Many years ago, interiorscapers rejoiced when it was discovered that NASA scientists had proven, that’s right proven that plants clean the air indoors. 

Thanks Dr. Wolverton
Dr. Bill Wolverton had shown that all plants,but some more than others ,were instrumental in cleaning indoor air.  Now why was our National Space Association testing plants and air quality?  Why for a possible future use on the Space Station, of course.  It was pretty heady stuff for we interiorscapers, I tell you.

At the Same Time
Dr. Wolverton also showed that the air cleaning effect was enhanced by using a charcoal filter.  A few good souls tried to capitalize on this finding by coming up with a charcoal enhanced planter but weren’t successful in developing a product that sold well and, at the same time, Interiorscape sales people made the Clean Air message part of their presentations with the same mixed success.

Everything Old is New Again
That was then and this is now.  Throughout history there have been ideas and products that are too far ahead of the curve.  Maybe, just maybe, we interiorscapers need to revisit this literature.  Maybe, just maybe ,with all the buzz about Green Buildings and Global Warming, maybe the World is finally ready to listen.  For more information about Plants Clean the Air, check out PlantscaperPortal and consider updating the information and including it in your sales presentations.