With all the attention in the world of green autos focused on how they’ll get around (will it be electric, biodiesel or even something wilder like solar?), car companies seem to be forgetting about the ways they can enhance the eco-friendliness of their exteriors and interiors. But the limited edition Eco Elise that Lotus debuted last year at the London Motor Show didn’t just give a nod to greener components, it revolved around them.

The Lotus Eco Elise isn’t the first foray that Lotus has had into the realm of more environmentally-aware autos, but the company is usually involved in a roundabout way, like manufacturing the chassis for the Tesla Roadster or finding one of their Lotus Exiges used to develop a wind-powered car. For the Eco Elise, Lotus attempted to make the Elise as green as possible—without changing the way it was fueled. And while it managed to slip under the radar for the most part, it’s remains an innovation.

Hemp, the eco-wonder plant, was used to make composite body panels and a spoiler and to make up elements of the trademark Lotus seats (although one car reviewer described sitting in them liking being surrounded by itchy old mens trousers). The upholstery on the seats is made from what Lotus describes as “eco wool”, which is ethically produced wool that hasn’t bee dyed (the sheep it’s sheared from are selected for their natural car-appropriate coloring). Underfoot, sisal comprises the carpeting as a natural abrasion-resistant material. Click here to read more

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