The atmosphere of earth has been polluted by the activities of man. Our air, water, and soil are contaminated with deadly chemicals which have been spewed from factories, automobiles, and the soil, pesticides. These pollutants are absorbed in the soil and find their way into the underground estuaries, rivers, and streams, where they become an insidious liquid poison. This poison is harmful to wildlife, plants, and man. Plants which are found on both land and in water, have the capacity to absorb some pollutants. As man and animals exhale carbon dioxide, which by itself is harmful to man, they release new oxygen into the air and use the carbon dioxide for food. Such plants as azalea, aloe vera and the philodendrons remove formaldehyde, which is found in plastics and insulation, from the air. Benzene, a chemical used in the production of dyes for carpets, draperies, and upholstery, is captured in the leaves of chrysanthemum, corn plants and the peace lily. The English ivy and dracena plants take in trichloroethylene, a solvent used in industry and holds it captive in their leaves.
Peat is found in bogs. Bogs are waterlogged areas that accumulates layers of partly decayed, densely packed plants. Not all types of plant life can exist in a bog because of the lack of air created by the density of the plant life found there. Sphagnum moss is one plant which grows in a bog. As this plant mixes with other plant life, dies, and decays, it eventually becomes what is know as “peat moss”. Peat moss was used by the American Indian, a wise user and preserver of nature, as diapers because of its absorbency. In the past, peat moss has also been used for its healing properties. During World War I, it was applied to wounds for it seemed to retard infections. Peat is also used as a fuel. Stoves are sold which use peat pellets instead of wood. The peat ignites easily and burns for a long time. Peat fires which are ignited in the wild, are difficult to extinguish because of the long burning nature of peat.