From ‘Lean’ to ‘Green’ Space
How bringing plants into our offices may help boost our physical and mental well-being.
Welcome to February!
As I sit here under my blanket with -6 degree temps outdoors, I find myself yearning for the lush green of spring and summer in the finger lakes. At home, I have more of a ‘lean’ space, as my cats will test the theory of gravity with any plant that isn’t hung up on the wall. Thus, my therapy office over the past 15 years (and over several moves), has become close to the lush green space that I have always craved. Any client or colleague who has spent time in my office knows that I’ve taken liberty with “greening” up my office space (see the picture accompanying this blog for reference). While I wasn’t innately born with a green thumb, I have learned over years of trial and error how to take care of my plant friends.
And, come to find out, there has been some research conducted on the benefits of having a greener space to live and work in. In 2014, The University of Exeter conducted a study which indicated that enriching a ‘lean’ office with plants can increase productivity by 15% and improve workers’ overall quality of life, along with decreasing reports of psychological distress. Having plants in an office space also significantly increases workplace satisfaction, work engagement, self-reported levels of concentration, and perceived air quality. While I don’t care to promote the perpetuation of toxic “productivity” in the Anthropocene, I can root for any nature-based changes that improve quality of life!
So let’s talk about how to green-up your office space while also being mindful of any harmful climate or environmental impacts.
The easiest way that you can be eco-minded when bringing plants into your space is to find locally-grown and/or native species. Someone in my wilderness therapy group brought me a cutting of a mint plant that they were growing. I keep my minty plant friend near my computer, so that when I’m doing zoom sessions or teaching online, I get light wafts of minty goodness from time to time. I have also grown basil, thyme, catnip, and sage indoors and have then harvested them for use in my homemade tea blends and cooking.
Thanks to this 2020 BBC article, I have begun learning how to add to my green space in a more eco-friendly and sustainable way. The main considerations in greening-up your space include considering “plant miles,” recycling plastic pots, and using peat.
And I have propagated lots of plant babies from my original plants. Sometimes when clients and I end our work together, I’ll send them home with an offshoot of one of my office plants. There is something metaphorically lovely about sending folks home with part of a plant that has born witness to their therapy sessions over the years and is a tangible reminder of growth, connection, and care.
May you find some greeness today. And, as always,
take care - stay connected - stay wild