The Red, White, and Green

One of the long-standing must-dos on my at-home eco-improvement list has been to add some purifying house plants to our apartment. As I mention in today’s Eco Etiquette column, the air in most homes is polluted with a wide range of toxic chemicals, thanks to the off-gassing of flame retardants, formaldehyde, and other VOCs from most conventional furniture, paint, and mattresses.

(All the more reason, by the way, to support the Toxic Chemicals Safety Act that’s currently making its way through Congress.)

The only problem with most cleansing house plants is that they can be poisonous if ingested; with baby on the way, I want to make sure they’re out of the reach of curious hands. The solution? Woolly Pocket’s Wally planters, which allow you to create a vertical garden on any type of wall or fence. Check ‘em out:

Photo: Suthi Picotte

Photo: Andrew Takeuchi

The posh planters are idiot-proof — just fill the pockets with soil and full-sized plants — and also virtually black thumb–proof, thanks to a cleverly designed breathable front that allows excess moisture to evaporate while naturally aerating soil. And at $49 for one indoor Wally, it’s a nominal investment in your family’s future health. Buy it online at WoollyPocket.com.

–Jennifer Grayson

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