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Marshall University’s Public Relations Student Society of America has been sponsoring a drive to collect denim that will be used as insulation in Habitat for Humanity houses throughout the country.
Marshall is one of only eight universities collecting denim for this cause, said Angela Sundstrom, senior public relations major and president of PRSSA.
She said Cotton: From Blue to Green contacted her and public relations professor Terry Hapney last spring to see if they would be interested in sponsoring the drive.
“I just thought it was a good opportunity for Marshall to get involved with a great cause and for public relations students to be involved in running a campaign,” Sundstrom said.
Denim is made of cotton, which means it is recyclable. To be used as insulation, the denim is broken down into its cotton fibers.
Teddy Kluemper, director of development and communications for Huntington Area Habitat for Humanity said using cotton as insulation is something unique.
“This is a relatively new concept for Habitat affiliates,” Kluemper said.
He also said using cotton is more environmentally friendly than regular insulation.
“It is a greener way to build,” Kluemper said. “I think we’ll begin seeing Habitat affiliates across the country begin to take progressive steps to make sure the houses being built are greener than most homes.”
Sundstrom said Habitat for Humanity has used cotton insulation in nearly 200 homes. She said Cotton: From Blue to Green began in 2006.
“From past collections, they have used it (insulation) in Gulf Coast regions for Hurricane Katrina relief,” Sundstrom said.
Kluemper said he does not know how successful cotton insulation has been in Habitat houses, but said the organization would not use it if it did not work.
“The fact that it’s being used shows how successful it is,” Kluemper said.
The drive began on Marshall’s campus earlier this month. Sundstrom said the official end date was Nov. 2, but PRSSA decided to extend it for a few more days because of positive student response.
“Everybody we’ve talked to seems really excited about the idea and willing to donate,” Sundstrom said. “As of Tuesday, we had a little more than 300 pieces, which I think is a great response.”
Sundstrom said it takes about 500 pieces of denim to insulate a home.
There are many reasons for students to become involved, Sundstrom said. Companies partnered with Cotton Inc. are offering incentives to help increase student involvement. Vanity, an online store, is offering a 25 percent off coupon toward one pair of jeans when a student donates to the drive.  There is a text messaging campaign as well. Students who text ‘Marshall’ to 44144 will automatically be entered to win a $250 American Express gift card.
Collection bins are located throughout campus. PRSSA also has a donation table set up in the Memorial Student Center lobby once a week to collect denim. Sundstrom said all denim is welcome, including those with stains.
Sundstrom said anyone willing to donate could contact her or another member of PRSSA.

Whitney Burdette can be contacted at burdette56@marshall.edu.

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