“He built an island out of trash” 🏝️♻️ After a painful divorce, one man didn’t just start over—he floated away. Using 150,000 plastic bottles, Richard Sowa created a real, livable island that runs on solar power and welcomes travelers for $20 a night. It’s bizarre, brilliant, and completely unforgettable. Take a closer look at his floating world in the article below 👇
While many people turn a blind eye to the growing plastic crisis in our oceans, one man turned it into an opportunity to create something truly remarkable. British native Richard Sowa didn’t just talk about recycling—he literally lived it.
After working as a carpenter for years, Richard’s life took an unexpected turn when he went through a tough divorce. Rather than dwell on what he lost, he chose to chase a dream he’d carried for years: living on his very own island.
But with real island property prices far beyond reach, Richard had to think outside the box. That’s when the idea struck—if he couldn’t buy an island, he’d build one. And he did, using over 150,000 discarded plastic bottles collected with the help of environmental volunteers.
What started as a wild idea eventually became a floating island roughly 25 square meters in size. Built with patience, creativity, and a lot of salvaged materials, it’s now more than just a raft—it’s a functional, eco-friendly micro-home. Solar panels provide electricity, plants grow in handmade gardens, and recycled wood forms cozy living spaces.
Richard’s island has also become a low-cost getaway for travelers looking for something truly different. For just $20 a night, you can book a stay and sleep under the stars on this floating paradise. And for those short on cash? There’s a free option—just lend a hand with chores while you’re there.
Would you ever spend a night on a man-made island built entirely from plastic waste? Share your thoughts in the comments!
