Moss Air Cleaner

What it does

Moss Air is a compact air purifier that uses moss instead of traditional filters to reduce waste and naturally improve air quality. It features adjustable airflow, a display for air data, internal grow light, and a refillable water tank.

Your inspiration

In daily life, I noticed that while air purifiers are effective, they generate a large amount of disposable filter waste, creating an environmental burden. Meanwhile, people in urban areas are increasingly distanced from nature, lacking greenery and natural regulation. This inspired me to explore whether plants could be used as the core of air purification. I chose moss for its low maintenance and purification ability, and combined it with technology to create a product that naturally purifies air while enhancing living environments.

How it works

This design uses moss as the main filter material instead of traditional disposable filters, relying on photosynthesis to absorb pollutants in the air. The device is equipped with built-in sensors that monitor indoor air quality, temperature, humidity, and CO₂ levels in real time. When air quality drops, the system automatically adjusts fan speed to increase airflow through the moss. Users only need to refill the tank regularly, and the system will keep the moss hydrated. An internal grow light supplements natural lighting when needed. All air and environment data is shown clearly on a display screen, helping users understand their indoor conditions at a glance.

Design process

At the beginning, I experimented with various moss species to observe their survival and air-purifying ability under different humidity and lighting conditions. Then, I built several small-scale prototypes to test whether airflow could pass evenly through the moss and how to configure sensors and the water supply system. The first prototype required manual watering. Later, I added an automatic water level controller and LED grow light, integrating an Arduino system for basic environmental monitoring. Over time, I refined the prototype by incorporating a screen display module and redesigning the external shell to make the interface more intuitive and the appearance more minimal and suitable for everyday spaces.

How it is different

Most air purifiers use disposable filters, which are expensive and generate waste. This design uses living moss as the core filter, offering a reusable and eco-friendly alternative. Beyond air purification, the system leverages AI and sensors to help users understand air quality, receive personalized space improvement advice, and interact with plants. It transforms air purification from a passive process into an engaging and sustainable experience. This is more than just a machine—it’s a lifestyle tool that brings nature and wellness into daily life.

Future plans

In the future, we plan to develop a mass-production version with optimized modular structure and improved water circulation for easier maintenance. We aim to collaborate with interior designers and sustainable living brands to bring the product into homes, offices, and schools. An app is also planned for real-time monitoring and care notifications. Our ultimate goal is to promote this nature-integrated air solution and make sustainable, healthy living accessible to everyone.

Awards

This product received an Honorable Mention from the International Design Awards (IDA), USA.