Houseplants play a vital role in enhancing indoor air quality by removing carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and releasing oxygen as a beneficial byproduct.
In 1989, NASA researchers conducted groundbreaking studies to explore whether plants could effectively purify the air in confined spaces, such as those within a space station.
During these tests, a variety of houseplants were placed in a small, sealed chamber containing contaminants like carbon monoxide, benzene, and formaldehyde—pollutants commonly found in home environments.
According to NASA findings, the spider plant proved extremely effective, reducing carbon monoxide levels from 130ppm to zero within 24 hours, significantly below the generally regarded safe indoor limit of 9ppm.
Philodendron domesticum, known as the spade leaf, excels at removing high levels of formaldehyde, while Gerbera jamesoni, or Gerbera daisy, effectively targets benzene.
However, it’s essential to recognize that these experiments were conducted in a controlled environment much smaller than typical living spaces. The levels of formaldehyde and benzene detected after 24 hours remained above accepted safe thresholds.
Additionally, homes are not airtight; ventilation through doors and windows influences the ability of plants to purify air, often decreasing their effectiveness in real-world conditions.
Subsequent research indicates that while indoor plants can slightly enhance air quality, the impact is not as significant as NASA’s original findings suggested.
This article addresses the question, “Which houseplants are optimal for improving air quality?” as posed by Eugene Abbott of Northumberland.
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I have been rearranging my home lately and encountered issues common among cyclists: where to store your bike? According to research, around 5.5 million individuals in the UK would cycle more if they had the appropriate space to store their bicycles at home. Specifically, 23% of flat residents and 58% of those living in detached houses struggle with finding accessible storage locations.
Fortunately, there are numerous bike storage options available, ranging from simple floor anchors in small outdoor areas to high-security sheds and designated parking zones offered by local authorities. One innovative entrepreneur even won £100,000 on Dragons’ Den for his “Space Isle” concept. Below are some of the top storage solutions I’ve discovered, suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings.
Top Bicycle Storage Solutions
Outdoor
If your bike needs to be parked outside and security is a concern (as it should be), opt for products with a solid safety rating. This indicates that they have undergone thorough testing to resist theft.
Additionally, if you’re considering a shed, be cautious: metal can become extremely hot in the sun. Avoid letting parts of the bike that may melt (like the handlebars and tires) come into contact with metal during the summer. Either strategically place fabric between the bike and metal or consider insulation.
For those with access to a front or rear garden, Asgard’s sheds offer secure, aesthetically pleasing, and durable options. Prices for a two-bike shed start at £649. I trialed the Mammoth Annex Plus E (with E-Bike charging capabilities) in my front yard. It’s been police approved and certified by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) for security.
The Plus E can accommodate 3-4 bikes (make sure to check your bike size first). It also features optional plug sockets for charging, gear shelves, and hooks. For an additional cost, Asgard offers installation services. Initially hesitant to leave an expensive bike in my front garden, I found the shed to be incredibly secure, thanks to a five-point locking double door with two deadbolts.
The design includes ventilation to prevent moisture buildup and is spacious enough to conceal overflowing bins from neighbors. Weighing 176kg (27st 10lb), it’s quite a challenge to move.
Lifting Lid Shed
£629.99 on Shedstore£629.99 with Buy Sheds Direct
Trimital’s bike sheds are robust and well-constructed but lack fixed design and LPCB rating, requiring individual padlocks to secure them when closed. The dimensions of the 6ft 4in x 2ft 9in (193cm x 88cm) model allow it to house up to three adult bikes, and it boasts a 25-year panel warranty. This model features a spring-assisted lid that lifts both the roof and front of the shed, reducing the need to duck while loading and unloading bikes. However, managing two padlocks can be tricky during rain or when you’re in a hurry; the floors are sold separately (£89.99).
For models like the Fortress shed, special metal anchors can be affixed to solid floors with the bike locked to it.
Simple Wooden Shed
£434 at Powersheds£445 at Wicks
Numerous affordable wooden sheds start at £200-300, but investing in a higher-quality model is advisable. The cycle insurance company Bikmo recommends opting for a tongue-and-groove design, as overlapping wooden styles can warp and become vulnerable to both the weather and thieves. Internal hinges are preferable since they prevent burglars from easily removing the doors.
Positioned in the mid-range sector is Powersheds’ Apex Bike Shed, with the 6 x 2ft (183 x 61cm) model starting at £434. It can store two bikes, but remember to verify your bike sizes prior to purchase. Powersheds’ products come with a 10-year warranty, galvanized metal components, and easily accessible doors. However, the hinge is situated on the outside.
The Bike Shed Company offers high-end wooden sheds that accommodate up to five adult bicycles, along with garden shelving and custom wooden builds. The most affordable model, the Pedalbase 2, fits two bikes (again, be sure to check your bike dimensions). Both the doors and roof open and stay lifted via gas struts, making it effortless to access. There’s even a model designed to fit beside your bay window. This wood is sustainably sourced from FSC-certified forests in the UK.
On-Street Solutions
Photo: Nathaniel Noir/Aramie
While most councils do not provide public bike storage, and waitlists can be lengthy, we luckily share a cycling parking space on the street near our home. These Hemisil Shared Bicycle Huts are available in cities like London, Bristol, and Salford. Places like Brighton, Edinburgh, and Glasgow have efficient setups accommodating six bikes in the space of a single car. These bike storage spots are typically set up by councils and can be borrowed by residents. In London, one such spot averages £57.90 a year in 2022.
Their popularity is evident: Bristol introduced 40 new hangars that were nearly fully booked within 90 minutes. Waltham Forest currently has 4,305 individuals on its waiting list, with 150 new applications each month (the council anticipates offering 300 additional units next year).
You can join a waiting list or coordinate with your neighbors and local councils. If enough people express interest in CycleHoop, they may inform your council of the demand. There’s even a Jumbo Cargo Bike Model catering to non-standard cycles.
Time for Anchors!
For minimalist solutions in tight outdoor spaces like alleys, consider metal floor or wall anchors that can be secured into the ground and allow chains to loop through the bike. Check here for Safe-approved ground anchors currently available. You can also opt for a bike cover to shield your bike from the elements (details below).
Diamond Secure
£63.84 in Halford£56.99 on Amazon
Hiplok’s ANKR is on the pricier side but carries a diamond safety rating, which is the highest security classification for bike protection. For your investment, you’ll receive maximum security steel anchors for both bikes and motorcycles. The rubberized cap ensures no damage to your bicycle’s frame and is backed by a 10-year warranty—ideal if a bike thief has a determined mission or comes equipped with an angle grinder.
Silver Secure
£25 at Argos£19.99 on Amazon
Oxford Locks’ Anchor10 features secure silver-rated wall and floor anchors made from hardened steel. Its design includes bolts shielded by ball bearings, which are concealed when the locks are installed to thwart theft attempts. The manufacturer claims it undergoes a “5-minute attack test.”
Outdoor Bike Cover
Leaving your bike exposed to the elements is less than ideal, but may be necessary at times. Many Dutch cyclists do this year-round. Bike covers come in various styles and price ranges, providing an economical solution to reduce rust and wear. Budget options start under ten pounds, while premium covers for larger cycles can exceed seventy pounds. A mid-range option is often the best compromise.
Stylish Cover
£39.30 at Santa Fixy
The Bikeparka Stash is a chic, fitted cover that wraps around both the front and rear wheels of your bicycle, complete with cinch straps to prevent water accumulation. As a medium-sized bike user, I managed to fit two bikes beneath a single cover. Constructed from ripstop waterproof material, it boasts sealed seams, adjustable toggles, and brass eyelets to keep your bike snug and dry. Just be cautious on windy days—my bike once tipped over due to the cover acting like a sail, causing scratches. Additionally, there’s a cargo bike parka for £85.70 and a long-tail bike model with a seat cover priced at £79.95. For durability, using it primarily in the winter months will extend its lifespan by reducing UV damage. Bikeparka offers a one-year guarantee for sun exposure, and a colleague mentioned theirs has lasted for years outdoors compared to months of cheaper alternatives. To illustrate, think of it like leaving your tent exposed 24/7 while grappling with troublesome metal objects regularly.
Stormskin’s premium cover is robust and will adequately protect your bike; it withstands all weather except the most relentless horizontal rain. Reviewers have praised it as the best protective cover available (though it’s not particularly portable) and it features slits to allow securing directly to the bike lock. The material is up to nine times thicker than competing products and is made from 100% recycled fabric, showcasing a stylish palm print design that’s visually appealing. It does take some effort to fit all bikes under it.
Budget Options
£18.99 at Trets
The Oxford Aquatex cover is an economical choice while still being effective in shielding your bike from the weather. It comes in three sizes and can accommodate up to three bikes. Made from grade 100 polyester with double stitching, it is a straightforward option with a strong base. While spacious enough for larger bikes, this also results in more flapping in the wind. If you face issues with pigeons or similar problems, it could serve as a deterrent.
Indoor
There are plenty of hooks and shelving solutions designed to facilitate indoor bike storage. Treat your bike as a piece of art—it just may be! Many of the following options are also suitable for garages and sturdy wooden sheds.
Tire Hooks
£15 in HalffordHornitt for £15.99
The compact bike hook is simply a small piece of plastic constructed to hold your bike’s tire. The manufacturer suggests that while one wheel remains on the ground, installation is as straightforward as pushing a few screws into place. This clever and popular option permits you to line your bikes up like books on a shelf. Be sure to measure tire widths before purchasing from the five available sizes (ranging from 23-32mm to 70-81mm). Keep the tires inflated or the bike may tip. Another option could be the Clug Pro, which secures the wheel in place using strong, small threads and magnets. Mud pads can also be added to safeguard the wall.
Rubber Hook
£8.42 on Decathlon
For an affordable and versatile option that fully supports the bike, a rubber-covered hook is available at various price points. This option is recommended by this YouTuber. Attaching it to a wooden 2×4 or 2×6 baton, rather than directly onto the wall, enhances stability, longevity, and allows for more bikes within a meter, while also minimizing wall damage caused by the larger screws accompanying эти hooks.
No Drill Options
£149.99 on Cyclestore£179.99 in Halford
Topeak offers several no-drill bike storage solutions. For a compact setup, consider utilizing dual touch wedges stationed between the floor and ceiling, using an adjustable pole with a clever foot pedal clutch. You can fit two bikes stacked vertically, but depending on your bike size and ceiling height, the maximum weight capacity can reach 72kg or 18kg.
The trick is to locate the joists in the ceiling, which can be done by referencing old photographs from before your kitchen ceiling collapsed. I found mine this way. My E-Bike step-through frame was oddly shaped and too bulky, resulting in an unstable hanging position; however, my hybrid and road bikes fit without issue. They also provide a freestanding version with tripod legs, requiring a little more floor space, which gained popularity at Bicycle Expo.
California is set to implement state-first regulations aimed at protecting indoor workers from the heat.
The policy, which could go into effect later this summer, would require employers to provide water, breaks, and places to cool down if indoor temperatures reach 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
The only other states that mandate similar protections are Oregon and Minnesota.
California is poised to pass the state’s first regulations to protect people who work indoors from extreme heat, a policy that could take effect as soon as later this summer.
The California Department of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) Standards Committee unanimously voted Thursday to approve heycircle circleOak Place RulesThis will send the standards to the state’s Office of Administrative Law for quick final approval, meaning the standards could go into effect by early August.
The heat plan was originally scheduled to go into effect in 2019 but faced a five-year delay. If enacted into law, the policy would protect about 1.4 million warehouse workers, restaurant employees, manufacturing workers, and other indoor workers from dangerously hot working conditions.
The regulations require employers to monitor employees for heatstroke and provide hydration, breaks, and cool areas if indoor temperatures reach 82 degrees Fahrenheit. If temperatures reach 87 degrees Fahrenheit, employers must take further measures, such as providing more breaks, adjusting work schedules, slowing down work pace, and providing air conditioning.
If these rules go into effect, California would join Oregon and Minnesota as the only states with policies to protect indoor workers from the heat. In 2006, California passed heat standards for outdoor workers, including those in agriculture and construction.
Meanwhile, in Texas and Florida, recent state laws have weakened workplace protections against extreme heat by prohibiting cities and counties from enacting local regulations to protect outdoor workers, such as requiring water breaks or time in the shade.
Labor advocates have been pushing for national workplace heat standards for indoor and outdoor workers, but the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration has yet to adopt such rules.
Advocates say California-style regulations are needed more urgently than ever as heat waves become more frequent and intense due to climate change.
“This is huge,” said Anastasia Nicole Wright, policy manager at WorkSafe, a non-profit worker advocacy group based in Oakland, Calif. “Workers need these protections as soon as possible.”
But the state’s new requirements don’t protect all indoor workers. For now, they exempt employees of state and local correctional facilities, as well as other prison staff. In March, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration revised the standards to exempt the state prison system, questioning how much it would cost to bring the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation into compliance with the requirements.
Some labor advocates believe the temperature standards set in California’s policy are still too high.
“The risk of heatstroke depends on both temperature and humidity, but it also has a lot to do with physical demands,” says Tim Shaddix, legal director for the Warehouse Workers Resource Center, an advocacy group based in Ontario, Calif. “If a warehouse worker is lifting heavy boxes for an eight- or 10-hour shift, they’re at risk for heatstroke even when temperatures are in the high 70s.”
Shaddix added that he hopes California’s restrictions will inspire other parts of the country to implement similar rules.
“As summer temperatures rise due to climate change, the problem is only going to get worse, so it’s really important that we see progress and we see more models that encourage other states to follow,” he said. “And that’s the push at the federal level, and we really need that, because we have to make sure that workers across the country are protected.”
More people die from heatstroke each year in the United States than from any other extreme weather event. In 2022, 43 people died from exposure to ambient heat in the workplace, up from 36 in 2021. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Robert Mootrie, senior policy advocate at the California Chamber of Commerce, said California employers are “moving into compliance mode,” but added that certain industries, such as restaurants, will bear a greater burden because kitchens are essentially hot, enclosed spaces.
Mootrie also said small businesses in particular have expressed concerns about how to best implement the rules when they come into effect in just a few months.
“It doesn’t take much to change your internal practices, train your staff, and talk to your lawyers,” he said. “All of these things take time and resources.”
Regarding workers in California prisons and jails, Cal/OSHA said in a statement that it plans to “proceed with proposing industry-specific regulations for local and state correctional facilities that take into account the unique operational realities of these workplaces,” but did not provide a specific timeline.
Wright expressed disappointment that tens of thousands of prison staff are exempt from the restrictions.
“They’re a big percentage of the workforce,” she said, “but heat is an issue for workers and non-workers alike. Many prisons don’t have central air conditioning, so forcing prisons to take certain measures to ensure temperatures inside prisons are safe for workers would benefit inmates as well.”
Airbnb has announced that it will prohibit the use of indoor surveillance cameras in rental properties worldwide by the end of next month.
The online rental platform, based in San Francisco, stated that it aims to “simplify” its security camera policies while emphasizing privacy. This policy change will be implemented on April 30th.
Juniper Downs, Airbnb’s Community Policy and Head of Partnerships, stated in a prepared statement, “These changes were made in consultation with guests, hosts, and privacy experts, and we continue to solicit feedback to ensure our policies work for our global community.”
Previously, Airbnb permitted indoor surveillance cameras in common areas like hallways and living rooms, as long as their location was disclosed on the property page. With the new policy, hosts can still use doorbell cameras and noise decibel monitors in common areas, but they must make the devices’ presence and location known. Outdoor cameras monitoring indoor spaces are now prohibited.
Reports from Airbnb guests have highlighted instances of hidden cameras in rental rooms. Downs anticipates that this policy change will impact only a small number of hosts, as most Airbnb properties do not have indoor surveillance cameras. Any host found to violate the new indoor camera policy risks losing their Airbnb account.
In its fourth-quarter earnings report last month, Airbnb stated that demand remained strong, with bookings and revenue on the rise.
NIST researchers studied VOC emissions from living Christmas trees and their interaction with ozone. They found that monoterpenes were the main VOCs emitted, decreasing over time and reacting with ozone to produce low levels of formaldehyde. The study concludes that Christmas trees have minimal impact on indoor air quality for most people. Credit: SciTechDaily.com
Living Christmas trees emit chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Some of these VOCs can react with ozone, a reactive gas, to create chemical irritants in your home.
Levels of chemical irritants are low, but may be a potential concern for people who are sensitive to chemical irritants.
Every year during the holiday season, Americans purchase approximately 30 million live Christmas trees. Many families enjoy not only having a live tree in their home, but also smelling the fresh scent it produces. That odor comes from chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). However, little is known about how much is excreted and whether it affects health.
“Our noses are excellent chemical sensors,” says Dustin Poppendieck, an environmental engineer at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). “We know these trees are emitting something, but the question is how big is the source? We are investigating which chemicals and how much they are emitting. “We wanted to compare that to other chemical sources in the home,” he said.
To answer these questions, Poppendieck and his colleagues at NIST took a common type of Christmas tree (Dog pine) and sealed it inside a room. They then measured the amount and type of VOCs emitted over a 17-day period. They also investigated whether VOCs react with other components of indoor air to form new compounds.
The team’s findings were published in the journal indoor environment.
NIST researchers placed a common type of Christmas tree in a sealed room for 17 days and monitored and measured the chemicals released from it. These chemicals are called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which give the smell of pine and can react with ozone to produce byproducts. Researchers found low amounts of these chemicals, which could be a potential concern for people who are sensitive to chemicals. Credit: M. King/NIST
The refreshing scent commonly associated with Christmas trees comes from a group of VOCs called . monoterpenesIt is also found in air fresheners, candles, and some personal care products. In the outdoors, conifer, a group of plants, including most Christmas trees, emit monoterpenes and can affect outdoor air quality. However, little is known about how much monoterpene is released when trees are cut down and placed indoors.
Research also shows that monoterpenes can react with ozone. Ozone in the upper atmosphere acts as a protective barrier against the sun. On the ground, chemical reactions with light produce ozone, which can cause symptoms such as coughs and throat irritation. Ozone also easily reacts with other chemicals in the air to form new compounds. Researchers were therefore interested in observing the effects of ozone in the presence of indoor trees.
They placed it inside an environmentally controlled room so they could measure the chemicals released by the tree in real time. Using a technique that can detect airborne organic compounds, known as proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS), they measured the VOCs emitted over a 17-day period.
In the experiment, the researchers simulated a home environment. They decorated the tree with a typical holiday lighting setup and illuminated it with bright lights to mimic the day/night cycle. They turned off the lights every 12 hours and watered the tree daily. They brought in outside air at rates typical of a typical home and constantly measured chemicals in the indoor air.
Monoterpenes were the most abundant VOCs emitted by trees. They peaked on the first day and then decreased significantly by the third day. Poppendieck said the concentrations were initially similar to those found in plug-in air fresheners and new homes, but quickly dropped to nearly 10 times the original concentration. Researchers detected 52 different monoterpenes.
The researchers then injected ozone into the chamber to see how it affected indoor air chemistry. They found that ozone reacts with monoterpenes, producing byproducts such as formaldehyde, another type of VOC, and other reactive chemicals. It was found that the introduction of ozone further reduced monoterpene concentrations and increased formaldehyde levels, affecting indoor air chemistry. However, the amount of formaldehyde produced was relatively small at approximately 1 ppb. Formaldehyde concentrations in typical homes in the United States range from 20 to 30 ppb.
For people who are sensitive to VOCs, Christmas trees can be another source of watery eyes and noses, especially if you first bring them indoors. In that case, Poppendieck suggests opening a window near the tree to reduce exposure. In addition, the emission intensity naturally decays over time, so a newly cut tree can be left outdoors or in the garage for three days before bringing it into the house.
“But for most people, this shouldn’t be a big concern,” Poppendieck says. I will continue to decorate the Christmas tree at home. ”
Reference: “Jingle Bells, what do they smell like?” Indoor VOC Emissions from Living Christmas Trees,” by Dustin Poppendieck, Riley Robertson, and Michael F. Link, December 22, 2023. indoor environment. DOI: 10.1016/j.indenv.2023.100002
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