Page THE WEEKEND OUTLOOK Friday Frtrniy 1991 Town Gardener Plants can help remove toxins from home air During the early 1970s it became evident to all of us that there was definitely an energy crisis and that we would have to change our ways which we used our energy sources Automobiles became more gas efficient and our buildings have become better insulated and airtight However so we have created in door living space with proper air exchange The building materials and high tech equiment used to day has been researched and shows definite health problems The term off gassing has been at teched to this latest discovery of air polution Toxic gasses by synthetic building materials have shown dramatic health problems like respiratory and sinus congestion headaches itchy eyes skin rashes and other allergy related symptoms Leading the way in research is NASA NASA has been resear ching ways in which man can live in space In doing they have been trying to formulate a way in which they can filter the air for to Live in air tight structures in space Their answer was plants Living plants have proven to be the perfect air filters for airtight environments It seems that no matter where man will go he must take his original environ ment with him Their research has been conducted with modern furnishings and high tech equip ment that off gas hundreds of volatile substances that interact with others to make this an even more complicated issue of home pollution that we live and breath every day They have proven that the best way to remove these ins from the air in our homes and their space stations is with plants In their studies they have conducted all parts of the plant were researched leaves roots soils and associated microorgamisms of plants where all part of this intricate study on how plants are able to purify the air that we breath The toxic chemicals they studied where Senzene present in oils plastics paints and rubber Tnchloroethylene present in foam insulation par tide board waxed papers facial tissue and paper towels The plants used were obtained from local nurseries and kept in their original soil and pots They used grolights to create their light re quirements and used a small fan to circulate air in the room In ad dition to the plants being tested they also tested the ability of soil by itself as air purifiers In both cases there significant reductions in the air pollutants In fact some of the research had shown that soil microbes had the ability to extract some of these toxins and actually turn them in to digestible foods I dont think this will eliminate the need to feed your plants but it does in the amazing abilities of plants and the soil in which they grow In fact the research that I read indicated that the soil had done most of the work therefore any plants in your home will be beneficial even if they do not have an abundance of foliage In their summary they indicate that lowlight plants have demonstrated the ability to im prove air quality by removing trace organic pollutants in energy efficient buildings The plant soil and root zone appears to be the most effective area for removing air pollution in your home The plants that showed the best results where the following Bamboo Chinese Evergreen Pothos Dracenas Figs Peace Lily Spider Plant Pot Mums Gerbers and Mother inlawstongue The study has done much to re mind us of our environment and our dependence on plants for our continued existence no matter where we go and where we live If you have any questions call the Grapevine Hotline or write The Town Gardener R 2 Erin Air Cadets planning events Honored by school Williams left was honored at an assembly at her school Harrison PS in Georgetown by principal Max Jackson for her dedication to preserving whales and dolphins Branwen has written letters to governments and grocery stores about her concern for dolphins which are needlessly killed in drift nets used for tuna fishing She sent those letters and a project on whales to Owl Magazine which named her an environmental winner and included a picture of her on their Hoot page in the magazine Owl sent a package of certificates in eluding one naming Branwen as Guardian of the Amazon meaning one acre of rain forest has been protected in her name Mr Jackson presented these to her and said Branwen was his hero because she had a concern and instead of leaving it at that she became an advocate for dolphins and whales Herald photo YOU ALWAYS HIT THE MAR WITH THE CLASSIFIEDS Georgetown Air Cadets Squadron is planning a host of events this coming Saturday Feb 9 at Georgetown Branch Royal Canadian Legion located on Mill Street According to one of the organizers of the activities Joe a tournament will be held in the afternoon with in prize money up for grabs Registration fee is per team and according to Mr Poiner players dont have to be Legion members to participate That same evening a supper Black Creek activities For the first time both the Visitors Centre and the restored Half Way House at Black Creek Pioneer Village are open weekends only 30 a to 30 during the winter months The Village grounds and the gift shop are open as well Visitors can walk through the village then warm up at the Half Way House while relishing some mulled apple cider and freshly baked cookies served by ed interpreters The Half Way House dining room offers a special winter menu for hungry visitors Upstairs in the Half Way House ballroom they can see an exhibit called Changing Shape of Fashion in the Century To wrap up the day they can en joy a horsedrawn ride either by wagon or sleigh depending on the weather Individual and group rides are available during regular operating hours All group are by reservation only REWARD Yourself With Brand Name Furnishings At Wholesale Prices Ontario Chesterfield Wholesalers Behind GtMlph Auto Mall Guelph AIKIDO A NonCompetitive Martial Art Derived from the Samurai ancient Japan provides effective self defence without aggression Ideal far women and men all ages techniques rely on cooperation and harmony rather than aggression Timing and control are more important than strength Alistor Thomson 5th degree block bell Jim Stewart degree block bell Fred Hoynes block belt Gordon Blanking 3rd degree block bell Classes Available at St swart town Public School Monday 800pm Thursday Saturday 30 10 45 a 45 12 Noon Cost month training fee lor classes week Two month beginners course starls Feb 4 For registration Fred or Hills Club is with world headquarters in Japan and is Hon Profit affiliate of Halton Hills Parks Recreation and dance is planned with tickets set at per couple Further information on the fun draising activitiesday of the Georgetown Air Cadets Squadron can be obtained by con tacting Joe at GIC RATE 10 Rate Subject To Change Without Notice MONEY CONOOT5 JAKES AUTO CLEAN Steam Cleaning Interior Shampoo Under Car Oiling Scotch Guard 265 ST 8773802 FORGET OUR ADDRESS Next to Mirnys Engine Shampoo Sheen Paint TouchUp 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