Greenhouse retailers frequently fail to inform customers about the benefits of plants. Michigan State University Extension encourages floriculture retailers to consider marketing the benefits of the plants described in this article as a possible way to increase sales. Gardeners will also appreciate the advantages listed below.

Life as we know it

The air we breathe is the ultimate benefit of plants. Our ancient Earth most likely had very little free oxygen, but scientists believe that the evolution of photosynthesis, whose byproduct was oxygen, was the ultimate cause of the rise in oxygen levels in our atmosphere around 2.5 billion years ago (Photo 1). Because of photosynthesis, modern levels of oxygen in the atmosphere allow us to breathe easily.

The current levels of oxygen in our atmosphere are not particularly concerning, but the rapid rise in carbon dioxide is. Another advantage of photosynthesis is the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which eventually transforms into carbon (organic matter) stored in plant tissues (Photo 1). If the carbon is stored for an extended period of time, such as in tree trunks,

Photo 1: A photosynthesis chemical formula demonstrating how six carbon dioxide molecules and six water molecules are converted into one molecule of organic matter and six molecules of oxygen in the presence of sunlight.

Plants also provide other ecosystem services, such as cleaning the air outside and inside. Plants accomplish this by absorbing gaseous pollutants such as ozone, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxides through their leaves while they uptake carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. Plants, on the other hand, collect dust, ash, pollen, and other particulate matter on their leaves, reducing these pollutants in the air we breathe. According to one study, urban trees in the United States can remove 711,000 metric tonnes of air pollution per year. Plants can also clean up contaminated soils, which is another ecosystem service they provide.

Life as we live it

Plants in the workplace and school have been shown in studies to reduce employee and student stress and provide beneficial health effects such as stress reduction, blood pressure reduction, muscle tension release, and increase positive feelings. These advantages can be translated into improved health and worker and student productivity. And the plants don't have to be kept indoors. According to studies, employees who had a view of nature, such as trees and flowers, were less stressed, had higher job satisfaction, and reported fewer headaches and other illnesses than those who did not have a natural view.

Extensive research suggests that regular physical activity is associated with a variety of health benefits, including lower mortality rates, a lower risk of certain cancers, and improved mood. Moreover, research has revealed that many gardening

Life as we pay for it

Not only are many plants tasty and generally healthy for you, but growing your own food can save you money. How much money you can save depends on a variety of factors, including your required upfront costs. For example, some gardeners are content with tilling a portion of their yard (renting a tiller) and planting a few seeds. Others have poor soil and would like to build raised beds, purchase garden soil to fill the beds, build a fence to keep critters out, and possibly purchase gardening tools. Furthermore, the time it takes to maintain a garden can be factored into the cost. However, keep in mind that any food harvested from your own garden will be as fresh as possible.

Which thing did you learn? Tell us by comment.