Archive for September 1, 2009
Reuse: Denim Insulation
Ever thought of using denim jeans for building insulation? These folks have.
Typically, insulation is made from fibreglass. Fibreglass is exactly what is sounds like – tiny glass fibres. In an earlier post I discussed (at a high level) manfacture of glass. It’s not fabulous for the environment (although better than plastic in my opinion). I would definitely say blue jeans are better. They’re better for people and the environment. I like that the jeans are either old ones that would otherwise be discarded, or denim off-cuts from denim manufacturers. Considering cotton (which denim is made of) is such a water-intensive crop, however, is the best choice for the environment though?
If it was up to me, I’d go strawbale. The straw is just leftovers from grain crops, cheap, easy to construct and very effective.
An exterior truth window on a strawbale house, showing the straw inside. Photo from Paso Straw Bale Construction Blog.
Besides, strawbale* is pretty. I like it.
I wonder if the federal government would provide a rebate on building a strawbale house, under their insualtion scheme? Somehow, I doubt it. Hmm.
*Photo from Paso Straw Bale Construction Blog.
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