As consumers, we are constantly bombarded with the choice to be greener. Do you want the compostable paper towels or the non-compostable paper towels? Do you want the organic vegetables or the non-organic vegetables? It is common to see this option in everyday household goods. But have you ever thought of having this option for a car? I'm not talking about the Prius or the Nissan Leaf or any of those other electric cars. I'm talking about recycled materials used to make the car itself! General Motors has made the courageous leap to use recycled textiles, cardboards, and plastics for their vehicles. While GM is not the only company that has tried this, they have been successful in a different way; they are not only helping the environment, but they are improving the quality and performance of their vehicles by using recycled materials.
The GMC Terrain is one of the models that has recyclable parts which helped to put the vehicle at 32 MPG on the highway. Recycled carpet and denim blue jeans are used as acoustic insulator in the dashboard, carpet, cargo area, and other body sections. The recycled fiber is 50% lighter and easier to recycle than the petroleum-based raw materials. There is also recycled plastic in the grille frame of the Terrain made from recycled plastic beverage bottles!
Recycled materials must meet the same standards as virgin materials for GM to use them as recycled car components. Although it would be nice to use material simply for the sake of being green, GM needs to make sure that the quality or durability of their vehicles is not compromized for their customers. Sometimes it takes additives in these recycled materials, but when it boils down to it, it is still greener than refining the petroleum needed for virgin materials. In the case of the Buick Lacrosse, recycled material ends up being better than the virgin material. It was best in class and won medals and awards for being so quiet! The recycled materials "can also be lighter weight which helps improve fuel economy and reduce CO2 emissions," says Lora Herron, GM bio and recycled materials engineer.
GM is also looking to cut down on the "fluff" at auto recycling facilities. Although only 5-10% of the average GM car is sent to the landfill at the end of life, the company is even attempting to reduce that small percentage! All GMC vehicles, including The Terrain, are 85% recyclable. So when you're shopping for your next car, do a little research. You could be making a greener purchase without needing to get an electric car!
