As noted, Delhi’s air pollution is no longer just a seasonal concern. It has become a daily health challenge for the residents and working professionals doing daily up-downs. As someone living in Delhi, it is alarming to watch the city fight air pollution every day. The way we read about it again and again points towards a red alert, which is the direction of the future we’re heading. Today, we have reached a point where the AQI level is only hovering around the poor zone, asking us to take preventive measures as soon as possible. In this blog, we are going to talk about 10 such ways to control pollution. 

What is the reason behind the pollution crisis in Delhi?

The rise of pollution can be due to multiple sources, including vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and construction dust. In winters, it can reach its peak due to different reasons like stubble burning, burning fossil fuels to increase temperature indoors, and fireworks. All of this contributes to smog, which affects not only visibility but also public health.

This long-term exposure to poor air quality can impact us internally, causing issues in breathing, fatigue, weakened immunity, and an increased risk of heart and lung diseases. All this makes children and older adults especially vulnerable.

How to Avoid Pollution in Delhi?

The simple answer for how to protect yourself from air pollution lies in the steps you take in your daily lifestyle. As a company that supports green, we may provide you with several plant-based solutions, but here are some basic preventive measures you can take:

1. Wear a high-quality mask: To battle this pollution, it’s wise to invest in a mask like an N95 or N99. They are highly recommended by doctors, especially when you are going outdoors in peak pollution hours (usually mornings and evenings).
2. Monitor AQI regularly: You can take help from websites or applications specially made to monitor AQI, like AirVisual or SAFAR. This helps one to stay updated and plan their day accordingly.
3. Avoid strenuous exercise on high AQI days: We get it if exercising has become a part of your daily routine, but it’s better to think about it before heading to the gym. Sometimes, outdoor exercise when the AQI is at peak can be hazardous for health (especially when you are doing full-strength workouts). Choose indoors for some days and do a light workout to step up for health. 
4. Keep windows closed on high AQI days: This helps prevent polluted air from entering your home.
5. Hydrate and eat antioxidant-rich food: Tulsi tea, citrus fruits, turmeric milk, and green leafy vegetables can help your body fight oxidative stress caused by pollution.

Best Plants that Help in Improving Indoor Air Quality

While tech-based solutions are certainly useful, bringing more green into your home offers a quiet, low-maintenance layer of defence. Certain plants are well-known for their ability to absorb harmful toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide—some of the most common indoor pollutants in urban areas. If you're wondering how to reduce air pollution in Delhi, especially indoors, starting with air-purifying plants is a simple yet impactful step. From a sunny windowsill to a spacious balcony, plants can be positioned anywhere, as long as the requirements are fulfilled. The plants listed here can thrive indoors or in semi-shaded outdoor spots, acting as a green buffer between you and the pollutants outside.

Here are some of the most effective air-purifying plants for Delhi homes:

1. Areca Palm 

If you love the vibe of tall plants kept in an indoor space, then the Areca Palm can be your go-to choice. It is one of those plants that release moisture in the air and remove harmful toxins. When you place Areca at home, you notice an instant touch of elegance to the interiors, which provides a sense of calm. 

2. Spider Plant 

Spider Plant is another very easy-to-grow plant you can bring home. From hanging planters on the balcony to aesthetic ceramic pots indoors, they can have diverse placement options as per your choice. Beyond its low-maintenance appeal, it’s a powerhouse when it comes to absorbing airborne pollutants such as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and xylene. You can place these not only at home but also in your offices. 

3. Snake Plant 

Snake Plant has now become a name that every plant parent recommends to a beginner. It is not only because of its hardy nature, but also for its upright, unique sword-like leaves, which make this plant an ideal choice for rooms and low-light areas. It stands out for its ability to perform photosynthesis at night, releasing oxygen even while you sleep. 

(A few years back, we brought a snake plant home as a gift. As it grew with our care, we noticed positive changes in our environment. Yes, these changes were noted gradually; it's green presence near the window always felt like a friendly call from nature. )

4. Peace Lily 

Blooms in the garden have their own way of presenting the beauty of nature. Well, this one does more than that while sitting indoors with you. Peace Lily is one of those beautiful plants that cleans the air and removes a wide range of toxins that we stated above. 

5. Aloe Vera 

Aloe vera is not only a soothing gel-based plant favoured by many DIYS and skincare rituals, but also great for air purification. It comes in the category of hardy plants that are very easy to maintain. You can place it in your balcony setup and let it do its best work from there!

Conclusion

While individual steps are crucial, pollution is a collective issue. Supporting green drives, avoiding firecrackers, carpooling, and encouraging tree plantations in your neighbourhood are all small steps that add up.

Protecting yourself from pollution in Delhi requires a mix of awareness, precaution, and action. Alongside masks, purifiers, and healthy habits, plants can be your allies — quietly working around the clock to make your home a little fresher, your air a little cleaner, and your life a little greener.

Frequently Asked Questions about how to protect ourselves from air pollution

1. How to protect ourselves from air pollution?

Change starts from within, and there are several ways you can protect yourself. Use high-quality masks during peak hours, commute via local transport or carpool, invest in indoor plants, and keep your home pollution-free. 

2. What are the main causes of air pollution?

Air pollution is a result of many causes, such as large amounts of vehicle emissions, industrial activities, forest fires, burning of fossil fuels, etc. 

3. How can we prevent air pollution as citizens in Delhi?

We can try stopping air pollution at our level by reducing the usage of vehicles, which can be done by carpooling or turning off the engines when not in use. As aware citizens, we can conduct awareness drives or workshops, we can even volunteer in campaigns promoting awareness. We can also take a step up and plant as much as possible. 

4. What are the ways to protect our environment?

There are various ways we can protect our environment, some of them include reducing plastic usage, conserving energy whenever possible, saving water, planting trees, etc.