air and cause grave health hazards. Citizens should be aware that any garbage that goes to the dump is at risk of burning and should practice recycling at home and societies.

Improve Indoor Air Quality

All is not lost yet. There are a number of things citizens can do to protect their health in such a scenario. You can still take some steps to purify air indoors and preserve your health. Plants are the best way to naturally purify the air around you.

1. You can also add a few succulents in your bedroom. Unlike other plants that exhale carbon dioxide at night; succulents continue to give oxygen even at night. It makes for a healthy oxygen balance while you sleep.
2. It is better to use loam-based compost and cocopeat mixture for indoor potting. Also, we should regularly prune the indoor plants.
3. At times, plants get dusty and this dust can block sunlight, which will slow down photosynthesis – spray water on the plant to keep the dust away. If spraying water is not an option as the plant is placed indoors, use a moist sponge or cloth to wipe the leaves.
4. Apart from increasing oxygen levels, indoor plants can filter chemicals from the air and help trap pollutants, thus minimizing air pollution. Indoor plants with air purifying properties are:
   • Spider plant;
   • Dracaena;
   • Weeping fig;
   • Peace lily;
   • Mother-in-laws tongue;
   • All species of Pothos (Money plant);
   • Aloe Vera;
   • Philodendron.
5. Fragrant plants are a natural and chemical-free way to freshen your home instead of using artificial air fresheners. Lemon and rosemary are examples of plants with a refreshing, wonderful fragrance. Keep small aromatic saplings in your bathroom too, if space permits.
6. Plants also work wonders for your mental health; seeing a plant can subconsciously make one feel calm and relaxed, thereby reducing stress. Instead of placing pots on the ground, we may place them on a bench at eye level. Hanging plants in an interior space adds a new layer to your home decor.
7. We may use branches in the balcony instead of placing pots to give the balcony an interesting look.
8. You may skip decorative show pieces and opt for small fresh plants at the centre table to give your living room a whole new dimension.

Conclusion

We may not have control over the external environment, but we can definitely try to breath fresh air inside our homes. It would be very healthy for the children to grow up in a fresh air environment.