David de Rothschild

David de Rothschild is a traveler and adventurer who also happens to be heir to one of Europe's largest banking family fortunes. In recent years Rothschild has formed an organization to help raise awareness of global climate issues as well as green living and technology. His most recent project, Plastiki, is scheduled to set sail in April 2009 for a 7,500 mile sea voyage on recycled plastic bottles.CNN: Boat made of plastic bottles... (March 9, 2009)

1. Named in honor of Thor Heyerdahl's Kon-TikiCNN: Boat made of plastic bottles ... (March 9, 2009)
2. Departing from San FranciscoCNN: Boat made of plastic bottles ... (March 9, 2009)
3. Destination is Sydney, AustraliaCNN: Boat made of plastic bottles ... (March 9, 2009)
4. Voyage is expected to take 100 daysCNN: Boat made of plastic bottles ... (March 9, 2009)
5. Electrical power will be provided by wind turbines and solar panelsCNN: Boat made of plastic bottles ... (March 9, 2009)

Taking over 12,000 plastic bottles and transforming them into a seafaring craft was the idea of David de Rothschild. Rothschild wants the project to inspire others to review the way plastics are used and recycled. He considers the plastic bottle to be a symbol of waste in the world and a "dumb product." The craft is set to sail in April on a 7,500 mile voyage. In building the craft, the bottles are washed and filled with dry ice. As the dry ice turns into gas, the bottles are pressurized, causing them to become more sturdy.SF Gate: Setting sail on a sea of disposable plastic... (March 3, 2009)