12.2011 Ford Presents: EcoStiletto to the Metal
Think cars have nothing to do with fashion—or sustainability? Think again.
When Ford came to us with the idea of creating a forum to discuss the integration of eco into their design, we were a little suspicious.
But then the team shared a few details: Ford is the first manufacturer to benchmark 35 percent recycled content into its interiors, and to create an entire car—the new Ford Focus Electric—that’s composed of 100 percent sustainable materials.
The company incorporates post-consumer recycled materials into all aspects of design, including transforming yarn into seat fabrics, upcycling nylon carpet into cyclinder head covers, and recycling two pairs of used jeans into each car made.
And Ford established a protocol that recycles 95 percent of materials from all “retired” Ford cars.
Who knew?
Flash forward to the “EcoStiletto to the Metal: Sustainable Design Media Salon,” hosted by our own Natasha Garber, which took place on Wednesday, December 7th at the historic—and upcycled, natch—Farmer’s Daughter Hotel in Los Angeles, CA.
Journalists and influencers gathered to examine the way that automotive design, fashion and popular culture will converge for the eco-conscious consumer in 2012. Natasha moderated a panel of Ford executives that included materials designer Susan Swek, former Donna Karan fashion designer turned car interiors designer Anthony Prozzi, and sustainable materials expert Carol Kordich. The presentations were illuminating and the questions were fast and furious.
From left, Carol Kordich, Anthony Prozzi and Natasha Garber.
Yes, this was a sponsored event—for which we thank Ford from the bottom of our green girl hearts. And we were talking about cars, not a subject typically associated with sustainability. But as we see it, Ford is really taking this commitment to a new level, and we thank the team for giving EcoStiletto readers—and eco-journos—an opportunity to learn more.
Drive on!
