Whether at home, in the office or in a public space, the quality of the air in our environment has a significant impact on our health, mood and wellbeing.
Businesses are beginning to understand and appreciate the importance of maintaining clean, fresh air to increase productivity, patronage and profit. But many people don’t know the harmful effects of the pollutants and contaminants they are breathing in at home.
These 5 tips will help you to improve the air quality in any space.
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Ventilate
Does your space have a source of clean, fresh air? This can be as simple as opening a window! But if you’re in a busy city the air from outside may be filled with pollution from traffic, and many industrial buildings don’t have windows to allow for natural ventilation. This is where fans are fantastic at providing airflow by removing stagnant air and replacing it with fresh air.
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Clean Regularly
If you suffer from allergies you can feel the effects of dust, pet hair, mould, grime and other contaminants a mile away. It’s so important to have your space cleaned regularly and thoroughly. Pay careful attention to:
- the filters on air-conditioning systems which get filled with pollutants, pollen and other nasties;
- soft furnishings such as curtains, table cloths, bedding and cushions which are a dust mite’s paradise;
- all surfaces that may be easily overlooked such as skirtings, corners, behind furniture or on top of tall shelving or fridges.
You don’t have to spend a fortune on cleaning chemicals, often the best solution is a natural one. Check out these easy, effective and budget friendly cleaner recipes you can make yourself!
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Purify
You can purchase air purifiers which filter the air to remove the harmful particles and contaminants suspended in the air. Believe it or not, salt lamps and lit beeswax candles have a similar effect by emitting negative ions which fight against the positively charged contaminants in the atmosphere resulting in cleaner air. Plus, they add a lovely ambience!
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Embrace the indoor plant!
Particular plants are fantastic at removing toxins and providing fresh, clean oxygen. But not any old plant will do. Stick to the following varieties:
- Bamboo Palm – Dypsis lutescens
- English Ivy – Hedera helix
- Gerbera Daisy – Gerbera jamesonii
- Janet Craig Dracaena – Dracaena deremensis ‘Janet Craig’
- Red Edged Dracaena – Dracaena marginate
- Mass cane/Corn Plant – Dracaena massangeana
- Warneckii Dracaena – Dracaena deremensis ‘Warneckii’
Talk to a gardener at your local nursery for personalised tips on what plants would thrive in your space. And don’t forget to water!
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Decorate mindfully
Did you know that carpet, paint and furnishings continue to release toxins into the air long after they are manufactured or installed? This slow poising of the air quality can be avoided with some careful design when creating a new space or well-informed renovation. Talk to your suppliers to ensure you are using non-toxic materials and adhesives and wherever possible take a more natural approach!