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Why Plants Make The Best Roommates: The Benefits of Greenery In Dorm Environments
By Julia Anne Favaro
First-year student, Public Health
David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics
Whether you notice plants or not, we are surrounded by greenery, from the grass below our feet to the blossoming orange flowers sprinkled around the Syracuse University campus. Many people enjoy the presence of plants; however, few recognize the health attributes that plants offer to our environment. Evidence suggests plants have several health-benefiting qualities, which is why you may want them in your dorm room. One of the major benefits of plants is to improve air quality.
Air pollution is a common health issue in dorms, due to toxins, including paint, cleaning materials and construction debris. Plants help improve indoor air quality by absorbing a portion of these harmful pollutants. A NASA study found that the air quality in spacecraft improved after plants were introduced.
If you want to reap the air-purifying benefits of plants, a rubber plant improves air quality in dorms by fighting mold and eliminating air toxins. Rubber plants need a moderate amount of sunlight and water once a week to thrive in a dorm. Although plants make a dent in absorbing air pollutants, they do not absorb as much as an air purifier and should not act as a replacement for one.
Having plants in your dorm can help improve your stress levels. A study published by the National Library of Medicine concluded after having participants work with plants or on a computer, participants who worked with plants reported feeling relaxed and had a lowered heart rate and blood pressure. Those working on the computer reported an increased blood pressure. Plants are an easy way to brighten up the space, especially in a small, stuffy dorm room. Having plants makes dorm rooms far more comfortable by bringing a piece of life into a usually small, dull space. Succulent plants are an effortless way to add some excitement to your dorm room. Succulents come in several shapes, sizes and colors, ranging from bright green spears to pale purple flowering leaves. These vivacious little plants are pleasing to the eye and add an appealing sense of nature to student’s dorm rooms. Succulents are easy to care for, requiring little water and moderate light.
Having plants does come with a sense of responsibility, but don’t let this prevent you from reaping the benefits of a green companion. Several plants are easy to care for. Plants such as the snake plant are resilient and difficult to kill. They only need to be watered about once every two weeks and once a month in the Syracuse winter. These tall reaching plants with strong leaves of dark and light green stripes are a pleasure to the eye and will uplift the mood of any dorm and student, especially in the dreary winter months. In addition to this, they survive well in both poor and adequate light.
Another easy option is the peperomia plant, which only needs watering every two weeks and can thrive in all levels of sunlight. The peperomia plant is bursting with shiny leaves with different shades of green. An easy way to acquire a plant is through one of Syracuse University’s plant sales held in the Campus Store once every fall and spring. Contact the Campus Store for specific times and dates.
For More Information:
Your Houseplants Have Some Powerful Health Benefits
Contact Syracuse University Campus Store