Common houseplants provide a natural and inexpensive solution to indoor air pollution.

We spend about 90% of our time indoors, breathing in a variety of potentially harmful air pollutants. But before you run out and buy a HEPA filter, consider stocking up on nature's best air purifiers: houseplants! The Hipsters dig into the research to find the finest foliage for filtering formaldehyde, among other toxins. You'll also learn which plants won't kill your pets, which plants might survive in Dori's house and which plant makes Val blush!

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: Like the volcanic glass for which it's named, Obsidian Stout from Deschutes Brewery is dark, smooth and a bit sharp. It's also quite a gem!

Chocolate: We liked, but didn't love, the Belgian Dark Chocolate with Raspberry Truffle Filling from Joseph Schmidt Confections. But we did have fun saying Schmidt.

Finds:

• News you can use. Recycle those want-ads into handy starter pots for seedlings. The Newspaper Pot Maker is easy enough for kids to use! When the seeds sprout, plant the pot right into the ground. Hint: tabloids usually have the best dirt.
• Checking inn. Hipster Colin and his family hit the road soon for a cross-country video tour. Check out their itinerary and see if you can offer them a place to crash for a night.

• Science friction. President Obama put another last-minute Bush regulation on hold. This one would let federal agencies decide for themselves whether projects pose a risk to endangered species, without input from scientists. FAIL.
• Sootuation. Demonstrators blocked the gates of the coal-fired Capitol Power Plant in Washington DC, hoping to draw attention to climate change. The plant spews about 1/3 of the legislature's greenhouse gas emissions. Politicians spew the other 2/3.

Just Say Grow! Fill your home with greenery, but don't empty your wallet. Find a friend with a green thumb and ask for a few cuttings. Once you get your plants growing, pay them forward; offer to share some of your own cuttings with plant-deprived pals!

Common houseplants improve indoor air quality, studies show. They absorb contaminants from the air while generating fresh oxygen. Plus, they look great! The average home should have at least 15 plants. Which varieties are best at clearing the air? Which of those are easiest to maintain? We turn to NASA for the answers!

• NASA spent 2 years studying common houseplants, and found them surprisingly efficient at combatting Sick Building Syndrome.
• Pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide are commonly found in homes and offices. Certain houseplants are best at purifying the air.
• Pets come into contact with your plants, so check with the ASPCA to learn which are toxic to animals, and which are safe.
• Low maintenance plants may suit your lifestyle, so learn which varieties are hard to kill! You may want to invest in a moisture tester to keep from overwatering.
• "How to Grow Fresh Air" is a great guide to cleaning the air with houseplants. The author, B. C. Wolverton, is a retired scientist who conducted NASA's plant research.

Be a part of our show! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. You're also invited to chime in on the new Greenfeet Blog! And remember to post articles, links and plant care tips at our MHTH forum!

• Alanna in Boston is excited to include the new rePETe in her "bag diet". Maybe she'll use one to bring us chocolate from her next Textile Trek to Italy!
• Chris in Montana believes it makes sense (and cents) to Get Rich Slowly. Gotta be better than our plan to Go Broke Quickly.
• Tracie wants tea-drinkers to unite for a new Celestial Seasonings program. Drink tea, plant a tree!
• Shayna found new ways to recycle odds and ends that collections centers won't take.
• Jillicious would like to see more white hares. Wait til she turns 40!