I have heard that when Habitat For Humanity builds houses they use jeans for insulation?

Question

i dont know how they do it but they use the jeans because its cheaper than regular insulation i guess?

Any information on this?
&& How can i donate my old jeans?

Answer 1

oh yea i heard of that. um try googling it

Answer 2

I've been waiting for someone to state the obvious here....

Other than fiberglass insulation, blown-in cellulose is a very common insulation.

Cotton is cellulose, just like trees are.

Trees are made into paper, but paper money is made of 75% cotton for durability, because the fibers are stronger.

Back when people used to write letters, some used fancy cotton rag paper, made from 25% cotton... rags....

It would make sense that if you want to make cellulose insulation, you'd use something high in cellulose, such as paper, cardboard, cotton, paper money.... Denim scraps contain a lot of long-fiber cellulose, more than paper, so it's a good source of... cellulose.

I can't picture someone jamming old jeans in their attic, but I have to admit I'd never heard of jeans as insulation. They're really just a source of cheap cellulose that's recycled into insulation....

And those tiny red and blue lines on your money? The blue ones are just plain old denim scraps, most of which are still supplied by Levi Strause & Co.

Answer 3

using jeans for insulation is something new that has not totally caught on yet but I suspect that it will in time because if does prevent problems with things like formadahyde which would be used otherwise. the best thing to do with old clothes though is to find a domestic violence shelter near you and donate the clothes there for women who often have had to leave home with nothing in order to escape an abuser. They will either give them to someone who can use them or resell them to get money for programs to help the abused.

Answer 4

Here are some sites that will explain and guide you through what to do.
I saw this on a home show once- it is a great way to recycle those old worn out jeans and donate to a good cause!

http://www.ehow.com/how_2105899_recycle-jeans-insulation.html


http://accesscotton.com/TourInfo/CottonFromBlueToGreen/

http://www.habitat.org/default.aspx

this gives a little explanation of what is done to the denim- it is treated with a fire retardant and shredded much like blown in insulation- it is free of formeldahyde and other irritants-

I guess it is hard to imagine for htose that know little about it but there is no reason that it should not last and is completely safe and effective for insulation

http://www.ecoproducts.com/Building/build_insulation/build_cotton_insulation.htm

Answer 5

The local Habitat here uses the same materials you would use if you were having a contractor build your house. They try to get as many businesses as will to donate either parts and materials or labor or all of the above to try to keep costs down as much as possible. Through donations, discount buying, many free hours of labor provided by neighborhood and community, they are able to keep the cost of building the home to a minimum. House payments are generally on a 20 year note to keep the payments low enough for families to pay, with payments in this area in the $250 - $350 range per month. Families who apply for housing have to meet certain criteria, among which are also financial criteria. They have to show that they'll be able to make the payments. I read somewhere that the minimum annual income to qualify is $26,000 per year. The Habitat houses are nice for those that can afford them, but total cost here still runs around $50,000 (total cost would vary depending on the area you live in); but it is a NO-INTEREST, long-term loan that helps folks who ordinarily could not buy a house.

As for donating your old jeans, ask around town, most cities have local Salvation Army places, or clothing closets, or organizations that collect used items to pass on to the needy. Check your local phone book or call some of your local assistance agencies to see if they have any recommendations for donating those items.

Answer 6

As far as I know, if there are any houses being built for illegal aliens, they must be on a list of people who are going for their citizenship, have been employed for at least one year and put the same sweat equity you or I would have to in order to receive a house. Everyone is treated equally and no one steps out of line to get a house first. Everything is on the up and up. Although illegal aliens do try and obtain the same freddom we all enjoy, they must go through the process of becoming a citizen. I'm sure when the organization first started, there were loopholes but as far as I know now those loopholes are closed. You may be thinking of the field workers and their familes who are here legally.

Answer 7

No they don't. At least none of the Habitats I know of. They all use high quality because they know these families are on a fixed budget & so it has to last. Old clothing used that way attract bugs, rodents, etc. Just stick to Salvation Army, Goodwill or your local clothing closet for jean donation.

Answer 8

I do not believe that anyone would intentionally use jeans as insulation...it just doesn't make sense...
I think that someone was pulling your leg...

Answer 9

In this area, it has not caught on, they use standard materials. The insulation has "tyvek" on it.

Answer 10

go to their website www.habitat.org