Grow Happiness, Grow Health: Your Guide to Greener Spaces

Everyone loves green spaces when they're already there, when all we have to do is bask in their presence. But how often do we purposely incorporate greenery into our workspaces or living areas? The truth is, not enough. And the consequences of this neglect are real. Concrete and glass every which way you turn, suffocating the life out of us. Time to take matters into our own hands.

Green thumbs are optional. Wherever you fall on the gardening spectrum, we'll get you where you need to be, providing practical tips on choosing the right plants, ensuring their survival and growth, and incorporating them into your existing decor. Get ready to transform your personal space with the verdant warmth of greenery!

The Lush Benefits of Green Spaces

It's not just a fad; science solidly supports the notion that we were made for the green.

Hundreds of studies confirm what we've all probably felt at some level: that being in nature has an immensely positive effect on our well-being. Lower blood pressure, improved concentration, and boosts in our immune system are just some of the perks observed in those exposed to green spaces.

Our work is affected, too. Working every day in an office that lacks inspiration can drain your energy and suppress your creativity. The common gray colors of concrete and metal in such environments do little to boost creativity or improve work output. On the other hand, the vivid colors of nature, such as green from plants and blue from the sky, can significantly increase focus, energy, and overall well-being. And while we're reaping those bountiful health benefits, our green friends are quietly at work vacuuming the very air of pollutants and releasing life-sustaining oxygen.

Leaving Your Mark:Greenifying Your Spaces

If you already enjoy using planet-friendly packaging, non-toxic cleaning agents, and other products, it's an easy next step to go all-out green with your decor philosophy!

It all starts with small changes. You may not be able to transform your entire neighborhood, but you have the power to impact your personal spaces.

Here's how we would recommend you start greenifying your living or work areas:

Creating your home haven

Even the tiniest bit of life counts.

Vertical gardens are a great space-saver and can be created with repurposed materials, always a win for sustainability. Imagine the simple joy of adding a dash of herbs to your dishes, straight from a garden you've nurtured in your own kitchen. Basil, thyme, and chives in veggie herb pots above your sink offer not just a burst of flavor but also a visual treat and a step towards self-sufficiency in cooking.

To further bridge the gap between your indoor space and the beauty of nature, consider decorating with elements that evoke the outdoors. Wooden accents and stone textures can create a serene, natural vibe. Vegan furniture, accentuated by handpicked pieces made from natural fibers or driftwood sculptures beautifully ties your living space to the natural world, enhancing the feel of bringing the outdoors indoors.

Of course, plants are the most obvious and effective way to add a dash of green to any space. Whatever plants you choose, just remember to make sure they're safe for your kids or pets. Our rundown on pet-friendly plants should help cut through the confusion, so you can feel safe and secure as well as stylish.

Office oasis

There'll be a lot more rules to follow if you want to greenify an office, but that doesn't mean it's impossible!

Easy-to-care-for plants such as cacti and succulents add a splash of greenery to your desk without asking for much space, time, or effort. If you're comfortable with more commitment, consider a larger plant like a peace lily or Chinese evergreen. These plants not only bring in the benefits mentioned above but also act as natural air purifiers, promoting healthier indoor air quality.

Incorporating natural light into your office setup is another strategy to improve your workspace significantly. Exposure to natural light has been linked to improved mood and vigor, alongside reducing the risk of eye strain associated with prolonged screen time.

Not all of us will be lucky enough to have access to all the sunlight we need throughout our workday. If you find that your energy levels drop as the day progresses, stem the tide with some full-spectrum lighting or a daylight-mimicking lamp to make sure you don’t miss out too much of what sunlight provides.

Sustaining the Greenery

Starting is the hard part—everything else is just maintenance.

With a solid foundation in place, keeping a green home or office at peak liveliness is simply a matter of upkeep. Cases differ but the principles are universal:

Routine checks can identify early symptoms of potential issues, so build a routine that suits your lifestyle and living environment. Maybe that's a weekly once-over for some, or monthly deep-dives into the various nooks and crannies of houseplants and garden beds for others.
Trimming plants when they begin to extend past their intended space not only enhances their visual appeal but also promotes a more robust and healthy growth.
To ensure even growth and prevent plants from bending toward light sources, it's wise to rotate them periodically, allowing all sides equal light exposure.
Implementing sustainable practices, such as choosing recycled pots, using water more efficiently, and opting for low-energy lighting options, such as LED lights, illustrates a deep commitment to environmentally conscious gardening.

The next steps are up to you and your plant choices. We wouldn't fret too much right now. Just tap in and listen to your plants—it will get easier with time to read their needs!

Wrapping Up

We've only scratched the surface of the boundless benefits that sprout from 'greening' our spaces. From the well-being of our bodies to the resilience of our cities, the potential for positivity is vast. The crafting of green spaces is a crafting of life, an exercise in creating joy. The experience is as fulfilling as the flourishing greens; transforming a mere space into a lively kingdom. Green happiness is within your reach—take the first step towards it today!

And remember, sharing is caring. Document your green space creation and share it with the world. It's not just a picture; it's a message, a movement, and a memory of a centering, soul-feeding act. Let others see the fruits of your labor: for inspiration, and to spread the verdant vibrancy. Your green delights might just sprout into green communities, and that's a legacy worth nurturing.

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FACT SOURCES

Citing Jecks Stone, founder of VeganDesign.org-certified business Persona Abode:
https://www.houzz.ie/magazine/meet-the-designers-creating-vegan-interiors-stsetivw- vs~172734126

2. Citing Lucy Henderson, head of design at My Bespoke Room and head of Jasmine Harman’s vegan home project: https://blog.mybespokeroom.com/jasmine-harmans- vegan-room-design

3. Citing the cow-derived ingredients in paint:
https://graphenstone-ecopaints.store/vegan- paint-what-is-it-and-are-there-really-animal-products-in-other-paints/

Other facts come directly from the article’s internal and external links.

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