Airlines often try their best to recycle, separating cans and plastic from the rest of the trash collected onboard. But one airline has embarked on an impressive recycling — or should we say upcycling — effort.
According to Travel & Leisure, Southwest Airlines has donated more than 1.4 million pounds of leather aircraft seat coverings to organizations that provide employment, skills training, and other social benefits for communities.
One of the non-profit organizations Southwest works with is Unshattered. Its mission is to end the addiction relapse cycle by providing women in recovery with “pathways toward economic independence and sustained sobriety.”
The women upcycle the carrier’s disposed of leather (which undergoes a deep cleaning) into handcrafted travel bags and accessories all in Southwest’s signature blue leather. The collection is aptly named: “Possibilities Take Flight.”
What do you think of this upcycling project? Message The Seniors Trust on Facebook or Twitter and let us know if you would buy a wallet, travel tote, or weekender bag with a matching toiletry bag that had previously been an airline seat.
