When it comes to air travel, the fit and finish of a plane’s interior is oh, about as exciting as taking off my shoes at the TSA check-point. Be it worn leather or fabric stock reminiscent of the early ’90s, it is, after all, comprised of a small seat, pull-down tray, and the eyeball-like air vents that blast freezing cold air either directly at your eyes or nowhere near you.

Southwest Airlines isn’t decking out their plane interiors with gadgetry like Virgin, but they are transforming one plane within their fleet as an innovative “green plane”—melding efficiency, eco-friendly materials, and comfort. By tweaking the interior, they’re reaping the benefit of a nearly five-pound-per-seat weight savings, reduced emissions and waste. The test cabin, outfitted with 100 percent recyclable and carbon-neutral Interface FLOR carpet, e-Leather and IZIT Leather eco-friendly leather alternatives, lighter Life Vest ouches and comfy, lightweight PURtec Foam Fill, will continue to carry passengers as usual.

Only a few days ago, Southwest also kicked off their new onboard recycling program, created to divert far more material from the waste stream. The 18-month process took into account the airline’s 68 city service and each city’s recycling program… a daunting task, no doubt. Bottom line: Southwest and their Southwest Cares program is making admirable strides to greening our nation’s blue skies fleet.  Do steps like these determine which airline you’ll fly?