We'd hope for Chevrolet's sake that its 2011 Volt models aren't already reaching the end of their life-cycles but it's nice to know that when they do, a little innovation can make old components go a long way.
When General Motors' Real Estate and Facilities team moved into a new building and wanted to spruce up the atrium, they had the perfect planter ready and waiting - the battery cover from the 2011 Chevrolet Volt. The upturned plastic cover makes an ideal flower planter and with a little decorating it was ready to go.
Behind the idea was John Bradburn, GM's manager of waste-reduction efforts, and Robin Richey, a senior environmental engineer. The idea fits in perfectly with GM's push to ensure as few materials as possible find their way into landfills when the objects reach the end of their useful lives.
We hope the battery pack planter starts a trend for re-using old car parts in innovative ways. Which car components would you re-use around the home? #YouTellUs via Twitter @AllCarTech, or drop us a comment in the section below. Whether it's another use for the Volkswagen Beetle's flower vase or a coffee table made from an old engine, we'd like to hear it!
