image source: http://www.brothersoft.com/free-beautiful-nature-screensaver-45215.html
As the population of mankind grows, it is very important to have considerations for our environment and natural resources so that the world can still take care of our future generations, much like it has done for us today. Among the supporting factors to nature, plants are one of the most important contributor to the environment since the beginning of life . Even today, it is evident that the soil and air quality of a location on Earth can be directly related to its local vegetation. Not only can plants reduce carbon-dioxide through process of photosynthesis, study has shown that toxins in the air and soil can also be filtered by the plants. With these plants, the balance of nature against the damages by mankind can be slowed and even reversible. As the ones responsible for the harm in nature, what can we do to help these plants maintain a healthy ecosystem?
An Approach with Technology
Mathieu LeHanneur with his plant-based air filters
Image Source: http://www.popsci.com/node/21637
Since research in 2007 by French designer Mathieu Lehanneur and Harvard professor David Edwards, the two created an Invention Award-winning prototype filter system in 2008 that is used to increase the rate of nature air purification by plants call Andrea. From researchs of plants’ filtering abilities to rid the air of particles and harmful chemicals, the two thought the best air filters in the world are still natural plants and thus created Andrea. Andrea is a amplifier of a plant’s air filtration that can be used with many species of common household plants. By using a mechanical fan to move air past the plant’s leaves, soil and roots, the plant’s rate of air filtration is enhanced by a tested 1000% increase in rate. The soil of the plant that is placed inside Andrea contributes to the filtering of the air as well. The filtered toxins are directed into a water tray, used to keep the plant moist, that is placed in the amplifier to be removed and changed after collection. In 2010, the Andrea Air Purifiers became available in stores of North America.
Andrea Air Filter
Image Source: http://www.justinshull.net/2011/01/02/consumer-union-lists-andrea-air-purifier-10-products-avoid-2011/
Here is a video of an interview with Tom Hadfield of the Andrea Company regarding the capabilities and potentials of this product.
A quote from Hadfield in the video:
“Today people buy air purifiers and then they go out and they buy a vase,” said Tom Hadfield. “We think the future of indoor air purification may be somewhere in between those two.
Image Source:http: //inhabitat.com/video-andrea-air-purifier-uses-a-plant-to-clean-the-air-in-your-home/
The future with this starting point at the creation of Andrea does not only lead to a fusion of indoor decoration of plants and air filters but also acts a proof that with our research, it is possible to find ways to help the environment strengthen its response to regulate nature to its healthiest state. Not only can we save the environment by checking and reducing the harms caused by our own ways, the enhancement of nature’s natural system can also become a solution in creating the perfect living environment that multiple species can coexist in.
Blog by Andy Wang
