Creation of University of Kentucky design student Aaron Scales.

We all know the importance of not driving after a few too many drinks. Have a designated driver, take a taxi, or ride the bus. Here’s a bus stop that is solar powered, and made from empty bottles to remind you why you need to take the bus in the first place!

Photo: Aaron Scales

Named Project Bottlestop, and the creation of University of Kentucky design student Aaron Scales, this solar powered bus shelter is decorated with lovely green and clear Ale-8-One bottles that channel daylight beautifully during the day and brighten the night courtesy of solar powered LED lights. OK, Ale-8-One bottles aren’t beer bottles, it’s a soft drink. But it‘s a soft drink often mixed with Kentucky bourbon like Maker’s Mark, so my take-the-bus-after-drinking analogy still works here.

Photo: Aaron Scales

This bottle bus shelter is located in Lexington, Kentucky, built by Art in Motion and was dedicated on Martin Luther King Day last year. By stacking the bottles between two layers of safety glass, the bus stop creates a cathedral effect of natural light during the day, while it captures sunlight to power a stunning display of energy saving LED light at night. This lovely public work of art is a beautiful example of utilizing waste to serve a public function in an artistic way.

Photo: Aaron Scales

So the next time you hit the bottle, do your civic duty and support mass transit by riding the bus, and providing the empties to build the shelter.


Photo: Aaron Scales

Coming soon: Peanutstop, a bus shelter built from recycled Jif peanut butter and Smucker’s jam jars!