Southwest Airlines Community

Hello!  One of my favorite things is getting feedback in the Green mailbox.  Whether it is tips to help us live and work Green or feedback on our initiatives, I always learn something!  So, in honor of our communicative Employees, below are some great tips to help each other use our resources wisely and go Green. From Jeb Smith at AirTran:  For 2012, I'm planning on keeping doing what I have been, using the three R's: Recycle anything that can be recycled in my area. This includes any packaging like blister packs that have a cardboard backing.  Unless I know I can recycle the plastic in my area, I strip the cardboard, recycle it, then—regrettably—toss the plastic.  Of course, I try to buy consciously with recycling in mind, but it's not always possible to buy the needed item with an easily recyclable package.  Paper gets used until no longer usable.  Reusable bags are the norm around my house (although we sometimes forget them, then the plastic bags get reused as refuse containers).  We even have a twice-a-year electronics recycling event that we have taken advantage of, and will take advantage of again this year. There is much more that gets reused and recycled, mostly the standard stuff. From BJ Watkins at IAD:  At IAD I have a rule of any paper from the fax or any paper that is blank on one side and does not have secured info on it must be put in our note stack, when we get about ten sheets, we then cut the paper into four sections and staple together to make note pads.  Works great!  BJ From Lori Zappa in BWI:  So many times we stay in hotels and take our samples or open them to smell them (which causes them to be unusable)!  Seeing as they are yours to use or take, why not give the products to shelters, churches, etc.? From Dianna Haun in Customer Relations/Rapid Rewards: I purchased a number of items from Trade As One: http://www.tradeasone.org/.   These are all fair trade items and many of them (medium tote bag, for example) are recycled. From Christy Fowler in MCI:  If everyone brings their own reusable cup, we will not need to buy Styrofoam cups.  Let’s save some money and go Green! From Candace Magstadt at AirTran:  I loved the recycled office paper with wildflower seeds, thank you so much for sharing that!  We sometimes also use old Jep charts for wrapping paper—I love the collage look.  Additionally, I don’t throw away old Christmas cards, they can be reused and repurposed as gift tags, ornaments, or with a little yarn and a hole punch, one could make luminaries.  These are fun to make and can last for many years or given as gifts! Thanks, and keep those suggestions and comments coming.  Do you have some great ideas for living and working Green?  ... View more

I love writing and learning about everything Green, but today is definitely a special Green Tuesday for me.  It was slightly more than two years ago that we were reading these headlines: “Southwest Unveils Green Plane.”  “Southwest Airlines Debuts ‘Green Plane’ With Environmentally Friendly Interior Materials.”  “Southwest Tests Green Airplane.”  In 2009, that was what the news had to say when we announced the launch of our Green Plane to test the latest sustainable products onboard an aircraft.  Hopefully today, you’ve heard the big news about Evolve: The New Southwest Interior, which incorporates many elements of the Green Plane.   The project started as a partnership between Maintenance & Engineering and Marketing to improve the Inflight Customer Experience and increase the durability of our onboard materials without adding cost.  Not only was that goal met, but so was our commitment to the triple bottom line, specifically the Planet!  With the help of the Green Team, the launch of the Green Plane test yielded the following products  that are incorporated into our new sustainable cabin: Seats: The new seats are constructed using eco-friendly products that offer more durability of the current seat, as well as a weight savings of nearly six pounds per seat.  A lighter weight fill from Franklin Products in the back of the seat provides increased Customer comfort.  The improved durability of the redesigned seat coupled with fuel savings from 635 pounds less weight per aircraft is expected to result in more than $10 million in ongoing annual cost savings, as well as emission reductions. Seat Cover: The new seats are made using E-Leather, an eco-friendly, lightweight, and scuff resistant alternative to traditional leather. E-Leather is made from natural leather fiber that is upgraded and combined with a high performance core utilizing eco-friendly technology.  The seat cover is manufactured by Irvin Automotive of Pontiac, MI, and they produce high quality covers quickly and at a much lower cost than our current manufacturer.  The new seat cover also has a longer life-cycle of two years than today’s cover. Seat Frame: In our mission to improve the Customer Experience yet increase sustainability and contain costs, we will preserve the interior foundation as part of the redesign by using the existing B/E Aerospace Innovator II seat frame on 372 of our existing -700 fleet (excluding AirTran’s -700s). By using the existing seat frames, we avoid spending an additional $50 million to refresh the cabin.  Carpet: The new interior carpet is produced by InterfaceFLOR and will be applied in carpet squares, thus eliminating the need for total replacement of individual areas and reducing labor and material costs. The carpet is manufactured in a closed loop recycled process dedicated to being completely carbon neutral. Life Vest Pouch: The new pouch containing the life vest is more environmentally friendly, offering a weight savings of one pound per seat. The smaller pouch also creates more room under the seat for carryon items. Wind Screen: The new bulkhead product has a longer lifespan, thus reducing the labor costs and waste that result from more frequent replacements or repairs. Durable Recyclable Aluminum: By switching from plastic to a recyclable aluminum, we are increasing durability and reducing waste on the rub strips, tray table latches, and seat arm trim pieces.  Southwest is built for the long-haul, and as you can see from the new cabin materials, we are focused on using our resources wisely.  It’s also about comfort for our Customers and giving back to the environment.  We know that Environmental decisions make good business sense, and these more durable products reduce waste and, at the end of their lifecycle, are recycled.  Without a doubt, the revolutionary changes we’re making today uphold our low-cost philosophy and Customer focus. We hope you’ll enjoy this brighter, more comfortable, environmentally friendly cabin when the new Evolve interior enters our fleet.  What’s your favorite environmental upgrade with the new Evolve interior?  Let us know by commenting below.  DING!  You are now free to be green!   ... View more

With the holidays here, it’s time to “think green.”  So here is your second batch of holiday-themed green tips for the month of December.   Did you know that in the U.S., the annual trash from gift wrap and shopping bags totals more than four million tons?  So, here are some eco-friendly ideas to consider when wrapping holiday gifts: Look for wrapping paper with recycled content. Stay away from shiny!  Foil or metallic wrapping paper is difficult to recycle. Reuse gift wrap where possible—gift bags and large sheets of wrapping paper may be used again. Get creative!  Gift bags can be made using fabric scraps, or wrapping can be made using newspaper, old calendars, maps, and posters. And, I love this concept.  Every paper product from Botanical Paper Works is made from recycled office paper with embedded wildflower seeds.  How fun is that?!  So, you can plant your holiday cards and tags (they cost about $1 to $2 each) as soon as spring comes.  Talk about the gift that keeps on giving! Let us know your ideas for reusing gift wrap or anything else holiday by commenting below.  DING! You are now free to be Green. ... View more

We will be bringing you several holiday-themed green tips throughout the month of December.  Here is your first one! Use LED lights for house and tree lighting—LED (Light-Emitting Diode) holiday lights use up to 95 percent less energy than larger, traditional holiday bulbs and can last up to 100,000 hours when used indoors. Did you know that LED holiday lights use up to ten times fewer watts than mini bulbs and 100 times fewer watts than traditional holiday bulbs?  Over a 30-day period, lighting 500 traditional holiday lights will cost you about $18.00, while the same number of LED lights costs just $0.19. As an added bonus, if one of the LED lights burns out, the rest of the lights on the strand will stay lit.  You can find LED holiday lights at your local home improvement store (like Home Depot or Lowe’s) for about $12-$14 per 100-light set. Let us know how you plan on putting a green spin on your holiday decorating by commenting below.  DING! You are now free to be Green. ... View more

I love Thanksgiving and, though I am thankful each and every day for the blessings in my life, this special time of year is a great reminder to look for the joy around us.  I love autumn and, of course, I’m thankful for our Planet.  So, this year, let’s have a delicious and green Thanksgiving! You can really make it a special occasion by using cloth napkins, table cloth, real dishes, and silverware.  This will reduce waste while creating a beautiful memory.  A couple of other reminders are to use reusable shopping bags when heading to the grocery store to shop for the delicious meal; look for locally-grown foods; and carpool to the family homestead. Want to add a new tradition for Thanksgiving?  How about planting a tree?  In addition to knowing the impact the tree makes on the environment, be reminded of the many things you and your family are thankful for as you watch the tree grow throughout the year. Let us know how you plan on making your Thanksgiving green by posting your comments below.  DING!  You are now free to be green! ... View more

What’s Halloween without costumes, decorations, and lots of candy?  You definitely need all those things to create a fun-filled day, but how about making it Green, too!  Below are some fun tips and tricks: Make a fun, recycled costume.  Check out the retro fashion you know is hiding in the back of your closet or at the local thrift stores.  Not only will the costume help reduce, reuse, and recycle, but it’ll also be one-of-a-kind.  You’re only limited by your imagination!  For example, our friends at treehugger.com suggest stringing together old ping pong balls for a realistic Wilma Flinstone necklace. Skip the plastic bag.  To haul home all the great candy your kids will receive, use a reusable bag.  You can create your own out of an old pillowcase, or buy a plain canvas bag that the kids can decorate.  It’s a great way to cut down on non-reusable materials and it will be something they will use and treasure for years to come. Go natural.  Look for a local farmer’s market from which to buy your pumpkin – keep it local.  Also, try using soy candles to illuminate those jack ‘o lanterns.  Soy candles burn longer and are made from renewable soy bean crops. Be crazy.  Instead of candy, go way out of the box and give away seed packets or organic dried fruit. The kids probably won’t appreciate it too much, but the Earth will, and maybe the parents, too. Let us know how you plan to have a safe, spooky, and Green Halloween by commenting below.  Have a tip for Green Tuesday?  You can also let us know in the comments section! DING!  You are now free to be Green. ... View more

I am a huge dog lover and have two amazing rescue dogs at home—Samuel Adams (named for my favorite beer and the American patriot) and Polly Louise.  I’m always looking for great tips to save money and go green with my pets, so here are some tips to help you do that! Reuse and Recycle:  Check with your local shelter to donate old towels, bedding, leashes, litter boxes, pet toys, and newspapers. Go Biodegradable:  Pet stores offer great biodegradable bags that are more earth-friendly for picking up messes. Clean Naturally:  If your pet makes a mess indoors, instead of using harsh cleaners, reach for the white vinegar.  White vinegar diluted in water (about 50/50) acts as an effective odor-remover and can kill mold and bacteria. Foot Power:  Instead of driving to the dog park, walk there; it’s good for you and your pet. Get Cooking:  Make your own natural dog biscuits.  Below is just one of the great recipes and tips from www.dogtreatrecipes.com: Ingredients: 2 cups whole wheat flour 1 Tbsp baking powder 1 cup peanut butter (smooth only, please) 1 cup milk 1/2 cup oatmeal Directions: Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees and lightly greasing a baking or pizza pan.  In a medium mixing bowl, add the flour, baking powder, and oatmeal. Once that’s mixed, add the peanut butter and milk. Stir it together until a dough forms.  Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, knead it, and then roll it out until it’s about a ¼ inch thick. Break out your cute bone-shaped cookie cutters or a pizza cutter and cut the dough into the desired size and shape.  Bake those on the lightly greased baking pan and cook for about 20 minutes or until they’re golden brown. Once cool, let your favorite pup enjoy before storing them in an airtight jar (or resealable freezer bag). Let us know how you Green your pet by commenting below. DING!  You are now free to be Green. ... View more

You may have heard people say it's better to buy local and what's in season. There are a couple of reasons why that's true.  Did you know that in-season fruits and vegetables are less expensive?  Also, produce in season is more readily available, which reduces the cost of shipping and importing. Not having to travel long distances to make it to the local farmer's market and grocery store reduces greenhouse gas emissions, too. So, what's in season in September?  Grapes, pomegranates, persimmons, and pumpkins, to name just a few.  Also look for eggplants, tomatoes, spinach, lettuce, chili peppers, and a number of apple varieties that begin their freshest appearance in September. Delicious!  A search of the web for "vegetables in season" turns up some great websites to help you navigate the seasons and provide you with wonderful seasonal recipes. DING! You are now free to be Green.  Let us know what your favorite seasonal produce is or how to prepare it by commenting below. ... View more

Happy Green Tuesday!  As I have been walking past the printers here at HDQ, I’ve noticed a lot of printed sheets sitting in trays, much of it forgotten.  Did you know that according to the Environmental Protection Agency, each employee in a typical business office generates 1.5 pounds of waste paper per day?  That is a lot of paper!! There are several ways to cut down on how much paper you use, including: • Make hard copies only when necessary • In meetings, project the agenda and presentations onto a screen instead of printing them out • Write on the first page of a fax instead of on a full cover sheet • Reuse paper that has printed material only on one side.  One way to do this is to cut the sheets into quarters and make a convenient pad of scratch paper • Make sure all printers and copiers are set up to print on both sides of paper If all else fails, make sure you put any unused paper into the blue bins—it’s important to reduce, reuse, and recycle!  How to you cut down on paper usage?  Let us know by commenting below. Have a great tip for how to live and work Green?  Let us know in the comments section! DING!  You are now free to be Green! ... View more

As we approach Labor Day weekend, many folks will be getting out of town for a last grasp of summer fun.  For others, sticking closer to home may be more practical.  If staying close to home is the choice you make, this is a great opportunity to discover—or rediscover— the joys of your very own community.  I don't know about you, but I always have a running list of that restaurant I have to try or that new museum that just opened. For this long weekend or another, pretend you are on vacation or hosting out-of-town guests and enjoy the local museum, historic site, winery, restaurant, or whatever other attraction your town has to offer.  If you are lucky enough to live in a part of the country that's not experiencing extreme weather, take time to get outside and find a new local hike, visit the park, work in the garden, take a nap in a hammock, or enjoy the sunset.  The Farmer's Market is another fun place that allows you to buy local foods and enjoy the charm of your community. Did you know the first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City?  Or that Labor Day is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers?  It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and wellbeing of our country. If you are one of our hardworking Warriors who keep Southwest and AirTran flying high this weekend—thank you!  DING!  You are now free to be Green.  What's fun and interesting in your community?  Let us know by commenting below. ... View more

Happy Green Tuesday!  Though the heat makes it tough to want to hang outside for too long, summers always make me think of picnics!  Below are some ideas on how to go Green while eating in the great outdoors!  • Go local!  Look for in-season fruits and vegetables that are grown locally.  • Try alternative transportation!  Look for a picnic destination that’s easy to get to by biking, walking, or using public transportation. Check out Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s Trail Link database to discover new hiking, biking, and equestrian adventures that await you and your picnic basket. • Pack it up! For food storage and leftovers, pack reusable containers. • Go reusable!  Use cloth napkins and tablecloths for your outdoor fun.  A great tip from www.earthshare.com is to repurpose old bandanas and bed sheets that you don’t mind getting dirty. • Don’t be trashy!  Remember to take your waste with you. Leftover picnic food in trashcans is often tempting to park animals. Bring an extra storage container for food waste and a tote bag for recycling.  How do you live, work, and picnic Green?  Let us know by commenting below! DING!  You are now free to be Green! ... View more

Happy Green Tuesday!  Visiting friends across town, heading into work, or going shopping means that for the majority of us, we have to hop into our cars and drive.  We certainly encourage you to think of the alternatives, such as public transportation, car pooling, and discovering bike paths, but if you have to get into the car here are some tips to help you save Green and go Green! Smooth & Steady.  Braking frequently and rapid acceleration can really lower your gas mileage.  Avoid the rush. While vehicles perform differently, gas mileage usually decreases above 60 mph. According to www.fueleconomy.gov, you can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.29 per gallon for gas. Take a load off.  Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by up to 2 percent. Air!  You can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.3 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all four tires. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer. For more information, visit www.fueleconomy.gov. How do you live, work, and transport Green?  Let us know in the comments section! DING!  You are now free to be Green. ... View more

On April 20, Ginger Hardage, our Senior Vice President Culture and Communications, and I attended an awesome lunch at the Trammell & Margaret Crow Asian Art Museum here in Dallas to receive recognition as one of the "Texas 9," a grouping of top companies named by U.S. Trust as part of their Socially Innovative Companies portfolio.  We were named for our environmental stewardship and attention to our People.  We were among such great companies as Dell, Kimberly-Clarke, Waste Management, Whole Foods Market, ConocoPhillips, JCPenney, Texas Instruments, and Spectra Energy.  Governor Rick Perry was there, and one of his remarks made me think a lot about Southwest.  He said "freedom breeds innovation."I think that is why Southwest has been so successful—along with giving America the Freedom to fly, Freedom has always been an underlying theme at Southwest.  We are free to do the right thing for our Customers, for each other, and for our Company.  We have the Freedom to live the Southwest Way, one of which is to innovate.  A lot of our environmental initiatives start as innovation—winglets, engine washing, the Green Plane, electric ground support equipment, etc.  We try innovative ways to save the Company money, reduce waste, and conserve resources.  I was proud that Southwest Airlines was recognized as a good investment because of the good works we do.  Having a focus on the triple  bottomline, reporting with transparency, and doing well by doing good all factored into our being named one of the "Texas 9."  Ginger accepted the award on behalf of the Employees of Southwest Airlines, and I think she said it best when she said that this award was because of each and every Employee who makes an effort to use gate services, who recycles onboard and in our Stations, who gives back to their communities, and who makes a difference each and every day.  Congratulations Southwest on, again, doing well by doing good. ... View more

Here in North Texas, spring is busting out all over, so I am going to continue our gardening theme from last week.  This week, it’s all about going native—native plants, that is!  We have a diverse ecosystem across the United States, and what grows well in one part may not in another. There are a lot of great reasons for picking native plants to fill your gardens: they are adaptable to the climate, so they require less water; they provide habitats for indigenous wildlife, such as hummingbirds, butterflies and birds; they don’t need fertilizer, because they have adapted to the soil and conditions; and they are less prone to disease and pests.  Sounds like a win all around!  We have a landscaping project going on here at Headquarters that is using native Texas plants that will use less water.  We’ll write about this more in a future post. So, how do you know what grows well in your area?  Check out http://www.wildflower.org/plants.   You can type in a kind of plant to see where it grows well, search by state, or by a variety of characteristics, such as appearance and lifespan.  When I was looking for a vine, I checked out what grew well in North Central Texas—I had never even heard of trumpet vine, but it grows beautifully along my back fence.  Using native plants has saved me time, water, and money, and I have a great garden to show for it. Have fun, and let us know how you live, work, and garden in the comments below. DING!  You are now free to be Green! ... View more

LUV is always in the air at Southwest!   Though the traditional colors of Valentine’s Day are red and pink, I propose we add a little green this year.  American Greetings Corporation has compiled some interesting statistics around this “holiday.”  Did you know: Around a billion valentines are sent each year globally, making the day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year behind Christmas. 25 percent of all seasonal cards annually are valentines. Over 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate are sold each year. Valentine’s Day is the top holiday for fresh flower purchases, with red roses being most popular. Ten percent of engagements happen on Valentine’s Day.   So, how can you add a little green to your red and pink? Thrift stores and second-hand shops have beautiful antique jewelry, which is a unique and thoughtful gift. Look for cards made from recycled paper. Take a little extra time and look for organic or fair trade chocolates. Buy local—prepare a romantic dinner made from locally grown foods.   Have a very Happy Valentine’s Day, and make sure the ones you love know it!  Let us know how you plan on adding a little green to your red and pink by posting your comments below.  DING!  You are now free to be Green! ... View more

At Southwest, we believe it’s important to conserve our natural resources by recycling.  However you’ve made a difference by recycling this past year—whether you’ve dropped that drink can in a blue bin or made sure you recycled any excess paper—here’s a big thank you to you.   And, here’s a shoutout to our Inflight Crews and Provisioning Bases who are doing an amazing job capturing recycling onboard the aircraft—thank you!  Once you’re settled on the aircraft and you reach for our Inflight menu or the Spirit magazine in your seatback pocket, you’ll notice a message reminding everyone that we recycle.  When it’s time to clean up the cabin, our Flight Attendants also make an announcement to keep those recyclable items separate so we can make sure we do our part.   We believe that environmental decisions also make good business sense, and that has never been truer than when it comes to recycling.  When we divert recyclables (paper, cardboard, aluminum, and plastic) from the waste stream, we have less waste, which means fewer waste pickups, and those are true bottomline savings.  Plus, we are doing the right thing.  Because of our Employees' hard work and our Customers who handed over those recyclables, in November 2010, we had a whopping 235 tons of recyclables, and a mere 396 tons of trash.  This is truly an incredible feat.   Let us know how you encourage others to recycle at work and at home by posting your comments below.  DING!  You are now free to be Green! ... View more

I’m all about saving green and going green, so one of the best things I’ve found to help me do both is keeping the “reuse” cycle going.  I do this by shopping at thrift stores when looking for certain items and by going to the library.  As a kid, I loved my library card—it was always an adventure going to the library.  I love everything about reading, including the feel and smell of books.  A library is the ultimate way to conserve resources and “trade goods” with others.  If you are in a bind and need to purchase a book, keep that book, loan it out, or take it to a book reseller such as Half Price Books. Going to a thrift store is a great way to find quality goods at bargain prices, plus you are reusing and recycling.  I found a great list on walletpop.com/ that helps me know what to look for—and what not to look for—in a thrift store.  Good buys are things like wool sweaters, coffee mugs, cookbooks, and trustworthy labels.  Bad buys are things like cookware, vinyl records, and squeaky toys.  There are a lot of treasures to be found in thrift stores, flea markets, and libraries, so take the plunge, have fun, and enjoy going Green.  For those of you who already love the hunt, what treasures have you found? DING!  You are now free to be Green.  ... View more

People who know me are aware of how excited I am about Green things, so it is always a thrill when I hear we have won an award relating to our environmental efforts.  The Williams Trophy, awarded by the Washington Airports Task Force for “leadership, vision, and dedication in the application of aviation or space to enrich the quality of life on Earth,” is an honor that was awarded Tuesday to Gary Kelly, our CEO, President, and Chairman; Jeff Martin, Vice President of the Operations Coordination Center; and Southwest Airlines for our commitment to training our Pilots and retrofitting our aircraft for Required Navigational Performance (RNP), the cornerstone of the Next Generation Air Traffic Control system.  In addition to RNP, the award cited our green plane, gate services, electric ground equipment, winglets, and our overall commitment to environmental  stewardship.  FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt introduced the award and then Gary and Jeff spoke about how these environmental decisions also make good business sense, and they thanked the Employees of Southwest Airlines for their work and commitment to doing the right thing.  I was particularly struck by how many Employees were involved and the massive effort that went into this four-year project .  In the last two years, the accomplishments on the RNP project are historic and industry leading: • Modified more than 444 aircraft with software and GPS devices • Maintenance reformatted the avionics displays of 343 Boeing 737s in just four short days • Flight Ops completed 36,000 pilot training events in 24 months • Dispatch trained all Southwest Flight Dispatchers in RNP procedures • Assisted the FAA in the design of new efficient RNP procedures in 20 airports It’s pretty amazing, but not unusual, what the Warrior Spirit of Southwest Airlines Employees can accomplish!  Probably one of the most exciting things that came out of the ceremony yesterday was when Jeff mentioned that on January 11, 2011, we will deploy our fleet into daily RNP operations and jumpstart our Nation’s performance-based navigation program.  The Southwest Team prepared for this historic milestone on scheduled, as promised, and on budget!  Congratulations Gary, Jeff, and the entire Southwest Team!!  For more information on RNP and our environmental efforts, check out the Southwest Airlines One Report™ at www.southwest.com/cares.   ... View more

Though winter doesn’t officially start until December 21, it’s already pretty cold around most of the country.  Here are some quick tips to get ready for “official” winter: • Check the air pressure in your tires. Cooler temperatures lower tire pressure, which lowers fuel efficiency. • Make sure furniture and obstructions are away from vents to allow the heat to flow freely through the house. • Check doors for weather stripping and replace as necessary. If you feel a draft from exterior doors, think about replacing the threshold or block the drafts with a rolled-up towel or blanket. • Bring in plants to protect them from the freeze--they’ll also help clean the air inside. DING!  You are now free to be Green. ... View more