Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Granted, the idea of sustainable commercial airplanes is about as far-fetched as they come. Still, any efforts made to make air travel even a little less environmentally damaging are moves in the right direction.

Beginning this March with an anticipated finish in 2013, Southwest is retrofitting the interiors of 327 of their 737 airplanes to boast a laundry list of green materials from the cockpit to the tail, set to the tune of $60 million.

Using data they gleaned from their test “Green Plane” which was launched back in 2009, this new fleet of planes known as “Evolve” with feature seats that will each with 6 lbs less, due in part to the use of “E-leather”, which is made from recycled refuse salvaged from leather manufacturers. This means each plane will weigh 635 lbs less, resulting in less fuel and ideally, cheaper ticket prices. Recycled carpet, lighter life vests and switching such traditionally plastic accessories such as tray table latches to aluminum are also among the upgrades.

Southwest plans on applying similar upgrades to their Boeing 700s and 717 planes, while they evaluate other fleets for possible retrofits.