Good morning folks.

Having studied sustainable issues for over 12 twelve years, I have come to understand that our sustainability as a species on this planet is dependent upon our relationship with plants. I am not saying this in an esoteric or fluffy way, nor am I suggesting that we find new ways to merely exploit and profit from the plant world. Plant life is a common thread in almost all of the issues related to our ability to live – food, energy, construction, oxygen production – ,and we must learn how to create synergistic relationships with the myriad manifestations of this profoundly complex technology in order to survive and thrive.

The video above briefly explains how certain species of plants can clean, humidify and oxygenate the air, processes collectively known as phytoremediation. This property of plants has been known since the 1970’s, when NASA conducted extensive research on plant’s air and water scrubbing capabilities for use in space capsules. Dr. Bill Wolverton, one of the NASA engineers involved in the research, has published several books on the subject, including How To Grow Fresh Air.

How To Grow Fresh Air details how plants, particularly tropicals, have the ability to remove toxins from air, as well as oxygenate and humidify it. Dr. Wolverton actually developed hydroponic planters with inline fans that magnify this amazing capability by a factor of 200.

Phytoremediation is extremely important now in our energy conscious world. In order to maximize the efficiency of our building’s heating and cooling systems, we are creating airtight building envelopes. One downside of this though is the increased stagnation of interior air. Using plants to offset this adverse side effect is the ultimate in “going green”. Aside from cleaning the air, indoor plants look great, and add to the living energy of spaces.

Using plants to clean air is only one of the ways in which we can employ these incredible biomachines. Dr. Wolverton’s planters are an excellent example of how we can use simple technologies to work in harmony with nature to amplify its benefits. This basic model is applicable to waste water disposal, food production, building construction and a host of other applications that we humans have only begun to scratch the surface of.

Showing some humility by admitting that our technologies are infant’s toys compared with the sublime depth of natural biological systems may be the smartest we ever do.

Remember everyone, buy local, or grow it yourself!

Love to all,

Millard