Indoor landscaping is an excellent way to promote human and environmental health. Everyone knows that plants absorb carbon dioxide (a climate-altering greenhouse gas) and release oxygen (what we breathe!), so it makes lots of sense to have plants around a home or office. However, having indoor plants provides many more benefits. That’s why here at Ashokan, we take pride in our office’s indoor garden.
Our office building was designed specifically to accommodate an indoor garden. During construction, a hole was left such that the soil extends all the way down to the soil beneath the foundation. This allows water from our garden to drain naturally. However, you don’t need to design a whole building specifically to accommodate a garden in order to reap the benefits of indoor landscaping!
Plants help regulate air temperature. Through the process of transpiration, plants release moisture into the air. The moisture evaporates from the plants’ leaves, which increases humidity within a building. When it is warm out, this added moisture cools down the air. Believe it or not, when it is cold out, the added moisture warms the air, as moist air retains heat better than dry air does. Indoor landscaping is a great way to cut energy consumption and costs, which was one of the motives for incorporating a garden into Ashokan’s office space.
Having plants around also reduces dust and other airborne pollutants, such as mold and bacteria. Studies show that people who work and live in indoor spaces with plants are much less likely to become ill. It comes as no surprise that healthy people are more productive than sick ones. To further facilitate productivity, plants help with sound absorption. When background noise is minimized, distractions are minimized!
In general, the presence of plants makes people happy. They provide numerous health benefits, environmental benefits, and are aesthetically pleasing. Studies show that plants help decrease stress, boost creativity, and sharpen focus. Who wouldn’t want to work in such a great environment?
To show our commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation, Ashokan Services provides backflow device testing free of charge for the Brooklyn Association of Neighborhood Gardens Land Trust. These green spaces, located in Park Slope and Prospect Heights, are vital open spaces used for gardening and recreation. This wonderful organization is dedicated to cultivating sustainable environments through community, collaboration, and education. We are proud to work with B.A.N.G. in maintaining green space in our community!
Created in 2008, the “Water is the Life of NYC” mural is the pride of Park Slope. Painted upon the side of 209 4th Avenue between Union and Sackett Streets, this mural depicts the ongoing water cycle of New York City from its origins in the rural provinces of New York State to the myriad of destinations throughout the more urban areas of New York.
Water Watch NYC 