Malcolm Wells, Pioneer of Underground Housing, 1926-2009

Another type of building is emerging: one that actually heals the scars of its own construction. It conserves rainwater- and fuel- and it provides a habitat for creatures other than the human one. Maybe it will catch on. Maybe it won't. We'll see.

that is how Malcolm Wells described his earth-sheltered buildings, which didn't quite catch on as big as they should have, even though they made so much sense. He called it "gentle architecture" that would "leave the land no worse than you found it."... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Flu Vaccine Derived From Army Worm Cells Instead Of Whole Chicken Eggs

Army worm invasion. Image credit:ABC News: Scott Ross Most people probably don't realize how flu vaccines are made - by injecting live flu virus into living chicken eggs, incubating the virus-infected eggs, etc. That 50-year old vaccine making process poses a potential risk to employees working with live virus, and also may offend animal rights activists. (Do PETA members accept flu vaccines; just wondering?) Could also be off-putting to persons for whom a very strict vegetarian diet is part of their religious practice. 'Who cares as long as I can get my seas... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Is Ronald McDonald Becoming a Tree Hugger?

Future, Germany-based portals to apple pies, milkshakes and fries. Image via: Spiegel.com In Germany, perhaps. According to Spiegel.com, Deutschland Mickey D's plans to undergo a total image overhaul for 2010. This is all in an attempt to cater to the German public where many view the fast food joints as more fat- and litter-friendly than healthy, eco-friendly. But will McDonald's new, Germanic design sensibilities demonstrate a true commitment to the environment or p... Read the full story on TreeHugger

World Deaf Information Resource Project Launches

A new initiative enables users to find deaf organizations and schools in 149 countries around the world. Launched by the Gallaudet University Center for International Programs and Services (CIPS) in October 2009, the World Deaf Information Resource Project provides contact information for hundreds of international-, national-, and local-level organizations and schools globally. http://cips.gallaudet.edu/wdi.xml

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY for Human Rights Projects by Disabled People Organizations (DPOs)

Disability Rights Fund Releases Second 2009 Request for Proposals, Extending Another Year of Grantmaking to Existing Target Countries and Opening Grantmaking to the Pacific July 15, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BOSTON, MA – The Disability Rights [...]