By now, we all know the amazing powers that plants possess and the
many benefits that they offer when placed indoors. They can reduce sick
days in offices, boost employee morale, and act as natural indoor air
filters. You can read more about their benefits in one of our recent blogs.
In
India, one Indian Institute of Technology graduate, Ranuak Singhi, has
actually taken their benefits to a new and more tailored level. He has
developed a unique mobile app that will help the people of New Dehli
(and other cities in the future) tackle the terribly high levels of
pollution in the city air with indoor plants. This technology is based
on the ability of certain indoor plants to be more effective at removing
specific chemicals than others.
After the initial download of the mobile application, users will fill
out a few brief questions about their location, including their address
and location, proximity to factories, roads, and drains. A “pollution
profile” is then created for the user based on the answers they give.
The app, named “Shelli,” will then suggest the best types of plants to
place and grow in their home.
For example, those who live in neighborhoods that are near industrial
factories have high levels of Sulphur dioxide in the air, while those
around “petrol pumps” have higher levels of benzene. Studies that have
been conducted by NASA have proven that indoor plants, such as the ficus alii, rhapis palm, and philodendron, have been able to reduce harmful toxins,
such as benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide. The plants take in
these dangerous chemicals and turn them into oxygen.
While the application is still in its infancy, the thought behind it
is an amazing advancement in the world of plants. Indoor plants could
help the people of India breathe easier and live healthier lives.
As of now, the application is exclusive to India, but we cannot wait
to see what happens when it launches worldwide. Millions of people could
benefit from the cleansing power of indoor plants! You can learn more
about the Shelli app on their website and Facebook page.
Are you in need of lush living plants to enhance your work space? Everything Grows Interior Landscaping provides indoor plant service, sales and long term rentals throughout the entire San Francisco Bay Area. We offer complimentary site visits and can accommodate almost any budget. Contact us today and one of our designers will be happy to assist you!