Many water-consumers (aka humans) are ditching the plastic bottle in favor of more eco-friendly options such as Kleen Kanteens or Nalgenes. Yet despite the fact that these options are greener and cheaper, not all have made the switch. We know this because it's almost impossible to go a day without seeing a plastic water bottle tossed onto the street or left behind at the office. It seems these little landfill dwellers just won't disappear. Thankfully, Ford has found a home for them that would make Mother Earth proud.

Beginning in 2013, the automaker will install new carpets into the Ford Escape. As you may have already guessed, these carpets will be made from 25 20-ounce plastic soda and water bottles. Strange? Maybe a little. Innovative, brilliant and pro-green? We think so. Based on year-to-date sales, Ford estimated that this new carpet material has the potential to keep more than 4-million bottles from hitting the earth in landfills.

Though the idea is fantastic, in all reality, it must be practical as well. That means no chance of a foot-through-floor situation occurring. In order to ensure the durability of a plastic filled carpet, Ford has given the material five years of testing...sort of. With a machine called the Taber 5150, factory testers were able to simulate up to five years of wear and tear. The device operates by simultaneously spinning the fabric and rubbing it between two weights. Good news for Escape owners, the new carpet held up very well. Part of the material's durability comes from the large amount of bottles used in the mix which creates stronger, intermixed fibers. Additionally the carpeting is backed by cast foam to reduce road sounds and fill in the nooks and crannies.

The use of recyclable materials to create Ford parts is just one reason we are so proud to carry the brand here at 707 North State Road 7 Plantation, FL 33317. The automaker's innovation can also be seen in every single one of its new Ford models. If you'd like to take one for a test drive, simply contact us online and we'll figure out a time that works for you.