From Homescape

Call me old fashion, or a bit too square, but I don’t get radical environmental groups. On Monday the New York Times Web site reported that a fire gutted three multimillion-dollar model homes in a Seattle suburb. The acts of arson are believed to have been allegedly sparked by Earth Liberation Front (ELF), a group that law authorities classify as “eco-terrorists.”

Who’s ‘greener’?                                                                                                           

Law enforcement officials on the scene reported finding a spray-painted sign left by the group that read: “Built Green? Nope black!” Explosive devices were also found inside the home and were removed. The report by the Associated Press said that the properties were located in a development near the headwaters of Bear Creek, which is home to the endangered Chinook salmon. Opponents to the development had questioned whether the luxury homes could pollute the creek and an aquifer that is a drinking water source, and whether enough was done to protect the wetlands.

While no injuries were reported, the luxury homes are surrounded by a wooded area and the fire could have quickly spread, harming dozens of neighboring wildlife.

The ELF is a loosely organized group of radical environmentalists who have been linked to other acts of arson in the Northwest region. The homes damaged in Monday’s fire were between 4,200 and 4,750 square feet in size, with prices close to $2 million.

The developers of the “Street of Dreams” model homes had advertised their “green” friendly practices as a way to appeal to new home buyers. Their environmentally friendly techniques include water-pervious sidewalks, home products made with recycled materials and super-insulated walls.

Practice makes perfect
Don’t get me wrong. Just because a builder uses some recycled products and helps the home conserve more energy than it would have without insulated walls, doesn’t make it a 100 percent environmentally sustainable development. To be truly “green,” the existing ecosystem surrounding the property should be factored into the equation of the construction plans. But when radical groups like the ELF decide to torch over 8,950 square feet of space, think about the energy, water and fuel used to put out the fires. And let’s not forget about the additional use of wood and oil products that will be needed to replace the charred homes. Volatility only breads more volatility. I think the ELF need to start practicing what they preach.

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