An important step in reducing energy in your home includes adding more insulation. As long as you follow the product manufacturer’s “safe handling instructions,” DIY (do-it-yourself) insulation projects can often fit within your budget and completed in a weekend.

Eco-friendly options include products made from recycled newsprint and blue jeans

Many different types of insulation are considered sustainable, however, there are some eco-friendly products worth mentioning. “Denim cotton” is blue-colored insulation made from recycled blue jeans and denim cotton. Unlike fiberglass, handling the insulation does not irritate skin.

“Cellulose” insulation products are made from 85% recycled content, primarily newsprint. Other materials used in cellulose insulation include cardboard, cotton, straw, and sawdust. “Sheep’s wool” is considered one of the most natural and renewable sources of insulation.

Fiberglass remains the number one insulation used in the U.S. and is available in a wide number of forms—long rolls, blankets (or batts), concrete blocks, rigid foam, and boards. Some insulation products are delivered through spraying devices, such as “loose-fill” and “foam.”

When you shop for insulation, you’ll notice a reference to the product’s “R-value,” which refers to the “resistance to heat flow.” The higher the R-value, the more resistance is being provided by the insulation. R-value requirements vary based on geographical area and the part of the home that is being insulated.

It’s all explained in Live in a Home that Pays You Back.