Look, Up in the Sky, a Green Plane

On Friday, at the company's annual Media Day, Southwest Airlines premiered a "green plane," one that "marries efficiency, environmentally responsible products, Customer comfort, and reduced waste and weight," according to this CSRwire release. This test plane, a Boeing 737-700, will feature eco-friendly products, including:

Instead of using one piece of carpet, which the airline currently does, InterfaceFLOR Carpet is installed in sections. It's also entirely recyclable, will be re-manufactured after use and is carbon neutral Two new types of seat covers, one from e-Leather, the other of IZIT Leather, will be used. The first is made from recyclable materials and the second is a leather alternative. They have increased durability and per-seat weight savings of nearly two pounds. A life vest pouch that's stored in canvas instead of metal, making it friendlier to the environment, while the smaller pouch offers more room beneath the seat.

The following video gives a quick overview of how the plane is made more environmentally friendly:

In addition, on November 1, the company will launch an improved recycling program, a "co-mingled system that will allow the airline to capture more recyclable material and divert it from the waste stream." It will be an 18-month process that will affect both ground and air operations. You can learn more about the company's environmental work here.

Photo courtesy of Pylon757, via Flickr