Benefits of Live Green Plants

Project GreenPath Office PlantsExtensive research by NASA and other organizations documents the ability of interior plants to clean indoor air of toxic contaminants such as formaldehyde and benzene. Plants also help to improve humidity and reduce dust and other airborne microbe levels in today's energy efficient buildings. Studies by Washington State University and others also document the positive effects of plants on student/worker productivity and stress recovery. Adding plants to the workplace and classroom can improve student and staff health, attendance, satisfaction, and morale.

Some of the most effective air purifiers are also excellent plants for offices and classrooms due to their minimal care requirements and tolerance for office lighting conditions: Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily), Aglaonema modestum (Chinese Evergreen), Epipremnum aureum (Golden Pothos), and Chlorophytum comosum (Spider Plant).

For resources on plant research, check out the following links:

Frequently Asked Questions About Indoor Air Pollution

NASA Technical Reports Server (type "Wolverton" in search term)

Plants for People

Impact of Interior Plants on Human Stress and Productivity

Impact of Interior Plants on Relative Humidity and Dust

Physical Discomfort May Be Reduced in the Presence of Interior Plants

For plant selection and care resources, check out the following links:

What to Buy for Business

Air Cleaning Houseplants

Top 10 Indoor Plants