Invention Playlist II: Bubble Wrap

Building meaningful connections within communities, whether through volunteer networks like Neighbor to Neighbor or intergenerational conversations through podcasts like Across Generations and Mini Questions, is essential for personal growth and preparedness. Furthermore, humans, much like cats, find joy in the unexpected and the tactile experiences, whether it's the wrapping paper and instruction manuals for cats or the bubble wrap for humans. These simple pleasures can bring people together and create lasting bonds. So, engage in your community, join conversations, and don't forget to enjoy the journey, even if it means popping a few extra bubbles along the way.

The invention of bubble wrap, which is often associated with childhood fun and packaging material, actually began as an attempt to innovate in the field of interior decorating in the 1950s by American inventor Alfred W. Fielding and Swiss chemist Marc Chavannes. The duo wanted to create a new type of textured wallpaper, but their invention ended up revolutionizing the packaging industry instead. Today, despite our fascination with popping bubble wrap, many of us feel guilty about the excess packaging materials we receive and the impact they have on the environment. The discussion also touched upon the history of wallpaper and its current status in interior design.

The 1950s were not as square as commonly perceived in the realm of American arts and culture. Contrary to popular belief, this era was teeming with bizarre and experimental styles, as evidenced by the attempts of Fielding and Siobhan to create textured wallpaper for the Beat generation market. This experimental wallpaper could have potentially fit into the mid-century architectural style known as Googie, which is characterized by its futuristic and space-age design. Googie is exemplified by iconic structures like the "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign and can also be found in video games like Fallout, which embody the retro-futuristic aesthetic. It's essential to remember that the creative minds of the 1950s were just as inventive as those working today, with artists like Irving Norman pushing boundaries in the surrealist genre. Additionally, the mid-century tiki aesthetic, which incorporated elements of Polynesian culture, was another flourishing style during this time. Despite its origins in the Caribbean, the tiki design trend became popular in America and is still celebrated today for its unique and exotic vibe.

The history of Tiki culture and its associated aesthetic, including wallpapers, is complex and rooted in both Western exploitation and innovation. While the tiki drink and its origins in the Caribbean are problematic, the style itself has evolved and inspired new inventions, like the creation of modern wallpaper by Fielding and Siobhan in the late 1950s. However, their attempts to create a desirable texture for wallpaper using a heat-based sealing process did not yield the desired results. Instead, the poppable plastic bubbles they discovered accidentally led to the creation of bubble wrap. The history of these inventions and their unintended uses is a reminder of the complex and evolving nature of cultural trends and the unexpected ways they can shape our world.

The act of popping bubbles in bubble wrap, which seems like a simple and even destructive behavior, could be seen as a clever marketing strategy. Companies like Sealed Air Corporation, which manufactures bubble wrap, have embraced this quirky aspect of their product and even use it to their advantage. Meanwhile, in the real world, communities can also benefit from creating meaningful social bonds, especially during times of need. Neighbor to Neighbor, a California volunteer network, is an example of how individuals can come together and support each other. On a personal level, it's essential to listen to our bodies and emotions, as Radi DeBlukhia emphasizes in her new podcast, "A Really Good Cry." Understanding the difference between sympathy and empathy and having open conversations can help us navigate the complexities of life. Moreover, it's crucial to be aware of potential dangers, such as forgetting children in the back seat of a car, which can have tragic consequences. Stay informed and stay connected. Lastly, for those suffering from nasal allergies, Astepro offers a fast-acting, steroid-free solution for relief. It's essential to prioritize our health and well-being, and sometimes, that means reaching for the right tools to help us get through the day.

Innovation often involves unexpected turns and failures. In the late 1950s, Fielding and Siobhan developed a process for creating textured wallpaper with sealed layers of plastic, hoping it would be the next evolution in space-age design. However, it didn't catch on as a popular product. They then tried using it as insulation for greenhouses and in fashion, but neither endeavor was successful. Instead of giving up, they continued to explore potential uses for their invention. In 1960, they founded Sealed Air Corporation and, on a plane ride, Siobhan had an insight: the bubbly plastic could be used for cushioning during shipping. This led to the creation of bubble wrap, which is now a globally recognized brand name. Despite initial setbacks, their persistence and supply-side innovation led to a successful product.

The failure to succeed in one industry can lead to unexpected success in another. Sealed Air's bubble wrap, which started as a failed attempt at wallpaper and insulation, became a game-changer in the packaging industry after IBM recognized its potential as a protective material for their fragile computer parts. Before bubble wrap, packing materials like wadded-up newspapers were commonly used but had their disadvantages, such as poor cushioning ability and ink smudging. Air-filled plastic, however, proved superior in resisting compression and protecting fragile objects from impacts. Sealed Air showcased bubble wrap's superior protective capabilities through marketing stunts, such as entering a pumpkin dropping contest in Iowa and demonstrating its ability to protect the falling pumpkin from being smashed. Ultimately, the relationship with IBM as a major client played a significant role in Bubble Wrap's success and its transformation into a standard cushioning material for protecting delicate items in transit.

Engineering challenges can lead to innovative solutions, even if they involve going against the rules. This is exemplified by Sealed Air's attempt to drop a large pumpkin from a height using only bubble wrap for protection. While the outcome of the demonstration is unclear, the company's continued innovation in the form of on-site inflatable bubble wrap shows the importance of finding more efficient ways to use packaging materials. However, the large quantities of plastic used in bubble wrap and other fill air products remain a concern for the environment. Despite these concerns, Sealed Air's history of innovation demonstrates the potential for solving real-world problems through engineering and design.

The growth of ecommerce has significantly benefited the packaging material industry, specifically the market for fill air products. These products, which include items like the air bladders found in many Amazon packages, are popular due to their cost-effectiveness in terms of material and shipping weight. They also take up less space in shipping facilities. However, the environmental impact of these products is a concern, as they are not always easily recycled and require extra effort from consumers to recycle properly. The convenience of ecommerce comes at the cost of increased plastic and cardboard waste, leading some to question the sustainability of this trend. Despite the energy savings in many cases, the personal hassle and environmental impact of dealing with excess packaging can raise concerns about the choices we are making as a culture. Additionally, standard box sizes and the need to fill all available space in packages contribute to the excessive use of these fillers.

Companies often use excess packaging, such as air bladders, to protect fragile items during shipping. This practice, known as "over-packing," may seem wasteful, but it helps prevent damage and potential returns, saving the company money in the long run. This discussion also touched upon the history of bubble wrap and how it was once difficult to obtain, leading some people to order products just for the bubble wrap. Additionally, there were mentions of various podcasts and community-building initiatives, emphasizing the importance of connection and support in uncertain times. Overall, this conversation highlighted the importance of considering the bigger picture and understanding the reasoning behind certain business practices and consumer behaviors.

The simple act of popping bubble wrap provides psychological benefits, potentially reducing stress and increasing energy and calmness. A study from 1992 found that popping sealed air capsules, like bubble wrap, can leave individuals feeling more energized, less tired, and more calm. This therapeutic effect may be due to the ease and consistency of the experience, unlike traditional meditation which can be frustrating for some due to the potential for distractions and anxiety. The satisfying feeling of popping bubble wrap can be compared to the good button feel of a video game controller or the addictive nature of a good video game. While more research is needed, the preliminary findings suggest that bubble wrap popping could be a simple and effective way to manage stress and improve mood.

The act of popping bubbles or squeezing objects, such as stress balls, may be rooted in instinctual grooming behaviors and a desire for tactile sensations. Two studies showed that bubble popping led to increased anxiety in university students, but the existence of these studies suggests that there may be something psychologically significant about the activity. This fascination with popping and squeezing could be linked to personal and social grooming behaviors, as seen in the popularity of pimple-popping videos and communal grooming experiences. Additionally, the use of squeezable objects for stress relief is not a new phenomenon, as many cultures have employed small handheld items for manipulation during rituals or daily life. Overall, the need to manipulate and squeeze objects may be an innate human behavior, stemming from our evolutionary history and the importance of using our hands for various tasks.

Our hands, which have evolved for multitasking, can make it feel uncomfortable or unnatural not to use them for something. This was discussed during an episode of the Invention podcast, where the hosts pondered the potential benefits of popping bubble wrap with your fingers. Although there isn't much solid scientific evidence on the topic, they joked about various ways to engage your hands, such as making fidget spinners for your fingertips. The podcast also touched upon other topics, including a blackhead remover device and volunteer networks like Neighbor to Neighbor. In short, the episode showcased the hosts' lighthearted yet thought-provoking discussions on various inventions and everyday life topics.

The Daily Show, Ears Edition is an engaging and thought-provoking podcast available on various platforms including Iheartradio and Apple Podcasts. This show offers a unique perspective on current events, news, and social issues through a comedic lens. By tuning in, listeners can stay informed and entertained while gaining a deeper understanding of the world around them. The Daily Show's podcast format allows for in-depth discussions and interviews, providing listeners with valuable insights and perspectives that go beyond the headlines. Whether you're looking for a fresh take on the news or a way to stay informed in a more entertaining way, The Daily Show, Ears Edition is a must-listen.