115 days and 1,5000 km later, the Plastiki, a boat built entirely from plastic bottles, has completed its voyage from San Francisco to Sydney Harbour. Constructed with 12,500 plastic bottles held together by organic glue composed of cashew nuts and sugar cane, the Plastiki was built with the intention of raising awareness, not only on our growing dependence upon single-use plastic products, but the damage that they cause to our world’s oceans.

Equipped with wind turbines, solar panels, and hanging gardens, apart from standing as a symbolic message, the Plastiki is truly an example of sustainability, as it not only promotes, but demonstrates, the use of renewable energy and practical recycling solutions.

How: There are a variety of products on the market that can help users reduce the amount of plastic bottles used. From making your own soda at home, to carrying reusable water bottles, to keeping a glass on your desk, even if your office doesn’t offer reusable cups. With just a little effort, you can greatly reduce the amount of plastic you discard each year — and skip the soda and bottled water whenever possible.

Why: At a time when the full impact of the BP oil spill is being felt, the Plastiki is a strong reminder of the importance of the health of our world’s oceans. It has been estimated that the average American goes through 167 bottles of water per year, which is a staggering fact considering that 80% of plastic bottles go un-recycled. It’s also a costly habit, adding up to well over $250 a year (making a $15 reusable bottle, or even a $40 one, a sound investment).  The Plastiki was met by hundreds of people upon its arrival in Sydney and will hopefully stand as a lasting reminder to recycle and use reusable products.