andresiz

We are building a new house and still deciding on what type of insulation to go with, hence my interest in this article and the comments that go with it--even though I'm reading nearly 2 years after they were written.

The facts and opinions shared are useful insomuch as they allow me to see the complexity of the issue. One thing I become wary of though is anyone who believes there is one way to be green. One only has to read the 30+ posts here to see that some people define green by the energy expended to produce it; others define it by the energy saved over using it into the future. Yet others point to durability in the face of unforeseen events (the water in the walls issue). And still others point out the implications of diverting food, eg.corn/soy-based products, from people who are hungry (even if in a roundabout way in that by using corn or soy-based foam we are encouraging farmers to produce something other than food for humans...). All these are valid points.

It seems to me that the sharing of information is important but that drifting over into an "I'm greener than you" discussion is counterproductive. There are too many variables for there to be ONE answer to what is the right insulation or the greenest insulation. Each project requires its own analysis and each owner is entitled to make a decision based on their own values, resources, and circumstances.

Now to my final comment that will probably incur great wrath! Am I the only woman who has commented here? In my experience, men tend toward a world view that is more black and white than women. Women see the nuances in things and are less likely to believe in the "silver bullet" theory or any particular statistic. (Although in your defense, there are several comments that DO seem to appreciate the nuances and DO seem to take a more measured approach.) Guys, lighten up! The fact that this discussion is even taking place is encouraging to me--it means people are taking the time to think through their actions and thoughtfully make the best decision for themselves. And those last two words are key to it all--"for themselves." My answer may not be exactly the same as yours, and vice-versa, but that doesn't mean we aren't still on the same side of the fence with respect to making a better world. Chill dudes!