Canned air is a trend that has been around for a while, with various locations around the world selling cans of local air as souvenirs. Some cans claim to contain specific percentages of oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide, and other gases from the location they were collected. Initially a marketing stunt, the idea of canned air has evolved over time, with some cans even being designed as practical items like containers, pen holders, or vases. The concept of selling cans of local air as souvenirs is nothing new and has historical roots dating back to post-WWII Italy.
The original canned air invention, ‘Aria di Napoli’, was created by Gennaro Ciaravolo in the mid-20th century as a social statement reflecting the Neapolitan resourcefulness, known as ‘cazzimma’. The humorous and satirical nature of the canned air trend was further expanded by Ciaravolo’s grandson in a display at the Venice Biennale. In recent years, canned air souvenirs have become more mainstream with various locations around the world marketing their air as having specific qualities such as curing homesickness, relieving stress, or being intoxicating.
While some canned air products are sold as novelty items or gifts, there are also examples that serve a more serious purpose in raising awareness about air pollution. Companies like Aethaer in the UK released containers of air from Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty to highlight the issue of air pollution. Additionally, some entrepreneurs are bottling fresh air from less polluted areas such as Canada and Switzerland to sell to residents in heavily polluted regions like China and India. However, scientists caution that bottled air may not offer significant health benefits.
Despite the humorous and commercial aspects of canned air, the trend also raises ethical questions about producing packaging for a non-existent product. Some companies market the cans as decorative items for display, but the poor quality and uninspiring designs may indicate that they are bought more as gag gifts with little sentimental value. Ultimately, canned air serves as a novel reminder of the environmental challenges faced today, but its effectiveness in actually improving air quality or health remains dubious.
Overall, the concept of canned air as a souvenir has evolved from its original satirical roots to become a global trend offering a wide array of products claiming various benefits. While some cans are sold for novelty or entertainment purposes, others aim to raise awareness about pressing issues like air pollution. Despite the fun and quirky nature of canned air souvenirs, they also prompt reflection on the environmental impact of producing non-essential items and the potential for misleading marketing. Ultimately, the value of canned air, whether as a practical item or social commentary, lies in the eye of the purchaser.
