Plants That Are Environmental Superheroes

The following article goes over house plants that can be used to help aid humanity’s carbon footprint. It also includes a short explanation of how and why plants can be used as a natural way to save the environment. Plants are carbon sinks. The phrase “sinks” describes plants, oceans, and other natural environments that can help reduce carbon dioxide. But not everyone can start a forest in their backyard. Instead, everyone can lessen their carbon footprint through house plants. The following list compiles low-maintenance indoor plants that can help reduce greenhouse gasses.

What Can Plants Do?

Climate change is terrifying. But how can one person help? Easy, start planting. If we can reduce our carbon emissions, we can help create a cleaner earth.

So how exactly do plants come into play? Plants are known as carbon sinks. They naturally reduce carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. While forests and other natural environments are the major carbon sinks, planting a few plants here and there makes a considerable difference when everyone does it.

Want to start reducing your carbon footprint? Below is a compiled list of houseplants that double as carbon sink while being environmentally friendly.

Areca Palm

The Areca Palm can be cared for in your house or your backyard. The plant looks like bamboo with long trunks and full leaves. Since the areca palm prefers filtered sunlight, it makes a great indoor plant. As long as you keep the soil moist and at room temperature, the palm can easily thrive. While you enjoy watching movies, it can help filter the air in your living room.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is not only loved for its easy care but also for the benefits of its gel. Place the spiky leafed plant in a place with lots of sunlight. If you are busy, this plant works well with inconsistent watering. I recommend keeping one or two potted aloe plants in your kitchen. While enjoying some cleaner air, you can cool down any burn you got in the kitchen.

Philodendron

Want some nice hanging wall decor that also doubles as a carbon sink? Philodendrons are a great beginner plant that can do both. These plants have broad heart leaves and deep cuts. If you grow multiple, you can connect the plant stems like vines. These plants make climate consciousness easy and beautiful!

Orchids

Want a more challenging plant? Try orchids. These flowers prefer moderate humidity and filtered sunlight. Coming in many colors and varieties, homes, and offices usually use varying shades of pink, purple, and white. While these plants are slightly harder to take care of, popular ones adapt fast. Place an orchid or two in your workspace to help reduce carbon emissions.

Gerbera Daisy

Gerbera Daisies are another flowering plant that can help stop global warming. These flowers have long stems that connect to thick sets of small, thin petals. Like orchids, these are more challenging. Gerbera daisies need moderate sunlight and water whenever dry. They make a nice, subtle addition to bedrooms, kitchen tables, and living rooms.