December 6th, 2007

The Insulation Situation

Posted by Shayna Prunier

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OK, let’s face it, insulation is certainly not the most glamorous part of a green home, but when you don’t have it in your walls and attic, you will be left out in the cold. Insulated homes are cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. The energy you save by having good insulation in your home also reduces our collective use of fossil fuels and emissions of carbon dioxide, as most power plants in the US today still burn coal.  So insulation isn’t sexy, but it’s critical.

What makes insulation a green product aside from the fact that it is essential for energy efficiency? Well it depends on what type of insulation material you use. Standard options for insulation, such as fiberglass, often contain formaldehyde and are potentially carcinogenic. Another risk of standard fiberglass insulation is getting the tiny fibers of glass on your skin and into your lungs. Installers must wear protective gear when handling or disposing of the fiberglass material.

Alternatively, green insulation options for your home are safe for installers, safe for the environment, and most importantly safe for your family. Some are sourced from plant material, and some are made from recycled materials, but all of them are worthy alternatives. Green insulation is typically biodegradable and recyclable at the end of its useful life.

The challenge is to find green insulation that has the same R value, or insulating property, as standard material while being competitively priced. You also need your green insulation to be waterproof, mold-resistant, and insect-resistant.  Standard insulation is generally less expensive and more readily available than green alternatives.  Recycled denim insulation, for example, is a wonderful green option, but it is almost twice the cost of fiberglass on a materials basis. However, it costs less for installation since no special equipment or safety precautions need to be taken.  The recycled denim is extraordinarily light and fluffy, comes in blankets and is very easy to install.  Cost for blown-in insulation, like those made from recycled paper, will vary by region and material. For blown in insulation, a certified professional must install the insulation properly in order to make sure it stays in place over time and fills cracks and corners. 

If insulation is truly green, then there should be little to no risk involved with its use. New fiberglass options offer products with recycled glass fibers or products with no formaldehyde. Unfortunately, they carry some of the same health risks due to the presence of the tiny glass fibers. Don’t let marketing fool you…  True green insulation uses non-toxic and natural materials like recycled paper (cellulose), recycled denim, natural wool fibers, or plant based foams such as soybean.  These new green insulation types allow you to cut, handle, inhale, or even roll around in the material with no negative consequence to your health.    

Green insulation products are easy to find at Low Impact Living–just click here.  There is only one manufacturer right now that is manufacturing the recycled denim insulation– it is called Ultra Touch by Bonded Logic.  (See the picture of the denim insulation at the top of this article.) You can purchase this material through green retailers in many parts of the country. Another great green option is BioBased Insulation,which is a soy-based foam that seals all the cracks and crevices of your home providing a strong barrier for insulation. In addition to being made from soy beans, their products are water-blown, so they don’t use an ozone-depleting blowing agent.  BioBased Insulation contains no harmful and irritating micro fibers or organic dust particulates often found in traditional insulation.  On the cellulose insulation front, GreenFiber Cocoon insulation is a great option. It is made of 85% recycled paper. They just blow in the paper mesh you’re all set.

You can find insulation installers across the US here at Low Impact Living– just click here to search by zip code.

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