Indoor air quality has become a hot topic over the past several years. With modern lifestyles confining us to indoor spaces, pollutants like dust, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), allergens, and even microscopic microbes can build up.
Luckily, we have helpful studies like NASA’s Clean Air Study and modern technology to help us with the improvement of our living spaces’ air. But this raises a whole new question. Plants vs air purifier - which one is better? Well, that depends on you!
Meet the Contenders: Air Purifiers vs Plants
Air Purifiers
Air purifiers are devices engineered specifically to remove harmful particles and pollutants from your indoor air. For the sake of clarity, we mean those ones you plug in. One might argue that there are non-electrical air purifiers, which mostly involve activated charcoal being set in corners to absorb odours - we’re not talking about those.
Air purifiers work quickly and efficiently, delivering immediate results, especially for allergy sufferers or those with respiratory conditions. Modern designs are sleek, often whisper-quiet, and require minimal upkeep (aside from occasional filter changes).
Air-Purifying Plants
On the natural side of the imaginary boxing ring of the air purifier vs plants bout, we have the air-purifying plants. These have long been touted as nature’s own air filters! Plants like the spider plant, peace lily, and snake plant are famous for their ability to absorb pollutants through their leaves and roots - a process known as phytoremediation (science-y, we know).
Not only do they add a splash of green and boost your mood, but studies (including the NASA research) suggest that these leafy companions can reduce levels of harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia. Plus, they release oxygen, making your home feel fresher and more alive. And, again, all naturally!
Plants vs Air Purifiers: The Pros and Cons
Air Purifiers
Pros
- Functional and has the potential to remove 99% of airborne pollutants
- Just turn it on and don’t mind it
- Doesn’t die when you forget to water them (in fact, don’t!)
Cons
- That price tag
- Filter changes
- Consumes electricity
- Sometimes not visually appealing
- Hard to fix once broken
Air-Purifying Plants
Pros
- Affordable and natural
- Beautiful and comes in a variety
- Doesn’t need electricity
- Stress-reducing and mood-boosting benefits
Cons
- Doesn’t work as efficiently as electric air purifiers
- Isn’t as effective in high-pollution areas
- Dies when you forget to water them (aka they need TLC)
- Requires the right conditions (sunlight and temperature, for example)
Also Read - How Indoor Plants Improve Air Quality: The Science Behind It
Choosing What’s Right for You
For a Sustainable, Mood-Enhancing Home Environment:
A selection of air-purifying plants can be a delightful addition. They not only contribute to cleaner air but also provide a natural, calming influence that enhances your decor and overall well-being.
For Budget Concerns:
While high-quality air purifiers can be pricey, plants are usually more affordable and come with the bonus of requiring minimal extra accessories beyond water and sun. And if you have an eye for DIY greenery, you could even propagate your favourites and share with friends!
For Allergy Sufferers or Those with Respiratory Issues:
Air purifiers might be your best bet. Their quick, methodical filtering ensures that even microscopic allergens and pollutants are dealt with promptly. With more serious conditions, we strongly urge you to do more research into your purifiers!
When everything’s said and done, why don’t you consider combining both? Use air purifiers in high-traffic areas or rooms where you need rapid purification, and embrace the charm of plants in your living spaces for both decorative and mild air cleaning benefits. This dual approach harnesses the strengths of both science and nature. Sometimes, there’s no need to pick a side. Right smack in the middle works best.
Best House Plants For Clean Air
We’ve already made a page that contains all the best plants to clean indoor air. Just click here and peruse! But, if you want us to share with you some of our favourites - and ones that NASA has praised, then just read on.
Snake Plants
Snake Plants are excellent natural air purifiers that actively absorb toxins like formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, benzene, xylene, and toluene from indoor air. Plus, the large green leaves trap dust, making them excellent bedroom plants.
English Ivy
English Ivy effectively absorbs toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene. This plant is fairly easy to care for and is great for both beginners and experienced gardeners alike. Low-fuss and good-looking potted friends - that’s what we like!
Red-Edged Dracaena
The Red-Edged Dracaena cleanses the air by drawing toxins through its leaves and roots. Sure, these plants may not work as fast and as effectively as their mechanical counterparts, but that doesn’t mean they don’t also rid the air of indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene!
Check Out - Top 5 Air Purifying Plant
Breathe Easy with Bloombox
Next time you consider investing in your indoor air quality, remember, it’s not necessarily a battle between nature and technology. Instead, it’s an opportunity to embrace innovation while keeping a foot firmly in nature’s camp! Shop around Bloombox for your air purifiers now!
