Where’s the Air Cleaning Plants?

On a recent trip I noticed the lack of “green” and houseplants in what many would consider a “green” or natural place to find indoor plants yet they seemed very much missing. It’s also funny how at times a thought can get validated by a complete stranger you meet while traveling.

This post began while sitting in a Tampa, Florida airport terminal.

Over the loudspeaker it was announced… “Florida is a clean air State, smoking is not allowed!”

Call me weird but his simple announcement made me stop and look around the terminal to take notice of the commitment the state of Florida had to keeping the air clean for the traveling public. I quickly could see the use of common houseplants to clean the air was not a part of this “commitment.” Florida as a leader is the production of plants for indoor use around the country you would think the airport would be taking advantage of plants to naturally remove toxic chemicals found in today’s modern building materials to clean the air.

Bad assumption!

A quick look around across the immense space showed only a few Dracaena “lemon lime” scattered in some planters sitting approximately 125 feet away. However, they did generously have a few more plants spaced along the next 500 feet or so until you got near the food court where the plantings did get a little more “crowded.” But not enough to even notice many signs of green in the building!
I’m sure the “method” used to clean the air by placing smoking areas outside and instead of using plants as a great natural air cleaner, they have went the industrial route with a HEPA air filtering system.

To help solidify my gut feelings of “talking green” but staying away from really meaning it was my conversation on the plane. I started a conversation with a gentleman across the isle from me. He retired from the floral business in Detroit a few years ago after 40 plus years in the business. He shared with me how for years his business provided plants for many trade shows like the auto show year after year.

However, over the years plants were now longer used and how the trade shows have become all plastic and chrome. Plants are not even considered.

All this makes me wonder what it would take to get more plants used in public spaces and places. I guess when you get right down to it the term “houseplant” can only find it’s true meaning for homeowners who have them in their homes.

Please let me encourage you to do your part and be “green”… learn how to care for indoor house plants better and share them with others by adding a few more plants to your home.

Next I’ll share about my trip and how another “business” catering to the public goes all out in their use of plants.

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