U.S. #4524l

2011 44¢ Insulate the Home

Insulating one’s home is among the most effective “green living” changes a person can make.  This makes the home more energy efficient, and the materials used have an environmental impact.

Fully insulating a home can save over 50% on heating and cooling costs, and can pay for itself in five or six years.  It also represents a big decrease in use of non-renewable energy sources, and a reduction of greenhouse gases.  The benefits don’t stop there.  

The type of insulation used also has an effect.  Traditional fiberglass insulation is considered one of the least green-friendly materials, but advances have greatly improved it.  And the benefits it provides still greatly outweigh its negatives.  One eco-conscious material comes from shredded denim jean scraps left over from denim production (but not recycled clothes).  This process makes use of material that was previously just discarded as production waste. 

Other insulating materials include renewable resources like specially treated sheep’s wool.  Recycled, shredded newsprint is converted to a cellulose (plant fiber) foam that is a very efficient insulator.  More materials are constantly being developed.  Whether using newer, organic insulating methods, or traditional materials, home insulation is a great way to live a “greener,” cozier life.