I am not a person who is drawn towards electronics and techno things. Anything that requires reading a manual or even a plug-in makes me somewhat nervous. I usually push forward on it but if there is another way to do it then I will find it.

There for, I am pro air filters - they are pretty simple to use. They are important aspects of keeping our homes’ air quality good and free from household toxins like plywood and particle board (woods found in furniture and in the building of most houses), and formaldehyde that floats around. I did own an air filter when I was living in Portland and I really liked having it until I needed a filter replacement, which was hard to track down.

I have now entered the world of using what nature has given us…houseplants. Not only do they  bring both beauty and peace in our home and they are able to break down these toxins by breathing in carbon dioxide and churning out oxygen thus making indoor air quality much cleaner. Yes, I have to remember to water them but my kids like to help, and we manage to keep them alive.

Here are some suggestions (and they are quite easy to find at a nursery).

• Most palms are great – I have a few bamboo palms in my house and I love the look of them. Others include: areca, lady, and dwarf date palm.

• Rubber plants

• English ivy

• Peace lily (my other favorite)
• spider plant

Be well,

PS this is a great healthy and green holiday gift!