An Island Made Out of Plastic Bottles?

Would you believe that plastic bottles can actually support an artificial island? I mean a man-made island? Well, my post will surely amaze you. This will challenge the ultimate land fill nightmare with almost 250,000 bottles plus wood and bamboo to to support the structure.



This is called the Spiral Island. This is a floating artificial island located in a lagoon near Puerto Aventuras, on the Caribbean coast of Mexico south of Cancún. It was built by British eco-pioneer Richart (or "Rishi") Sowa beginning in 1998. He is a musician, artist, and carpenter. Now in his fifties, he is an environmentalist who believes in recycling and low-impact living.

In the making of his paradise island, he filled nets with empty discarded plastic bottles to support a structure of plywood and bamboo, on which he poured sand and planted numerous plants, including mangroves. It took him 3 years to complete his masterpiece. Unfortunately, in 2005, it was destroyed by the hurricane Emily.

Richie Sowa has started building a new better Spiral Island in Isla Mujures Mexico just off Cancun. Below are the photos:

Photo taken in September 2007



taken in November 2007



I'll give you updated photos once the new floating island of Sowa is completed.