Go Green: Houseplants can make you breathe easier, boost happiness and remove toxins

On this Earth Day, there's a simple way to add more green to your home, and it just might make you breathe easier!

News 12 Staff

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Apr 22, 2021, 11:06 AM

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Updated 1,344 days ago

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On this Earth Day, there's a simple way to add more green to your home, and it just might make you breathe easier!

Now that we're spending more time than ever at home, houseplants can boost your happiness, remove toxins and add a touch of nature to your space.

According to a NASA study from the 1980s, a number of common houseplants can absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis.

MORE: Start with small changes and help take care of our planet

Include at least one 10-12" houseplant per 100 square feet of space to purify the air from pollutants commonly found in detergents, carpeting, furniture and paints.

The experts at Hicks Nursery say some of their favorite plants for air cleaning are the ZZ Plant, Snake Plant and the peace lily.

MORE: 8 ways to make your home more environmentally friendly

But not all plants are the same. So you need to consider how sunlight, humidity, your level of commitment, and children and pets.