In 1998, British eco-pioneer Rishi Sowa decided to build his own private island using nets filled with empty plastic bottles. He poured sand and planted trees, and called it Spiral Island:
The original Spiral Island was (as its successor will be) built upon a floating collection used plastic bottles, all netted together to support a bamboo and plywood structure above. Located in Mexico, the original was 66 by 54 feet and was able to support full-sized mangroves to provide shade and privacy, yet also able to be moved from place to place by its creator as need with a simple motorized system. (Quote and photo: ecoble)
As Rishi added more and more bottles and plants, the island "grew" to include a two-story house, a solar oven, and even three beaches! Hurricane Emily in 2005 put an end to Rishi Sowa's Spiral Island - but he's now building another one:
Well, Rishi is off to a good start, with a very successful interview by Japanese TV on September 8! He has started the new island, and here is the first picture:
Links: Rishi Sowa's Spiral Island Website | Article at ecoble - Thanks Craig Kohler!