04-26-10
Development Compromises
Washington State is ahead of the curve when it comes to realizing the potential negative impacts of growing development. In an article published in mid-2008, the Seattle Times reports that farmers can be paid to remain on their farms while the developers are paid to limit their development in these areas. The state, it appears, it serious about protecting their land and wildlife.
As developers move in to claim fertile soil and pristine lands to put on the market, local officials are countering by working with farmers to ensure they stay put and continue to do what they do best: provide local, sustainable produce, dairy, and hay to their community.
“[Andrew Albert's] 90 acres of green hay fields and barns near Arlington hug the Stillaguamish River, which, with some restoration, could be home to abundant salmon and clean water running into Puget Sound. The fields are a picturesque contrast to the sprawl of houses rising nearby. Horse owners line up to buy hay fresh from Albert’s fields.
So a few years ago, local politicians hit on an idea to keep Albert’s farm and others in this valley from turning into subdivisions: Get developers to pay Albert money to never build on his land. In return, the developers would get to build more houses elsewhere.” (Please click the above link to read more.)
The Puget Sound, while still very much alive, is threatened by increasing development and unconscientious developers. It is our duty as land sellers and buyers to be aware of these issues and to not use toxic chemicals that may leach into the waters of the Puget Sound. Talk to your contractor about how best to manage your land and assist in the protection and respect of the area.
04-07-10
An Intelligent State of Mind
Washington has some darn good ideas. Like this one, published by Cooler Planet:
Called zHomes, the 10 units, scheduled for completion in the spring of 2011, will feature townhomes that generate as much energy as they use, first by using cutting-edge construction technologies to reduce each unit’s energy use by almost two-thirds (or 5,255 kilowatt-hours per year, as compared to an average 13,989). These technologies also take advantage of large amounts of recycled material, as well as materials with lower VOCs (volatile organic compounds) for healthy indoor air.
But the crowning achievement is the installation of solar photovoltaic panels to provide for the entire reduced energy footprint, energy-efficient appliances to keep that footprint small, and water conservation policies that mean residents also use 60 percent less water than similarly-sized homes by recycling rainwater and using all water-efficient appliances.
These homes will also be affordable, demonstrating to builders, buyers, and policymakers that this is possible and that even “average wage earners can live sustainably.”
If you are considering purchasing land in Washington, please consider implementing these water saving techniques. With the area’s rainfall, utilizing rain barrels and other systems, water use could be dramatically reduced. Washington residents are increasingly hopping on board with these progressive and effective ideas. Come see what change looks like!
