issue 15// vol 46

Faux Plants: Maybe you
should think about them

» Whoever said life is becoming plastic was right

Carolina Leyton
The Phoenix (CUP)

 

f you are like me, the moment you touch

a plant, its days are counted. I am just
one of those people incapable of keeping
anything alive. However, I love how plants
look as house décor. I think they liven up
space in a way that only a living thing can,
but the plants I have in my room right now
are fake.

A few issues back, The Phoenix put
up an article on the benefits of having real
succulents nearby. Living things have a
particular energy that can help increase
creativity and reduce stress. Artificial
plants, of course, do not have this energy.
But also, artificial plants are much more
convenient because they do not require
any attention.

Before, it was a sin to have an artificial
plant as decoration, but now they are
everywhere. Fake plants are trending.

The change may occur because a lot of us
should simply not be allowed near living
organisms. However, it feels as though
fake plants are simply catering to human
laziness and willingness to make life easier
in any possible way.

Artificial plants are just another
example of our commodification of nature

 

in order to capitalize from its abundant
benefits. Furthermore, most faux plants are
made of plastic. I love the knack humans
have to make everything ironic—we are

Work, work, work!

» Douglas College New Westminster campus gym review

EG Manilag
Staff Writer

wee K KY

s students at this college, we should all

be aware that we have tons of amazing
perks to enjoy. One of these perks is the
New Westminster Fitness Centre, located
at room N1315 (in Coquitlam campus, we
have a gym located at Pinetree Community
Centre). Students should check out some
facilities in both campuses because they are
free for us to use. But for those who don't
have time or—let’s face it—are too lazy, I
did it for you.

I workout because I’m a skinny guy
myself. Knowing that the college offers
free access to their gym, I was amazed.

It’s definitely a good bargain... especially
as a broke student. Rather than spending
some money on gym memberships I
save, and it’s also more convenient due
to location. When I went to the gym the
first time, I was asked to have my student
ID card presented and was also asked

to sign an online waiver of claims. The
waiver includes release of liability and an
indemnity agreement. After signing, I was
good to go, and I only have to use my ID
card the next time that I visit.

The gym was bigger and more
spacious than I expected, given that
I’ve been to the Coquitlam campus gym
already. The New West campus’ exercise
equipment and machines are in excellent

 

condition. I would definitely say that
enough is offered for Douglas students to
reach their fitness goals.

My first gym session in New West was
quite different than the other gym sessions
I’ve had before in my life because it was
the first time that I trained without doing
some cardio. Previously as a runner, I rarely
went to the gym or lifted weights. I don’t

 

— ee oe
Sack

polluting with plants. Fake plants might
be more durable than living ones, but once
you decide to throw them out like any
other house décor item that has gone out

usually lift weights. But that day in that
gym was totally different. I felt so weak and
light. At that time, I could barely even lift a
20-pound dumbbell.

Moments after the workout, I already
felt the soreness in my biceps and chest;
however, I did not get completely tired. The
experience was memorable, and I enjoyed
that new and weird feeling of switching

life & style // no. 13

of trend or is looking a bit ragged, it will be
contributing to environmental pollution.

A study shows that artificial plants
have the same effects as living ones
when it comes to lifting your mood and
increasing your concentration; after all,
these effects are just based on aesthetics.
What fake plants cannot do is filter the
air like real plants can. The removal of
COz2, dust, bacteria, and mould from our
work or living environment truly enhances
our productivity, not to mention the role
of natural plants in improving a room’s
humidity for better breathing.

Compare all these downfalls of
fake plants against their benefits and it
becomes easy to understand the surge in
popularity they have had over the last few
years. Faux plants are hypoallergenic, they
are non-toxic to pets or small children,
they do not attract insects, they can be
placed anywhere in the house with no
consideration of light or temperature
conditions, and they are really flexible in
terms of decoration.

For a busy student, faux plants seem
like the way to go... because who has time
to care for a plant when we can barely take
care of ourselves?

from running to weightlifting. Plus, the
atmosphere and choice of music in the
centre really boosted my mood and made
it an enjoyable fitness experience. I simply
had fun! Once again, do not forget that our
college has more amenities and services to
offer than you think. They’re usually great
and best of all, they’re all free!

  

Photo by Billy Bui