Researchers have demonstrated that people are more likely to promote social reciprocity and be charitable when they are in a clean scented room. They compared the behavior of subjects in a room spritzed with lemon-scented Windex and a room with no scent added. Some 22 percent of the subjects in the “clean” room were willing to donate funds to Habitat for Humanity, compared to just six percent in the unscented room.

The reason, researchers say, is that smell is part of the limbic system – the emotional brain. The quickest way to change somebody’s mood state or behavior is with smell.

Think about this the next time you’re visiting with your legislator about investing in the health and welfare of your community. Carry some air freshener with you. Can’t hurt.