Device for freshening air and capturing atmospheric carbon

Abstract

The subject invention relates to systems and their use in freshening air while simultaneously capturing carbon dioxide from the air. More specifically, the subject invention provides a system comprising an air-permeable vessel comprising a fragrance component and / or an odor removing component, in addition to a component that converts atmospheric CO2 into a non-corrosive salt. The apparatus can be used passively in closed environments having access to air flow, as well as actively in air purifiers, HVAC systems and vacuums. Advantageously, the subject invention can be utilized by individuals in their homes and businesses as a way to contribute to reducing the negative impacts of climate change.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] DEVICE FOR FRESHENING AIR AND CAPTURING ATMOSPHERIC CARBON

[0003] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims priority to U. S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 725,225, filed November 26, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere are called “greenhouse gases,” or “GHG,” and include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases. Of note, carbon dioxide (CO2) enters the atmosphere through burning fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, and oil), solid waste, trees and wood products, and also as a result of certain chemical reactions, e.g., the manufacture of cement.

[0006] Especially since the Industrial Revolution began in the 1700s, human activity has contributed to the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels, cutting down forests, and conducting other industrial activities. Many greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere remain there for long periods of time ranging from a decade to many millennia. Over time these gases are removed from the atmosphere by chemical reactions or by emissions sinks, such as the oceans and vegetation that absorb greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.

[0007] World leaders have attempted to curb the increase of GHG emissions through treaties and other inter-state agreements. One such attempt is through the use of carbon credit systems. A carbon credit is a generic term for a tradable certificate or permit representing the right to emit one ton of carbon dioxide, or an equivalent GHG. In a typical carbon credit system, a governing body sets quotas on the amount of GHG emissions an operator can produce. Exceeding these quotas requires the operator to purchase extra allowances from other operators who have not used all of their carbon credits.

[0008] One goal of carbon credit systems is to encourage companies to invest in more green technology, machinery and practices in order to benefit from the trade of these credits. Under the Kyoto Protocol of the United Nations Framework Convention On Climate Change (UNFCCC), a large number of countries have agreed to be bound internationally by policies for GHG reduction, including through trade of emissions credits. While the United States is not bound by the Kyoto Protocol, and while there is no central national emissions trading system in the U. S., some states, such as California and a group of northeastern states, have begun to adopt such trading schemes.

[0009] Most people around the world are aware and concerned with the growing threat of climate change, primarily driven by the increase in CO2 levels in the atmosphere. Every human being on the planet contributes to the CO2 increase. This can be determined in terms of a “personal carbon footprint.” For most people, the options around reducing their footprint have to do with making changes to their lifestyle choices, choosing more sustainable options, and more recently, buying carbon credits from the voluntary carbon markets. People are increasingly looking for sustainable alternatives in their buying choices. Many of these choices however, are expensive or inconvenient, thus limiting widespread adoption. And finally, all these options relate to emissions avoidance, i.e., they focus on reducing their carbon footprint by choosing less carbon intensive options. Almost none of the choices currently available to the average individual deal with active CO2 removal from the atmosphere.

[0010] To put this in perspective, increasing emissions avoidance aim to reduce further increases in atmospheric CO2 levels; however, to ultimately reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere in short to medium term timelines, atmospheric CO2 removal is required. The latter (atmospheric CO2 removal through Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage, and Direct Air Capture) has largely been the domain of large industrial conglomerates or government funded initiatives because of the infancy in available technologies, as well as the associated expenses involved. Therefore, there is a need for technologies that everyday consumers can implement in their daily lives to contribute to the global efforts for atmospheric CO2 removal.

[0011] BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The subject invention relates to devices and their use in freshening air while simultaneously capturing carbon dioxide from the air. More specifically, the subject invention provides devices for housing one or more of: a fragrance component, an odor removing component, and a component for absorbing atmospheric CO2.

[0013] Advantageously, the subject invention can be fashioned completely with green, or sustainable, materials, resulting in a low-carbon footprint from producing and using the invention. In certain embodiments, the entire process of producing and using the invention results in a net removal effect on atmospheric CO2.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the device of the subject invention comprises a vessel. The vessel is preferably air-permeable, for example, a porous paper or mesh bag, or a solid container such as an open-air bin, tray or bowl. The container can be vented or un-vented. In preferred embodiments, the vessel is made of a sustainable material, such as, for example, paper, cotton, hemp, jute, coconut, wood, or bamboo, although other materials, such as glass, ceramic or metal are also envisioned. The vessel may also be housed inside an additional vessel, for example an air-permeable bag inside of another bag or a solid container.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the vessel houses a component for storing and emitting a fragrance. In one embodiment, the fragrance can be impregnated into a slow-release substance, such as, for example, rocks, pellets, balls or gels, housed within the vessel, which allows for consistent diffusion of the fragrance out of the vessel and into the ambient air over a sustained time period. In one embodiment, the fragrance can be impregnated into a candle made of, e.g., beeswax or soy wax, which, when burned, releases the fragrance.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the vessel houses a component for removing, or reducing the amount of, an airborne odor in an environment. In some embodiments, the odor remover is an odor absorbent, which absorbs and traps odors from the air. Non-limiting examples of odor absorbents can include activated charcoal, biochar, sodium bicarbonate, cyclodextrin, zeolites and / or zinc ricinoleate. In some embodiments, the odor remover is an odor neutralizer, which removes the odor by altering the molecular structure of the odor particles. Odor neutralizers can include, for example, chlorine dioxide, citric acid and various enzymes.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the device further comprises a CO2- absorbing agent. Preferably, the CO2- absorbing agent is a base that is produced using low-carbon processes. In some embodiments, the fragrance emitting substance and / or the odor remover can also function as a CO2- absorbing agent. In some embodiments, the CO2- absorbing agent is mixed with a fragrance emitting substance and / or the odor remover, and each component is housed within the vessel. The CO2- absorbing agent, fragrance emitting substance and / or the odor remover can also be housed within separate individual compartments within the vessel.

[0018] In one embodiment, the CO2-absorbing agent is calcium hydroxide, calcium oxide, magnesium hydroxide and / or magnesium oxide. In the presence of moisture, these compounds react with CO2to produce carbonate salts, which can be re-used and / or disposed of in an environmentally-friendly manner.

[0019] In a specific exemplary embodiment, the CO2-absorbing agent is formed into a rock-like structure (“carbon-rocks”). Advantageously, in some embodiments, the carbon-rocks can be produced from wastewater leftover from salt production. Thus, they are safe to handle and can be produced using sustainable materials and methods.

[0020] In preferred embodiments, the amount of CO2-absorbing agent utilized in the device is sufficient to absorb enough CO2 to offset the total carbon footprint of the device and / or its individual components, including, e.g., the vessel, fragrance component, fragrance storing / emitting substance, odor remover and / or the CO2-absorbing agent itself.

[0021] Further provided herein are methods for freshening air while simultaneously absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere using a device of the subject invention. In some embodiments, the method is passive, wherein the device is placed in an enclosed environment having access to airflow and simply left in place for a period of time until all of the CO2-absorbing agent has been mineralized, all of the fragrance has been emitted from the vessel, and / or a desired amount of odor is removed from the enclosed environment.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the method is active, wherein the device is placed in an electrically-powered device that moves air, such as an air purifier, an HVAC system, a fan, a hair dryer or a vacuum. Air is then passed directly through the device by way of operation of the airmoving system for a period of time until all of the CO2-absorbing agent has been mineralized, all of the fragrance has been emitted from the vessel, and / or a desired amount of odor is removed from the moving air. Preferably, the air-moving system is powered using renewable energy, such as solar energy or geothermal energy.

[0023] Advantageously the subject invention can be utilized by individuals in their homes and businesses as an everyday source of fragrance, odor-reduction, and as a way to contribute towards efforts of reducing atmospheric greenhouse gases through Direct Air Capture (DAC). Furthermore, the subject invention can be adapted for use in a multitude of home appliances and, given the sheer global volume of said appliances, use of the described device could contribute to a meaningful difference in the fight against climate change.

[0024] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0025] Figure 1 depicts an example of a device according to one embodiment of the subject invention, comprising a bowl vessel containing carbon-rocks as a CO2- absorbing agent, alongside a dropper of essential oil(s) serving as the fragrance component to be applied to the carbon-rocks.

[0026] Figure 2 depicts a schematic of a process for producing the CO2- absorbing agent according to embodiments of the subject invention.

[0027] Figures 3A-3B depict (A) conversion of magnesium hydroxide into carbonate in ambient conditions overtime; and (B) conversion of a 75:25 mixture of magnesium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide into carbonate in ambient conditions overtime.

[0028] Figure 3 depicts an image of a bedside measurement of conditions in an enclosed bedroom before administration of a device according to an embodiment of the subject invention.

[0029] Figure 4 depicts an image of a bedside measurement of conditions in an enclosed bedroom approximately 5 hours after administration of a device according to an embodiment of the subject invention.

[0030] Figure 5 depicts an image of a CO2 meter inside a sealed jar prior to placement of a device according to an embodiment of the subject invention into the jar.

[0031] Figure 6 depicts an image of a CO2 meter inside a sealed jar after placement of a device according to an embodiment of the subject invention into the jar. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] The subject invention relates to devices and their use for freshening air while simultaneously capturing carbon dioxide directly from the air. Advantageously, the subject invention can be fashioned completely with green, or sustainable, materials, resulting in a low-carbon footprint from producing and using the invention. A “carbon footprint” may be defined herein as a measure of the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other GHGs emitted directly or indirectly by a human activity or accumulated over the full life cycle of a product or service. As just one example, a product that requires transportation over many miles by truck may have a larger carbon footprint than an alternative product that does not require long-distance transportation.

[0033] Carbon footprints can be calculated using a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method, or can be restricted to the immediately attributable emissions from energy use of fossil fuels. A life cycle assessment (LCA, also known as life cycle analysis, ecobalance, and cradle-to-grave analysis) is the investigation and valuation of the environmental impacts of a given product or service caused or necessitated by its existence. The life cycle concept of the carbon footprint means that it is all-encompassing and includes all possible causes that give rise to carbon emissions. In other words, all direct (on-site, internal) and indirect emissions (off-site, external, embodied, upstream, downstream) typically need to be taken into account.

[0034] Normally, a carbon footprint is expressed as a CO2 equivalent. Carbon dioxide equivalency is a quantity that describes, for a given mixture and amount of GHG, the amount of CO2that would have the same global warming potential (GWP), when measured over a specified timescale (generally, 100 years). Carbon dioxide equivalency thus reflects time-integrated radiative forcing. The carbon dioxide equivalency for a gas is obtained by multiplying the mass and the GWP of the gas. The following units are commonly used:

[0035] a) By the UN climate change panel IPCC: billion metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent (GtCO2eq);

[0036] b) In industry: million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (MMTCDE);

[0037] c) For vehicles: g of carbon dioxide equivalents / km (gCDE / km).

[0038] For example, the GWP for methane is 21 and for nitrous oxide 310. This means that emissions of 1 million metric tonnes of methane and nitrous oxide respectively is equivalent to emissions of 21 and 310 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide.

[0039] Various methods exist in the art for calculating or estimating carbon footprints and may be employed in the subject invention.

[0040] Products and processes having a “low-carbon footprint” result in GHGs emitted per unit time that approach net-zero over the full life cycle of producing a system, component or product, through and until the system, component or product is ultimately used by human consumers. The net CO2 and / or other GHG emissions can be, for example, less than about: 50%, 25%, 15%, 10%, 8%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.01%, 0.001% or 0% greater than net-zero emissions. In some embodiments, “low-carbon footprint” includes products or processes that result in negative GHG emissions due to, for example, their contribution to CO2 capture.

[0041] In some embodiments, the term “carbon footprint” is interchangeable herein with the terms “carbon intensity” and “emission intensity,” which are the measure of the emission rate of a given GHG relative to the “intensity” of a specific activity or industrial process. The emissions intensity can include amount of emissions relative to, for example, amount of fuel combusted, amount of an industrial product produced, total distance traveled, and / or number of economic units generated. Emissions intensity is measured across the entire life cycle of a product. For example, the emissions intensity of fuels is calculated by compiling all of the GHG emissions emitted along the supply chain for a fuel, including all the emissions emitted in exploration, mining, collecting, producing, transporting, distributing, dispensing and burning the fuel.

[0042] Selected Definitions

[0043] As used herein, a “green” compound or material means at least 95% derived from natural, biological and / or renewable sources, such as plants, animals, minerals and / or microorganisms, and furthermore, the compound or material is at least partially biodegradable. Additionally, in some embodiments, “green” compounds or materials are minimally toxic to humans and can have a LD50>5000 mg / kg.

[0044] As used herein, “enhancing” means improving or increasing.

[0045] As used herein “preventing” or “prevention” of a situation or occurrence means delaying, inhibiting, suppressing, forestalling, and / or minimizing the onset, extensiveness or progression of the situation or occurrence. Prevention can include, but does not require, indefinite, absolute or complete prevention, meaning it may still develop at a later time. Prevention can include reducing the severity of the onset of such a situation or occurrence, and / or stalling its development to a more severe or extensive situation or occurrence.

[0046] Ranges provided herein are understood to be shorthand for all of the values within the range. For example, a range of 1 to 20 is understood to include any number, combination of numbers, or sub-range from the group consisting of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, as well as all intervening decimal values between the aforementioned integers such as, for example, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, and 1.9. With respect to sub-ranges, “nested sub-ranges” that extend from either end point of the range are specifically contemplated. For example, a nested sub-range of an exemplary range of 1 to 50 may comprise 1 to 10, 1 to 20, 1 to 30, and 1 to 40 in one direction, or 50 to 40, 50 to 30, 50 to 20, and 50 to 10 in the other direction.

[0047] As used herein, “reduction” refers to a negative alteration, and the term “increase” refers to a positive alteration, wherein the negative or positive alteration is at least 0.25%, 0.5%, 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100%.

[0048] As used herein, “reference” refers to a standard or control condition.

[0049] The transitional term “comprising,” which is synonymous with “including,” or “containing,” is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. By contrast, the transitional phrase “consisting of’ excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim. The transitional phrase “consisting essentially of’ limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps “and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s)” of the claimed invention. Use of the term “comprising” contemplates other embodiments that “consist” or “consist essentially” of the recited component(s).

[0050] Unless specifically stated or obvious from context, as used herein, the term "or" is understood to be inclusive. Unless specifically stated or obvious from context, as used herein, the terms “a,” “and” and “the” are understood to be singular or plural.

[0051] Unless specifically stated or obvious from context, as used herein, the term “about” is understood as within a range of normal tolerance in the art, for example within 2 standard deviations of the mean. About can be understood as within 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01% of the stated value.

[0052] The recitation of a listing of chemical groups in any definition of a variable herein includes definitions of that variable as any single group or combination of listed groups. The recitation of an embodiment for a variable or aspect herein includes that embodiment as any single embodiment or in combination with any other embodiments or portions thereof. All references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0053] Devices

[0054] The subject invention provides devices for housing one or more of: a fragrance component, an odor removing component, and / or a component for absorbing atmospheric CO2.

[0055] In certain embodiments, the device comprises a vessel that is preferably porous and / or permeable to air.

[0056] In some embodiments, the vessel is a paper or fine-mesh bag or sachet having a pore size of about 100 pm or less, e.g., from 0.01 to 100 pm, or from 0.1 to 95 pm, or from 1 to 85 pm, or from 5 to 75 pm, or from 10 to 65 pm, or from 15 to 55 pm, or from 20 to 45 pm. In some embodiments, the vessel is a solid container such as a bin, tray, bowl, jar, tub, bottle, pod, or shell, which can be placed on a surface, such as counter, and / or suspended above the ground with a means for hanging. In some embodiments, the solid container is open at the top and / or comprises one or more vents to allow for air flow through the container. In one embodiment, the solid structural unit is made of coconut shell, bamboo or wood.

[0057] In some embodiments, the air-permeable vessel is housed within one or more additional air-permeable vessels, such as, for example, another bag or solid container.

[0058] The vessel can have a volume capacity of, e.g., 1 ml to 1,000 L, 5 ml to 500 L, 10 ml to 250 L, 15 ml to 150 L, 20 ml to 100 L, 25 ml to 75 L, 30 ml to 50 L, 35 ml to 25 L, 40 ml to 15 L, 45 ml to 10L, 50 ml to 8 L, 55 ml to 5 L, 60 ml to 4 L, 65 ml to 3 L, 70 ml to 2 L, 75 ml to 1 L, 80 ml to 0.75 L, 85 ml to 0.5 L, 90 ml to 0.25 L, 95 ml to 0.20 L, or 100 ml to 0.15 L.

[0059] The vessel of the subject device is preferably made of a sustainable, recycled and / or reclaimed material, such as, for example: fibers or comminuted materials sourced from plants or agricultural products, such as fibers or comminuted materials sourced from the husks, shells, stems, roots, leaves (or fronds or leaflets), cores, trunks, inflorescences, fruit, pulp, empty fruit bunches, seeds (pit), or the offshoots of various other plants or agricultural products (e.g., the seeds / nuts and / or seed / nut shells or hulls of almond, Brazil, cocoa bean, coconut, cotton, flax, grass, linseed, maize, millet, oat, peach, apricot, date pit / date stones, peanut, rye, soybean, sunflower, walnut, wheat; rice straw; rice bran; rice husk including rice husk ash; crude pectate pulp; peat moss fibers; flax; cotton; cotton linters; wool; sugar cane; jute stick; neem leaves; paper; bagasse; bamboo; com stalks; wood / wood chips / wood fibers / wood pulp / wooden balls; bark; straw such as wheat straw; pine cone; cork; dehydrated vegetable matter; whole ground com cobs; com stalks; com cob light density pith core; com cob ground woody ring portion; com cob chaff portion; cotton seed stems; flax stems; wheat stems; sunflower seed stems; soybean stems; maize stems; rye grass stems; millet stems; cellulosic fibers; cellulose; coconut palm materials such as coconut shells, coconut husks; and oil palm materials such as palm oil fuel ash, palm oil fibers, palm oil shells, and palm oil empty fruit brunches); animal-based fibers (e.g., wool); paper (e.g., unbleached recycled paper); polymers (e.g., superabsorbent polymers, such as potassium acrylate acrylamide; and / or biopolymers such as cellulose, lignin, chitosan, starch, polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates, mbber, gelatin, guar, or xanthan gum); and / or plastics (e.g., bioplastics manufactured using lignin, cellulose, seaweed, algae, sugarcane, fungi, or hemp). In some embodiments, other materials such as glass, ceramic and / or metals are also envisioned.

[0060] In certain embodiments, the choice of vessel is based on its contribution to the total carbon footprint of the device, and the amount of CO2-absorbing agent required to offset that carbon footprint. Specifically, in preferred embodiments, the amount of CO2-absorbing agent utilized in the device is sufficient to absorb enough CO2 to offset the total carbon footprint of the device and / or its individual components, including, e.g., the vessel, fragrance component, storing / emitting substance, odor remover and / or the CO2-absorbing agent itself

[0061] The use of fragrances in the home and for aromatherapy is a non-clinical practice based on the use of aromatic materials such as essential oils and aromatic compounds in a variety of different ways with the goal of freshening air and improving psychological well-being through inhalation. They are used principally in enclosed living spaces such as living rooms, bedrooms, common areas and especially bathrooms, as well as in offices and storefront settings.

[0062] In one embodiment, the fragrance can be impregnated into a substance that allows for the slow-release of the fragrance into the surrounding air. The slow-release substance can be made of fibers, beads, balls, pellets, powders, gels, or microcapsules made with any sustainable, recycled and / or reclaimed materials, such as wood (e.g., pine), a gel, or a superabsorbent polymer, as well as others listed above. The slow-release material impregnated with the fragrance is housed within the air-permeable vessel, which allows for consistent diffusion of the fragrance out of the vessel and into the ambient air over a sustained time period.

[0063] In one embodiment, the fragrance can be impregnated into the CO2-absorbing agent. For example, a dropper can be used to drop essential oil(s) onto the CO2-absorbing agent as frequently as needed to achieve a desired level of fragrance in the environment. FIG. 1. The essential oil(s), which will not react with the CO2-absorbing agent, will then diffuse consistently into the air and produce the air freshening effect.

[0064] In one embodiment, the fragrance can be impregnated into a candle made of, e.g., beeswax or soy wax, which, when burned, releases the fragrance.

[0065] The fragrance component of the device is preferably an essential oil that is sustainably sourced, has not undergone animal testing, does not cause respiratory distress and / or is not extracted using harsh chemical solvents, such as petrochemical-based solvents and / or hexane.

[0066] An “essential oil” according to the present disclosure is derived from plant matter. The essential oil may derive from several different parts of the plant, including by way of non-limiting example berries, seeds, bark, wood, rhizome, leaves, resin, flowers, peel and root.

[0067] In some embodiments, the essential oil may comprise of a mixture of more than one essential oil. In one embodiment, the essential oils are volatile oils.

[0068] Essential oils according to the subject invention include a variety of plant-based extracts with distinct properties. Citrus oils such as bergamot oil, grapefruit oil, lemon oil, lime oil, orange oil, mandarin oil, sweet orange oil, and tangerine oil are known for their refreshing and uplifting scents. Herbaceous and mint oils include basil oil, chamomile oil, cinnamon bark oil, clove oil, eucalyptus oil, ginger oil, lavender oil, lemongrass oil, mint oils (including peppermint oil, spearmint oil, and wintergreen oil), oregano oil, rosemary oil, thyme oil, tea tree oil, parsley oil, fennel oil, anise oil, star anise oil, geranium oil, juniper oil, and valerian oil. Woody and floral oils include frankincense oil, rosewood oil, ylang ylang oil, rose oil, jasmine oil, sandalwood oil, palmarosa oil, vetivert oil, cedarwood oil, cedar oil, bois de rose oil, neroli oil, tuberose oil, cananga oil, guaiacwood oil, patchouli oil, and cedarwood oil. Spice and seed oils include allspice oil, cumin oil, cardamom oil, caraway oil, clove oil, cinnamon oil, turmeric oil, dill oil, garlic oil, cumin oil, and pepper oil. Other essential oils include camphor oil, copaiba balsam oil, pyrethrum oil, glycerol-derived lipids, tolu balsam oil, perilla oil, hiba oil (Chamaecyparis obtusa oil), linden oil, bay oil, petitgrain oil, pine needle oil, jasmine oil, Lindera oil, tea seed oil, thymol oil, and Japanese mint oil.

[0069] Additionally, botanical and plant extract oils include horseheal (Inula helenium), rose (Rosa damascena), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), chamomile (Matricaria recutica), orange (Rutaceae), grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), geranium (Geranium robertianum), juniper (Juniperus communis), citrus (Citrus sinensis), tea tree (Melaleuca altemifolia), manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium), neem tree (Azadirachta indica), tea plant (Camellia sinensis), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), and oregano oil.

[0070] The essential oil can, in some embodiments, comprise a carrier, which may include water; other essential oils; vegetable oils; mineral oils; ester oils such as octal palmitate, isopropyl myristate and isopropyl palmitate; ethers such as dicapryl ether and dimethyl isosorbide; alcohols such as ethanol and isopropanol; fatty alcohols such as cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol and behenyl alcohol; isoparaffins such as isooctane, isododecane (IDD) and isohexadecane; silicone oils such as cyclomethicone, dimethicone, dimethicone cross-polymer, polysiloxanes and their derivatives, preferably organomodified derivatives including PDMS, dimethicone copolyol, dimethiconols, and amodimethiconols; hydrocarbon oils such as mineral oil, petrolatum, isoeicosane and polyolefins, e.g., (hydrogenated) polyisobutene; polyols such as propylene glycol, glycerin, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, hexylene glycol, caprylyl glycol; waxes such as beeswax, carnauba, ozokerite, microcrystalline wax, polyethylene wax, and botanical waxes; or any combinations or mixtures of the foregoing. In preferred embodiments, the carrier is a non-toxic, green carrier, such as, for example, another essential oil. Carrier oils can include, but are not limited to, jojoba oil, coconut oil, blueberry seed oil, olive oil, sweet almond oil, or rosehip oil.

[0071] The carrier may be present at about 1% to 99% by weight or by volume of the fragrance component, from 10% to 98%, 25% to 97%, 50% to 96%, 60% to 95%, or 75% to 90%.

[0072] Additional components can include, for example, antioxidants, preservatives, surfactants, and coloring agents, with preference for components derived from green sources. The fragrance component is preferably free from common allergens and known toxins and / or endocrine disruptors, including but not limited to, synthetic fragrances, aerosol propellants, phthalates, methylisothiazolinone, formaldehyde, benzene, hexane, xylene, styrene, 1,4 dichlorobenzene, D-limonene, PEG-40, toluene, acetaldehyde, triclosan and methylene chloride.

[0073] In certain embodiments, the vessel of the subject device houses a component for removing, or reducing the amount of, an airborne odor in an environment. In some embodiments, the odor remover is an odor absorbent, which absorbs and traps odors from the air. Non-limiting examples of odor absorbents can include activated charcoal, biochar, sodium bicarbonate, cyclodextrin, zeolites and / or zinc ricinoleate. In a preferred embodiment, the odor remover is activated charcoal or biochar.

[0074] In some embodiments, the odor remover is an odor neutralizer, which removes the odor by altering the molecular structure of the odor particles. Odor neutralizers can include, for example, chlorine dioxide, citric acid and various enzymes.

[0075] In certain embodiments, the device of the subject invention further comprises a CO2- absorbing agent. The vessel can comprise the fragrance substance and / or the odor remover with the CO2- absorbing agent, either mixed together or separated but in close proximity to one another, e.g., within the same vessel.

[0076] The ratio of fragrance component or odor remover to CO₂-absorbing agent within the air-permeable vessel, by weight, is EX or X: 1, where X= a positive integer from 1 to 100,000, from 1 to 75,000, from 1 to 50,000, from 1 to 25,000, from 1 to 10,000, from 1 to 7,500, from 1 to 5,000, from 1 to 2,500, from 1 to 1,000, from 1 to 750, from 1 to 500, from 1 to 250, from 1 to 100, from 1 to 75, from 1 to 50, from 1 to 25, from 1 to 10, from 1 to 5, or from 1 to 2.

[0077] In certain embodiments, the CO₂-absorbing agent is a chemical base such as, for example, Ca(OH)2, CaO, Ca(Cl)2, Mg(OH)2, KOH, NaOH, or KC1. These compounds can react with CO2 to produce carbonate salts.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, the base is calcium hydroxide, calcium oxide, magnesium hydroxide or magnesium oxide. Calcium hydroxide in particular (or calcium oxide in the presence of moisture) rapidly absorbs CO2 in the atmosphere to produce calcium carbonate (CaCO₃):

[0079] CaO + H2O → Ca(OH)2

[0080] Ca(OH)2+ CO2→ CaCO3+ H2O

[0081] Calcium carbonate is a common substance found in rocks, most notably in chalk and limestone, eggshells, mollusk shells, shellfish skeletons and pearls, and is considered non-hazardous by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as several regulatory counterparts worldwide. It is also stable at temperatures up to 800°C before it decomposes and re-releases CO2.

[0082] Advantageously, in some embodiments, calcium hydroxide is utilized due to its low carbon footprint. The low carbon footprint character of the calcium hydroxide can be due to, for example, the source of the raw materials used for producing it. The calcium ions that form the calcium hydroxide can be sourced from brine effluents from desalination plants where the salt water is known to have high amounts of calcium ions in various mineral forms. It can also be sourced from other waste sources, such as limestone-based construction waste, mollusk shells and industrial brine effluents.

[0083] In certain embodiments, the chemical base is magnesium hydroxide and its non-hydrated oxide, magnesium oxide. These compounds are similar to calcium hydroxide, but can be more expensive to produce; therefore, in preferred embodiments, additional care is taken to ensure that the compound is produced and obtained using low-carbon footprint methods. For example, some brines from desalination plants can also contain magnesium ions in various mineral forms.

[0084] In certain embodiments, a mixture of calcium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide is used. While the calcium hydroxide absorbs CO2 at a faster rate than magnesium hydroxide, the magnesium hydroxide can absorb greater volumes of CO2 than calcium hydroxide and is less irritating to the skin. See FIGS. 3A-3B. In an exemplary embodiment, the ratio of calcium hydroxide to magnesium hydroxide in the mixture ranges from 1-100:100-1, for example, 10:90, 15:85, 20:80, 25:75, 30:70, 35:65, 40:60, 45:55, 50:50, 55:45, 60:40, 65:35, 70:30, 75:25, 80:20, 85:15, or 90:10. In one embodiment, the ratio of calcium hydroxide to magnesium hydroxide is 25:75.

[0085] In certain embodiments, calcium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide, and their oxide forms, are preferred over other strong bases, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH), which can be highly corrosive and can cause severe burns when contacted with skin, respiratory damage when breathed in, and blindness if contacted with the eye. Additionally, such strong bases could potentially degrade the holding vessel, causing handling issues.

[0086] Furthermore, in some embodiments, calcium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide, and their oxide forms, are more stable than strong bases such as NaOH and KOH and less likely to decompose back to CO2 in mildly raised temperatures and / or in the presence of water. Calcium carbonate is especially stable due to its high lattice energy, which makes it insoluble in water.

[0087] In preferred embodiments, the base material does not increase the carbon footprint of the device, or otherwise reduces the carbon footprint of the device to, preferably a net-zero or negative carbon footprint. Without a low or negative carbon footprint for the base material, there may be a net increase in the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere when the production of the device is considered, as it would otherwise take more energy in CO2 equivalent terms to produce it than how much CO2 is absorbed by the device.

[0088] To obtain low or negative carbon footprint calcium oxide and / or hydroxide, and / or low or negative carbon footprint magnesium oxide and / or hydroxide, one of a few different methods can be used, including, for example, electrochemical processes that use renewable / green energy to treat brine containing CaCl₂ and / or MgCl₂ (FIG. 2); a chemical process that uses renewable / green reactants to convert the CaCl₂ and / or MgCl₂ in brine into calcium oxide or hydroxide and / or magnesium oxide or hydroxide; or simply using natural sources such as brucite and basalt (both of which naturally contain magnesium hydroxide), or Portlandite (which naturally contains calcium hydroxide).

[0089] In certain embodiments, given the high temperature stability of calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate precipitates, their insolubility in water and their general inert nature, these compounds can serve as carbon sinks when they are, for example, disposed of into landfills, utilized in cementitious materials or applied as soil amendments to improve the fertility of acidic soils.

[0090] In an exemplary embodiment, the CO₂-absorbing agent is formed into a rock-like structure (“carbon-rocks”). The carbon-rocks can vary in size from sand-sized particles, to granules, to pebbles, to medium-sized cobbles, e.g., from 0.05 mm to 12 cm, 0.1 mm to 11 cm, 0.5 mm to 10 cm, 1 mm to 9 cm, 5 mm to 8 cm, 8 mm to 7 cm, 1 cm to 6 cm, 1.5 cm to 5 cm, 2 cm to 4 cm, or 2.5 cm to 3 cm, or more in diameter.

[0091] In certain embodiments, for every 1 kg / lb of carbon-rock, at least 750 g / 0.75 lb of CO2 can be captured over the course of the carbon-rock’s reactive life.

[0092] In a specific exemplary embodiment, the carbon-rocks comprise a mixture of magnesium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide and are placed into a vessel, such as a bowl or tray, wherein the amount of carbon-rocks included in the vessel is sufficient to absorb an amount of CO2 that offsets the carbon footprint of the vessel and all other components of the device. Preferably, the fragrance component, in the form of an essential oil or essential oil mixture, is applied onto the carbon-rocks in an amount sufficient to achieve a desired level of fragrance dispersion into the air.

[0093] In some embodiments, the device further comprises a means for placing the air-permeable vessel comprising the fragrance component, odor absorber and / or CO₂-absorbing agent into an environment. For example, in some embodiments, the air-permeable vessel can be placed inside a second air-permeable vessel, such as bag or a structural container. The first air-permeable vessel can then be replaced when needed, while the second air-permeable vessel is re-filled and re-used.

[0094] In some embodiments, the air-permeable vessel and / or, when present, the second air-permeable vessel, comprises a means for hanging the device, such as a string or hook. In some embodiments, the second air-permeable vessel comprises a stand or other means for placing the device on a horizontal surface, such as a dresser, shelf or countertop.

[0095] In another embodiment, the device can comprise a means for affixing the air-permeable vessel to a source of air flow. For example, the vessel can be placed into a frame or a container through which air is capable of passing, wherein the frame or container is affixed to, or within, for example, a trash can, a wall or cabinet, an air purifier, an air filter, an engine filter, a HVAC system, a window A / C unit, a vacuum cleaner, a hair dryer, a fan or a vent. The frame or container can be affixed using, for example, adhesive, a clip, screws, nails, or other known fasteners, depending upon the location.

[0096] In some embodiments, the means for affixing the vessel can be permanently affixed at a location, and the air-permeable vessel can then be exchanged for a new loaded vessel once the carbonates are saturated and / or the fragrance is depleted. In other embodiments, the vessel and the means for affixing the vessel are permanently joined such that when the vessel requires replacing, the entire package is removed and disposed of.

[0097] In some embodiments, the device can be fashioned into an electrically-powered air-moving unit that is preferably powered using 100% renewable energy. This unit can be, for example, an electrically-powered air purifier, aromatherapy diffuser and / or an air freshener spray dispenser. In some embodiments, the unit is powered using its own source of energy, such as a solar panel or solar-charged battery.

[0098] In some embodiments, the vessel can comprise a candle made of beeswax or soy wax. In some embodiments, the candle is impregnated with a fragrance component. The candle can be placed in the vessel adjacent to the CO₂-absorbing agent. Alternatively, the CO₂-absorbing agent, e.g., in the form of carbon-rocks, can be mixed with liquid candle wax at a ratio of, e.g., 50:50 to 60:40, wax: carbon-rocks, so that the carbon-rocks are dispersed within the candle’s structure once solidified. As the candle bums and the wax melts, the CO₂-absorbing agent is exposed so that it may absorb CO2 and create a net-zero CO2 candle.

[0099] Methods

[0100] Further provided herein are methods for freshening air in an environment (e.g., emitting a pleasing fragrance and / or removing or reducing an amount of an airborne odor) while simultaneously absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere using a device of the subject invention. In some embodiments, the method is passive, wherein the device is placed in an enclosed environment having access to airflow and simply left in place for a period of time until all of the CO₂-absorbing agent has been converted to carbonate, all of the fragrance has been emitted from the vessel, and / or a desired reduction in odor is achieved within the environment. In certain embodiments, the method is active, wherein the device is placed in an electrically-powered device that moves air, such as an air purifier, an HVAC system, a window A / C unit, an automobile heating and A / C unit, a vacuum cleaner, a hair dryer, or a fan. Air is then passed directly through the device by way of operation of the air-moving system for a period of time until all of the CO₂-absorbing agent has been converted to carbonate, all of the fragrance has been emitted, and / or a desired amount of odor is removed from the moving air. The device can be placed at a location in the air-moving system such that outbound flowing air passes through the filter, such as, for example, a vent or exhaust opening.

[0101] Preferably, the air-moving system is powered using renewable energy, such as solar energy, hydropower, wind energy or geothermal energy, and / or a rechargeable battery powered by a renewable source of energy.

[0102] Advantageously, the methods of the subject invention can be utilized to reduce the levels of CO2 in an enclosed environment, thereby contributing to reduced atmospheric GHG as well as reducing potential health effects that can result from excess ambient CO2, such as, for example, insomnia, headaches, dizziness, breathing difficulty, increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, asphyxiation, eye irritation, sore or dry throat, rhinitis, sneezing, and / or coughing.

[0103] In one particular embodiment, the methods of the subject invention can be useful for promoting healthy sleep. Elevated carbon dioxide concentrations, e.g., a level above 1000 ppm, can increase wakefulness and decrease sleep quality and the overall amount of deep sleep achieved. Thus, by placing a device according to the subject invention in an enclosed bedroom, e.g., in the form of a large tray filled with carbon-rocks, the methods can be used to reduce CO2 levels in the bedroom and increase the amount of deep sleep achieved by users sleeping there.

[0104] In certain embodiments, once the fragrance component is completely utilized and / or the base has been completely converted into carbonate, the methods can further comprise disposing of the air-permeable vessel and / or its contents. Furthermore, the device can be reloaded with fragrance until the base is fully converted. For example, essential oils can be applied to the base at regular time intervals (e.g., hourly, daily, every other day, weekly) until the base is fully converted into carbonate.

[0105] In certain embodiments, the air-permeable vessel is then replaced with a new loaded vessel comprising a fresh fragrance component, odor remover and / or base.

[0106] In some embodiments, the remnants of the fragrance component are biodegradable and / or can be re-loaded with new essential oils to be re-used in a device according to the subject invention. Advantageously, in some embodiments, the carbonate precipitate can serve as a carbon sink, effectively sequestering CO₂ in landfills, soil or cementitious materials. EXAMPLES

[0107] It should be understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application.

[0108] EXAMPLE 1 - DEVICE FOR EMITTING FRAGRANCE AND CAPTURING ATMOSPHERIC CARBON

[0109] A device according to one embodiment of the subject invention can have the below- described features. Initially, every part of the product is consciously selected so as to be sustainable, rather than contributing to a further source of CO2 emissions. Preferably, the device utilizes, no plastic, no ceramic, no artificial fragrances, and no synthetic fibers.

[0110] The air-permeable vessel is a bag made of recycled, unbleached paper, or a fine-mesh bag made of unbleached cotton, hemp and / or jute. The fragrance component within the vessel comprises essential oils that are sustainably sourced, have not undergone any animal testing, do not cause respiratory distress and / or were not extracted / produced using harsh, toxic reagents, such as hexane. Furthermore, the CO₂-absorbing agent is calcium hydroxide, calcium oxide, magnesium hydroxide or magnesium oxide, which are non-toxic and efficient carbon capturing bases.

[0111] The fragrance component is impregnated into a plurality of wooden balls made of, e.g., pine, which are mixed together with the base within the bag.

[0112] When the device further comprises an air-permeable container to house the bag, or a means for affixing the bag to a source of air flow, the structure thereof can be made of, for example, coconut shell (which is a waste product as well as a source of sequestered carbon), and / or sustainably sourced wood (which is also a source of sequestered carbon).

[0113] For every 1kg of calcium oxide in a loaded fine-mesh bag, the capture efficiency of CO2 is 0.8kg of CO2 in a moisture rich environment. For every 1kg of calcium hydroxide in a loaded fine-mesh bag, 0.6kg of CO2 is captured.

[0114] CO2 reacts fairly rapidly with the hydroxide base (or the oxide in a moist environment) to create the stable carbonate beginning within a matter of 1 to 3 days of contact. The base in the device would be converted fully to the carbonate form by about one to three months. Thus, with a quarterly replacement regimen, the device in its passive mode will quickly be carbon negative and will contribute to a net reduction of CO₂ in the atmosphere.

[0115] EXAMPLE 2 - CARBON FOOTPRINT ANALYSIS Table 1 depicts the first year carbon footprint of a product according to one embodiment of the subject invention, assuming a quarterly replacement of the air-permeable vessel. Table 2 depicts the product’s subsequent annual carbon footprint after the initial year.

[0116] Table 1. First year carbon footprint analysis with quarterly (3-month) bag replacement (kg Co2e)

[0117] Source Weight Net Units Sourcing Carbon Times Total (kg) Carbon used location footprint of sourced footprint footprint per per year

[0118] of year transportation product

[0119] itself

[0120] Coconut 1 -0.50 1 India 0.07 1 -0.43 shell unit

[0121] CO2- 0.50 -0.6 4 USA 0.224 1 -2.18 absorbing

[0122] base

[0123] Unbleached 0.07 0.07 4 India 0.02 1 0.30 organic

[0124] cotton bag

[0125] Essential 0.0005 0.015 4 India 0.004 1 0.064 oil

[0126] Sustainable 0.1 -0.004 4 Switzerland 0.0012 1 -0.015 pine balls

[0127] Total first year’s footprint per unit of product with quarterly replacement bags -2.26

[0128]

[0129] Table 2. Subsequent carbon footprint analysis with quarterly (3-month) bag replacement (kg Co2e)

[0130] Source Weight Net Units Sourcing Carbon Times Total (kg) Carbon used location footprint of sourced footprint footprint per per year

[0131] of year transportation product

[0132] itself

[0133] CO2- 0.50 -0.6 4 USA 0.224 1 -2.18 absorbing

[0134] base

[0135] Unbleached 0.07 0.07 4 India 0.02 1 0.30 organic

[0136] cotton bag

[0137]

[0138] Essential 0.0005 0.015 4 India 0.004 1 0.064 oil

[0139] Sustainable 0.1 -0.004 4 Switzerland 0.0012 1 -0.015 pine balls

[0140] Total subsequent year’s footprint per unit of product with quarterly replacement bags -1.83

[0141]

[0142] If a household buys four units, across five years of use, this will result in the sequestration of 38.30 kg of CO2e per household, and approximately 8 kg CO2e per year. By increasing the size of the fragrance unit to hold higher capacity bags and / or replacing bags at a faster frequency, it could be possible to sequester atmospheric carbon dioxide at the same rate as that of multiple mature trees. For example, if the replacement frequency is set to every two months (bimonthly), the amount sequestered by four units across five years increases to close to 60 kg of CO2e per household, or about 12kg of CO2e per year on average. This compares favorably to how much carbon a tree sequesters annually.

[0143] Though plants and trees are the natural solutions for CO2removal, anytime the plant or tree is uprooted and the soil is disturbed, a significant portion of the sequestered carbon that rests in the soil is released into the atmosphere as CO2. Advantageously, this is not an issue with the CO2-absorbing base utilized according to the subject invention. For example, carbonate must be heated to above 800°C or placed into a highly acidic environment to re-release CO2.

[0144] EXAMPLE 3 - ADDITIONAL CARBON FOOTPRINT ANALYSIS

[0145] Table 3 depicts the first year carbon footprint of a device according to one embodiment of the subject invention, assuming a quarterly replacement of the CO2-absorbing agent.

[0146] Table 3. First year carbon footprint analysis with quarterly (3-month) base replacement (kg Co2e)

[0147] Source Weight Emissions Units Sourcing Times Total footprint

[0148] (kg) Factor (kg used location sourced

[0149] of per per year

[0150] CO2e / kg year

[0151] of

[0152] product)

[0153] Coconut 0.1 0.19 1 Vietnam 1 0.019

[0154] shell unit

[0155] (vessel)

[0156] Paint for 0.005 3.3 1 Vietnam 1 0.0165

[0157] shell

[0158]

[0159] CO2- 1 -0.75 1 USA 1 -0.75 absorbing

[0160] base

[0161] Essential 0.087 20 1 India 1 0.104

[0162] oil

[0163] (lOOmL)

[0164] Dropper 0.2 0.71 1 India 1 0.14

[0165] bottle

[0166] Packaging 0.3 0.94 1 USA 1 0.282

[0167] Total first year’s footprint per unit of product with quarterly -0.1868

[0168] replacement bags:

[0169]

[0170] EXAMPLE 4 - USE OF DEVICE IN ENCLOSED AREA

[0171] Approximately 750g of carbon-rocks were placed in an open container in a bedroom with windows and doors closed. As shown in FIG. 4, the conditions prior to placement of the device were:

[0172] Time 1:13 PM

[0173] Temperature 17.7°C

[0174] Humidity 58%

[0175] CO2 level 1962ppm

[0176]

[0177] As shown in FIG. 5, the conditions 5 hours after placement of the device were:

[0178] Time 6:07 PM

[0179] Temperature 18.8°C

[0180] Humidity 59%

[0181] CO2 level 1080ppm

[0182]

[0183] Thus, over the course of about 5 hours, the CO2 level decreased by about 45%.

[0184] EXAMPLE 5 - JAR CARBON CAPTURE EXPERIMENT

[0185] The CO2 level was measured inside a sealed jar containing ambient air. FIG. 6.

[0186] Approximately 250g of carbon-rocks were placed into the jar, which was re-sealed. After about one hour, the CO2 level was re-measured. FIG. 7. Over the course of about one hour, the CO2 level decreased from 1791ppm to 400ppm — a decrease of approximately 78%.

[0187] EXAMPLE 6 - CARBON DIOXIDE ABSORPTION CALCULATION As shown by the below formulas, a 1kg set of carbon-rocks having a 75:25 ratio of Mg(OH)2to Ca(OH)2, can absorb at least 0.715 kg of CO2.

[0188] Mg(OH)2

[0189] 1 mole of Mg(OH)2reacts with 1 mole of CO2:

[0190] Mg(OH)2+ CO2→ MgCO3+ H2O

[0191] 1 kg of Mg(OH)2will absorb 0.75467 kg of CO2:

[0192] Mass ratio = Molar mass of CO2 / Molar mass of Mg(OH)2= 44.01 g / mol / 58.32 g / mol = 0.75467

[0193] Ca(OH)2

[0194] 1 mole of Ca(OH)2reacts with 1 mole of CO2:

[0195]

[0196] Ca(OH)2+ CO2→ CaCO3+ H2O

[0197] 1 kg of Ca(OH)2will absorb 0.594 kg of CO2:

[0198] Mass ratio = Molar mass of CO2 / Molar mass of Ca(OH)2= 44.01 g / mol / 74.09 g / mol = 0.594

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:

1. A device for freshening air in an enclosed environment and reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide in the air, comprising an air-permeable vessel, a CO2-absorbing agent, and either or both of a fragrance and an odor absorber,wherein the CO₂-absorbing agent and either or both of the fragrance and odor absorber are stored within the air-permeable vessel.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the air-permeable vessel is a bag or sachet.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the air-permeable vessel is made of unbleached, recycled paper or unbleached cotton, hemp and / or jute fibers.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the air-permeable vessel is a solid container selected from a bin, tray, bowl, jar, tub, bottle, pod, and shell.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the fragrance comprises one or more essential oils.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the fragrance is impregnated in a slow-release material selected from rocks, pellets, balls or gels.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the fragrance is impregnated in the CO₂-absorbing agent.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the CO₂-absorbing agent is calcium hydroxide, calcium oxide, magnesium hydroxide or magnesium oxide.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the calcium hydroxide, calcium oxide, magnesium hydroxide and / or magnesium oxide is formed into a rock-like structure having a size from about 0.05 mm to 12 cm, 0.1 mm to 11 cm, 0.5 mm to 10 cm, 1 mm to 9 cm, 5 mm to 8 cm, 8 mm to 7 cm, 1 cm to 6 cm, 1.5 cm to 5 cm, 2 cm to 4 cm, or 2.5 cm to 3 cm in diameter.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the odor remover is an odor absorber or an odor neutralizer.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the odor absorber is selected from activated charcoal, biochar, sodium bicarbonate, cyclodextrin, zeolites and zinc ricinoleate.

12. The device of claim 10, wherein the odor neutralizer is chlorine dioxide, citric acid or an enzyme.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the fragrance is impregnated into a candle made of beeswax or soy wax.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the candle further comprises the CO2-absorbing agent dispersed within the beeswax or soy wax.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a means for hanging the system such that the apparatus is suspended above the ground.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a means for fixing the system to the outbound airflow of an air purifier, an aromatherapy diffuser, an HVAC system, an engine filter, a window A / C unit, a vacuum cleaner, a hair dryer or a vent.

17. The device of claim 1, wherein the air-permeable vessel is housed within a second air-permeable vessel.

18. The device of claim 1, wherein the air-permeable vessel, fragrance, odor remover and CO2-absorbing agent are produced using low-carbon materials and / or processes.

19. A method for freshening air in an environment and simultaneously capturing CO2 from the air, the method comprising placing a device according to any of claims 1-18 into the environment such that the device has access to airflow.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the device is placed on a surface in the environment having access to airflow.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein the device is placed into an electrically-powered system that moves air, and wherein the electrically-powered system moves the air directly through the device so that the air contacts the CO₂-absorbing agent and either or both of the fragrance component and the odor remover.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the air-moving system is an air purifier, an HVAC system, an A / C unit, a vacuum cleaner, a hair dryer, an aromatherapy diffuser or a fan.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the device is placed in a location in the air-moving system such that air flowing outbound from the device passes through the device, and wherein the location is an air filter, an engine filter or a vent.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein the device is left in the environment until all of the CO2-absorbing agent has been converted to carbonate, all of the fragrance has been emitted from the air-permeable vessel, and / or a desired level of odor reduction has been achieved in the environment.

25. The method of claim 19, wherein the method further comprises disposing of the carbonate and / or the air-permeable vessel comprising the carbonate in an environmentally-friendly manner.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the carbonate and / or the air-permeable vessel comprising the carbonate are disposed of in a landfill, in soil and / or in a cementitious material to sequester carbon therein.

27. A method for promoting healthy sleep in an individual, the method comprising placing a device according to any of claims 1-18 on a surface in an enclosed bedroom where the individual is sleeping.

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