Based on statistics from the Container Recycling Institute, Americans throw away about 70 million bottles a day. Of this number, only 10 million are properly recycled which makes plastic waste a big problem.
Motivated to make a statement about the need to recycle plastic bottles, internationally exhibited American artist Jasmine Zimmerman created the Plastic Bottle House, an open-roofed greenhouse made entirely of recycled plastic bottles. Her goal was to build a community through creative social and educational collaboration which transforms an overlooked material that harms our planet. Zimmerman says “Americans will drink more than 30 billion single-serving bottles of water this year alone. In 2009, she predicts we will throw out more than two million tons of polyethylene terephthalate plastic bottles, a byproduct of our everyday convenience.â€
The Bottle House, which was part of the Seattle' Music and Art Festival, Bumbershoot 2008, is an expression Zimmerman' hopes will encourage recycling. She intends to display the greenhouse in various places in New York such as empty lots, parks, rooftops and vacant buildings to inspire more people.
Houses Made of Plastic Bottles
Jasmine Zimmerman's Bumbershoot Art
Trend Themes
1. Recycled Plastic Innovation - The impressive Plastic Bottle House highlights the trend of using recycled plastic materials for construction, creating opportunities for sustainable building practices.
2. Social and Educational Collaboration - The Plastic Bottle House showcases the trend of fostering community through creative social and educational initiatives, offering opportunities for engaging and impactful collaborations.
3. Promoting Sustainable Lifestyle - Jasmine Zimmerman's project emphasizes the trend of promoting a sustainable lifestyle by raising awareness about plastic waste and encouraging recycling, opening avenues for eco-conscious businesses to cater to this growing consumer demand.
Industry Implications
1. Construction - The construction industry can explore the use of recycled plastic materials in building projects, contributing to sustainable practices and reducing waste.
2. Art and Design - The art and design industry can leverage social and educational collaborations to create impactful projects that raise awareness and inspire change.
3. Environmental Sustainability - The environmental sustainability industry can capitalize on the growing interest in promoting sustainable lifestyles by offering eco-friendly products and services that help reduce plastic waste.