There is a lot of focus within the auto industry on renewable materials and alternatives to petroleum…and it doesn’t always have to do with the environment. Many of those plastic pieces fitted throughout your car are made in part with petroleum. That means the price of plastic has risen with the price of gasoline, forcing companies like Ford to look to cheaper, renewable alternatives.

MSNBC reports that for Ford in particular, the solution may be cash, lots and lots of cash, though not how you think. The Blue Oval is looking to shredded greenbacks, among other alternatives, to replace pricey plastics in their cars, including the Ford Mustang.

While many companies are focusing their green efforts on the engine and motor, Ford is going further by including many alternatives throughout their cars. This has in the past included cycled plastic bottle carpets, soy-based seat foam, and even recycled Nylon carpets used to make the Mustang’s engine valve covers.

Ford’s latest efforts are focused on using recycled and shredded American dollars in their cars. 10,000 pounds of old American money is recycled every day, and most of it is either burned or buried, costing taxpayers money. Ford thinks it could find a use for old money in arm rests and interior trays, parts that could end up in every model, Mustang included.

It’d be pretty cool resting your arm on recycled greenbacks, whether you consider yourself an environmentalist or not, and Ford’s cool ideas are also saving them money. That’s got to be worth something…