Selling Air
- vablaisep
- Jun 16
- 2 min read
Warm Up
Do you practice breathing exercises?
Do you like spending time in nature?
Have you ever had trouble breathing?
Reading
Leo De Watts, a 27-year-old entrepreneur from England, has found unprecedented success in an unconventional venture: selling bottled British countryside air to consumers in China. His inspiration stemmed from witnessing alarming news footage depicting pollution and smog engulfing Chinese cities. Recognizing the potential demand for cleaner air, De Watts embarked on his entrepreneurial journey by establishing a company specializing in "air farming."
The concept of air farming involves harvesting air from various locations across rural Britain and packaging it into bottles for shipment to China. Despite the relatively low cost of collecting air, De Watts prices his products significantly higher, with a single 580 ml bottle fetching around $115 in the Chinese market. His unique business model has garnered attention and patronage from Chinese consumers seeking respite from urban pollution.
Having grown up in the British countryside, De Watts holds a deep appreciation for the pristine air quality of rural regions. Now based in Hong Kong, he sells his bottled air at local street markets, catering primarily to residents of heavily polluted Chinese cities like Beijing and Shanghai. De Watts acknowledges the discerning preferences of his Chinese clientele, who often request air sourced from specific locations and environmental conditions.
In a promotional video, De Watts emphasizes the personalized nature of his business, catering to bespoke orders that cater to individual preferences. From mountaintops to valley bottoms, each bottle of air is carefully curated to meet the exacting standards of his customers. Despite initial skepticism, De Watts asserts that there is a burgeoning market for his product, signaling the potential for further growth and expansion in the future.
Reading Comprehension
What inspired Leo De Watts to start his unique business?
What is the concept of "air farming"?
Where does De Watts sell his bottled air, and who are his primary customers?
Discussion Questions
What inspired Leo De Watts to start his business of selling bottled air?
Why did Leo De Watts choose to focus on the Chinese market for his bottled air business?
Do you think selling bottled air is a viable business idea? Why or why not?
How do you think Chinese consumers perceive the value of bottled air?
What challenges would Leo De Watts face when starting his business?
How would you feel about purchasing bottled air? Why?
What are the ethical implications of selling bottled air?
Would you consider bottled air as a luxury product or a necessity? Why?
What other products could be sold based on environmental concerns?
Did Leo De Watts' business contribute to the global conversation on air pollution?
