This is not really new news - press release came out in December - but you have to dig a bit to find it - so it might be new news to you too! Either way - it's pretty good news - so worth a post. :)
Being green isn't just about lower fuel efficiency - and it would appear that GM understands this - I was pleasantly surprised to read that GM currently uses recycled and renewable materials in its cars and trucks, which are at least 85 percent recyclable. Used tires, old plastic bottles, denim and nylon carpet are all redirected from landfills and reused in select GM vehicles. Furthermore world-wide their facilities recycle 90% of the waste they generate.
The Chevy Volt - their new electric car - is currently using oil soaked booms from the clean up in the Golf of Mexico for parts that deflect air around the radiator. As of the date of the press release this step had already diverted 100,000 pounds from landfills. The parts are made from 25% oil soaked boom material, 25% recycled tires from GM test tracks and the rest is made from a mixture of post-consumer recycled plastics and polymers.
With work history that includes working with a sustainable purchasing consulting firm, I appreciate the importance of understanding that going green is a deeper process than a cloth bag or buying the newest lower energy gadget and it is encouraging to see a company the size of GM taking such progressive moves.
Buying a "greener" vehicle can be confusing as every manufacturer is scrambling to get into this new "green" market with differing technologies - most of which us lay-persons aren't experts in. Add to this trying to look at the bigger picture and it can be completely overwhelming.
Confusion aside, I think it's an exciting time right now to see the advances being made in the auto industry as they work to meet our vehicle needs and wants and meet greener targets.
Happy Driving!
GM Press Release
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