JJLaValley

What is your definition of "Green" I am an insulation contractor and I have done almost everything. I recently installed the recycled denim bats for sound and it was rather difficult and pretty expensive. They are very heavy and will not stay up in the stud bay. We had to staple them in every bay. I would be very concerned about them staying up in the exterior walls. They were also very hard to cut. So I lost money in labor. We even found a "snack" (sunflower seed) someone may have left in a pocket. Ha.
Recycle content and renewable resources are great, but as we look at the big picture, coupling not just manufacturing but performance of the product is very important.

ALL fiber insulations (glass, cellulose, cotton, rockwool, etc) are not air tight. Look at the perm rating. And look at the EFFICIENCY of the product. Everything has R value, but how efficient is it? (Efficiency really is the key to overall performance). Can it maintain it's R value with: wind, vapor, heat, cold, and continually changing vapor drives?

I do like cellulose over fiberglass for health reasons (my personal feelings based on many scientific articles) but that is just me. An I don't care what anyone say about no rodents in cellulose, I've seen it many times.

Spray foam is more expensive, but really is a superior product. It will pay back over about 5 years. There are many other benefits to it also. Why else is your refrigerator, freezer, cooler and every cold storage facility sprayed with closed cell foam? Nothing else can match it.

Just remember. Think about the big picture and overall benefits when deciding on what is "green." It might surprise you.

I worked for a tool company in Washington for 3 years as an outside salesman. A framing contractor turned me on to titanium hammers. I thought he was crazy to spend the money, but boy did I change my mind. He bought his stiletto to save the wear and tear on his arm. After talking to the rep I changed my mind and approach. I worked with guys in the field every day and I sold a lot of them. I never had one guy regret the $200 he spent on the TiBone. I did find that wooden handled models from the all manufacturers needed handle replacements more frequently than steel, buy I can't back that up with any scientific reason, just my experience.
Guys really like the way they "swung" and the way they felt when hitting a nail. I have used them many times in demo's and there is nothing like them. I even bought one even though I don't make my living with a hammer.
The price is all in justification. Most guys who did want to pay the price drove $50k pickups ???? You wouldn't regret the choice.