Meg's Classic Glamor Apartment (Image credit: Kim Lucian) Would it shock you to know that the air you're breathing indoors can be up to 5 times worse than the air outside? Neglecting the quality of the air you breathe on a daily basis can result in illness, allergies, asthma, frequent headaches and it can even be harmful to your digestive system! But you don't have to settle for poor air quality. Here are five simple, natural ways for you to purify the air in your home without purchasing an expensive air purifier. Before we begin, what should you already be putting into practice to improve your home's air quality? At the top of the list should be using low-VOC or no-VOC paints, testing your home for radon and avoiding harsh chemical-laden household cleaners. Now that we have that covered, what can you bring into your home to help clean the air? (Image credit: Kimber Watson) A Himalayan Salt Lamp: When the 200-million-year-old crystalized salt is heated by the small bulb inside, it releases negative ions which are known to neutralize pollutants in the air.

They are sold in many different sizes and shapes, so it's wise to find a lamp with a weight that is appropriate for the size of the room it will be used in. This was the only thing I asked for on my Christmas wish list this year, and I got it! Even if the lamp didn't do a darn thing, the warm glow emitted is quite beautiful to look at and could also serve as a nightlight in a child's room. Bamboo Charcoal: Charcoal has long been used in our filters to purify water, and it's also popping up in beauty products everywhere. And charcoal can have the same toxin-removing effects on air. Moso air purifying bags are bags made of linen and filled with high-density bamboo charcoal. The porous structure of the charcoal helps remove bacteria, harmful pollutants and allergens from the air and absorbs moisture, preventing mold and mildew by trapping the impurities inside each pore. Rejuvenate the bamboo charcoal by simply placing the bag in the sun once a month. Amazon carries a variety of Moso bags.

Beeswax Candles: Unlike regular paraffin candles that are derived from petroleum, pure beeswax candles burn with almost no smoke or scent. Like the salt lamp, they also release negative ions in the air and may be beneficial to those with asthma or allergies by eliminating common allergens like dust and dander. While they may cost more than traditional candles, beeswax burns much slower so they will last much longer. Scott & Kristan's Inspiring Arts District Loft (Image credit: Bethany Nauert) Houseplants: We've known for ages that plants literally help you breath better by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing clean oxygen. But, according to a study by NASA, certain plants are better at eliminating significant amounts of benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene than others. According to the study, the top workhorse plants for air purification are Golden Pothos, Peace Lily, Boston Fern, Snake Plant, English Ivy, Dracaena, Bamboo Palm, Dragon Tree, Lady Palm and Spider Plant.

It's suggested that you have at least one plant per 100 square feet of home for efficient air cleaning to be accomplished. Plant Air Purifier: So this one is a bit more pricey than the other suggestions, but if you really want to step up your plant-purifying A-game, then perhaps the Plant Air Purifier is for you. honeywell air purifier 17000 wattsDesigned by a NASA scientist, it uses a common houseplant in hydroculture to clean the air. sharp air purifier fu-w28eA fan is used to increase the circulation of air through the growing media (which contains activated carbon that's responsible for some of the reported pollutant removal). 3m filtrete air purifier fap02The Plant Air Purifier has the cleaning power of 100 or more standard houseplants!

A smaller version is also in the works, which can clean a room in just an hour and is quite reasonably priced at $99. ThinkBamboo - Bamboo Charcoal Refrigerator Fresheners Bamboo is rapidly renewable, highly sustainable and one of the most versatile natural resources on the planet. It can be used in everything from cutting boards and building materials to towels and food, and it can even be burnt down into highly absorbent activated charcoal as well. ThinkBamboo - Bamboo Charcoal Refrigerator Fresheners absorb odors, trap bacteria, prevent flavor contamination between foods and regulate humidity much more effectively than baking soda does in your refrigerator. They also extends the life of fresh fruits and vegetables by absorbing the ethylene gas naturally produced by produce as they ripen. Just place one decorative, low profile bamboo box, containing a 180 gram bag of activated bamboo charcoal, in each crisper drawer of your refrigerator and one in the back on the top shelf.

The bamboo charcoal bags can be recharged twice a month as needed by just leaving them out in the sun for a couple of hours and can be re-used for up to a full year. When they've finally been exhausted, the charcoal inside can be spread out in the garden or on the lawn as a fertilizer. Great environmentally friendly solution and they look really cool too! Refrigerator Deodorizer and Air Freshener Made with Carbon Amasawa Refrigerator deodorant box 80 g (4 Pack) Air Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag 500g Charcoal Color All Natural Bamboo Charcoal Bag Moisture Absorber Air Right Now on eBay Natural Bamboo Charcoal Fridge Car Room Wardrobe Deodorant New Bamboo Charcoal Odor Remove Air Freshener Bag Car Room 5x Natural Bamboo Charcoal Fridge Car Room Wardrobe 5car Home Room Fridge Air Freshener Bamboo Charcoal Odor FeaturesActivated charcoal derived from environmentally friendly bamboo Absorbs odors, much more effective than baking soda

Absorbs and traps bacteria and odors which can cause flavor contamination between foods in your refrigerator Extends the life of fresh produce by absorbing the ethylene gas naturally produced by fruits and vegetables as they ripen Activated Carbon is a natural air purifier and has a surface area as high as 600 sq meters per gram Each attractive low profile bamboo box contains one 180 gram bag of activated charcoal Can be regenerated twice a month by laying the bags out in bright sunlight for a couple hours Can be re-used for up to 1 year, but for best results, replace them twice a year Once exhausted, charcoal can be spread in the garden or on the lawn as a fertilizer NanoBreeze - Filterless Nanotechnology Air Purifier AirTamer - Personal Travel Air Purifier HoMedics Brethe Air Revitalizer Eco Pochi Kokedama Moss Ball Ring Sumi - Binchotan Charcoal Air Freshener Sticks Le Creuset Revolution Bi-Material - Flexible Silicone Edged Utensils