In 1967 doctors told Kamal Meattle that the polluted air in New Delhi was killing him. Instead of abandoning his home, Meattle found ways to grow his own fresh air. Now, Meattle runs a 50,000 square foot green hotel and business center in New Dehli. The facility is home to 1,200 indoor plants – 4 for each of the 300 occupants. In addition to lowering the HVAC system requirements, the plants pump oxygen into the air and remove volatile chemicals and formaldehydes. Studies have shown that for many occupants the plants increase productivity and blood oxygen levels while reducing headaches, lung impairment, and eye-irritation. To connect occupants with their living purification system, the facility’s website posts daily indoor and outdoor air quality levels.
In February 2009, Meattle joined other visionaries at the TED conference in California to explain how easy it is to grow your own fresh air.
The TED talk highlights 3 house plants that are vital for oxygen production and airborne chemical reduction – the Areca Palm, Mother-in-laws Tongue, and the Money Plant.
Rayna Gordon-Hellman
rayna@medized.com
415-994-6549 office
