Living in the Southwest, Columbia's Biosphere 2 has provided us with a large scale example of how biological processes interact in the environment. While this on-going experiment is a precursor to establishing a livable and long term space platform, it is not too difficult a leap to compare today's closed office environment and HVAC systems with these on-going experiments on environments which effect the quality of our lives.Early on, NASA began to study the effectiveness of house plants in removing air pollutants.

Simply look around. Is the furniture upholstered? Is there carpeting? Magazines on the table? Wallpaper? New laminants? How about children's plastic toys? Are you wearing something fresh out of the dry cleaners? Three of the most predominant chemicals constantly leaching into the air are

Benzene: inks, oils, paints, plasitcs, rubber, dyes, detergents, gasoline, tobacco, smoke

Formaldehyde: foam insulation, plywood, pressed wood, plastic grocery bags, facial tissue, waxed paper, paper towels, carpet backing

Trichloroethylene: dry cleaning, inks, paints, lacquers, varnishes, and adhesives

NASA, in on-going research, reports the following:

	One potted plant for every 10 x 10 area can clean the air in the average home or office
	Combining technology and nature, a living air cleaner can be created by combining activated carbon and a fan with a potted plant (check out our special project on downtown Tokyo Urban renewal/ Environmental Research Labs/Planetary Designs). Think about the landscape banks of a freeway at rush hour drawing those pollutants through the soil, up and out never to be found again even in the soil. Yes - it works!!
	Living, green plants can remove several toxic chemicals on their own from the air in building interiors
	Popular varieties of ornamental plants have been found so efficient at absorbing contaminants in the air that some will be launched into space as part of the life support systems aboard future space stations.

Consider placing a Peace Lily, a Corn Plant, or a Golden Pothos near your desk. Years ago plants were blamed for promoting allergies, and yet, we now know that Plants actually CLEAN THE AIR. The good news is that all of these plants are easy care and very affirming in fostering better parents. Amazingly, the tests show that the slow growing Snake or Mother-In Law's Tongue are truly one of the best! Ask Lulu about all the various varieties of this miraculous species.