Overview
Apartment gardening is a great way to reconnect with nature, purify the air, and contribute to a sustainable food system. With the right plants and equipment, it is easy and low hassle. The benefits of apartment gardening go beyond just decorating your space. This section will explore the various reasons why apartment gardening is becoming increasingly popular.
Health Benefits
Indoor air pollution can lead to several health issues, including respiratory disease, heart disease, and even cancer. However, certain plants like peace lilies and spider plants can remove toxins from indoor air, according to NASA’s Clean Air Study. Even just three to six plants can significantly reduce the risk factors, as per the University of Technology Sydney. Therefore, apartment gardening can improve indoor air quality and promote good health.
Support for the Urban Food Movement
The Urban Farming Movement encourages people to grow their own food and reduce food production waste, shipping emissions, and greenhouse gases from industrial-scale farming. By cultivating edible plants in apartments, individuals can reduce the environmental impact of their food consumption. There are plenty of edible plants that can be grown in an apartment, including herbs, vegetables, and fruits.
Reconnection with Nature
Plants bring the calming effects of nature into one’s home. A study by the University of Michigan showed that plants can increase productivity, creativity, cognitive performance, and memory retention by up to 20%. Apartment gardening is part of biophilic design, a type of sustainable interior design that focuses on bringing nature and living processes indoors to create healthy human spaces. Flowers, in particular, are shown to improve mood, and horticulture is now used as supplementary therapy for patients with dementia, schizophrenia, and depression.
Medicinal Value
Growing useful plants can save money in the long run. Chamomile and lemon balm can be steeped into zero waste teas, while peppermint and lavender can be used to make infused oils. Aloe vera is a natural skincare ingredient for DIY beauty recipes.
Green Spaces Suck up Carbon
Indoor plants alone can reduce about 10% of carbon dioxide in the air. Certain plants, such as the bamboo palm, have extra powerful carbon dioxide absorbing abilities. Therefore, apartment gardening can enhance the air quality for oneself and the planet.
Responsible Waste Disposal
Apartment gardening can also promote responsible waste disposal. Composting is the perfect way to deal with organic waste and reduce one’s carbon footprint at home. With an indoor compost bin and an apartment garden, one can have a complete waste disposal system. Vermicomposting works well in conjunction with an outdoor apartment garden, and it can help recycle organic waste. Additionally, apartment gardening can contribute to conserving biodiversity in the area by providing pollen and a good habitat for insect and animal friends.
It’s Easier Than You Think!
Apartment gardening is super easy and low hassle if one selects the right plants for the space. It is also one of the cheapest ways to decorate one’s space and turn it into a Pinterest-worthy picture. Therefore, apartment gardening is becoming increasingly popular for those who want to reconnect with nature, improve indoor air quality, promote sustainability, and save money.
