Greener Insulation

Properly insulating walls and attics is a great way to save energy and money on heating and cooling costs. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has even stated that insulation saves 600 times more energy each year than all of the compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), Energy Star appliances and Energy Star windows in use combined.

Owens Corning (the company with the Pink Panther mascot) now offers a greener, less-itchier way of insulating your home. In January the company started replacing all of its traditional pink fiberglass insulation with a new product called EcoTouch. R-values, installation methods and prices remain the same, but the new insulation is formaldehyde-free and made from over 70% recycled glass content. Consumers don't need to wear a dust mask during installation and it shouldn't leave skin feeling itchy. EcoTouch Pink Fiberglas Insulation will be available nationwide by fall 2011.

This transitions is most likely a (delayed) response to green insulation pioneer Bonding Logic. Bonding Logic's UltraTouch insulation is made from used blue jeans. It uses no harmful chemicals during the manufacturing process and does not emit any chemicals that can harm indoor air quality. While it's a shame that it took Owens Corning a full decade longer to come out with formaldehyde-free insulation, it's great to have another green home improvement product on the market.