Teachers received pothos plants in October as part of the “A Plant in Every Classroom” initiative led by the Environmental Action Club.

“Growing plants in the classroom can provide a wealth of benefits for students and educators,” said Dr. Leopoldo Llinas, the director of environmental stewardship and EAC moderator. “Research has also linked indoor plants with increased productivity and reduced mental fatigue.”

The idea for the voluntary initiative came from a nonprofit whose mission is to help improve the health of students and educators by bringing nature into their daily lives. The collaboration, Llinas said, provides students unique opportunities to learn about the health benefits of plants.

This year, more than 50 faculty and staff signed up to receive a pothos plant for their classroom. Llinas said that pothos are some of the easiest plants to take care of.

Llinas said that, in his own classroom, he enjoys watering and propagating plants in order to improve the “aesthetic value” of the room.

“I like having plants in my class because they make the class feel less enclosed and seeing plants around me is satisfying as an environmental science teacher,” middle school science teacher Natalia Zurcher said.

Middle school social studies teacher Minelli Duclerc also signed up to receive a plant this year.

“I enjoy having the plant on my desk and watching its growth,” Duclerc said. “It also serves as a reminder that if we take care of each other, we can grow strong together.”