insulation

Green Alternatives to Traditional Insulation
Insulation is the best way to increase energy efficiency

Josh Peterson

By Josh Peterson
Fayetteville, AR, USA | Wed Jun 10 04:30:00 GMT 2009

newspaper insulation photo


Eco Answers US

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Cooling | Green Home | Green Home Renovation | Heating | Home Energy Use

Insulation is so important to energy-efficiency and reducing global warming that the government will help you insulate your house. Over half of your home's energy consumption goes towards heating or cooling your domicile. That's why proper insulation is paramount to green living. Switching off lights and unplugging appliances are all well and good, but if you want to make the biggest difference in your home, insulate it. Check out these green forms of insulation.
1. Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation can be added to existing homes. Insulating an old house is greener than building a new one. Spray foam will last indefinitely, so your home will be warm for generations to come. Spray foam doesn't harm indoor air quality, it doesn't promote bacterial growth and it keeps moisture and rot out.

2. Cellulose Insulation

Cellulose Insulation, sometimes called newspaper Insulation is insulation made from three-fourths recycled content: Newspapers, corncobs, straw, etc. The last fourth is flame-resistant chemicals.

Planet Green

The materials that compose cellulose don't contribute to global warming, and they are not known to cause health problems in those who manufacture the product. Plus, manufacturing cellulose insulation doesn't require as much energy as manufacturing other forms of insulation. The incombustible chemicals, borax and boric acid, are also easier to mine than the chemicals found in fiberglass insulation.


3. Denim Insulation

If you like post-consumer insulation, then you'll love denim insulation. Old blue jeans are used to make natural fiber insulation. This insulation is made out of 85% post-industrial cotton fiber and is treated with a natural fire retardant. There are no VOC problems with this insulation and you can recycle it.

4. Straw

Straw bale houses are truly amazing. Straw insulation has the capacity to decrease heating costs by seventy-five percent. Straw has long been considered an agricultural waste product, so insulating with it reduces waste. You'll also be happy to know that straw-bale insulation is fire resistant, provides good air quality and reduces noise pollution.

Cellulose Insulation from Eco Answers was featured on the Elle's Challenge Episode of Wa$ted!.