Andrew Evans, from Cardiff in the UK

Andrew Evans, from Cardiff in the UK, sent in OGC's second submission for our "Care, Dare, Act Aware." Thanks to Andrew a few of his friends and neighbours have tasted the lettuces he's grown, even while he's dealing with a pesky neighbor who doesn't seem to care for the garden much. Inspiring story of good temper despite the obstacles!

Justin O. Milligan, from Santa Rosa, CA

Justin O. Milligan, from Santa Rosa, CA, shares his story of overcoming shame with the courage to change his lifestyle as our 3rd submitter to our Care, Dare, Act Aware story collection! "Back in 2005, when I drove my car all I could think of was that my travel came at the terrible cost of destroying our planet. During that time I was miserable about it. My job required me to drive. I was making money, but felt I was destroying the Earth to do so.
In 2006 I met my future wife in San Francisco at a birthday party. Of course, I had to drive there. Though my passion for my future wife extinguished my shame for a while, before long that driving angst returned. I had to take action.
Today, I have reduced my footprint! I rarely drive, do not own a car, have an Undriver License (Undriving.org), take public transportation (busses, trains, taxis, Zipcars, car rentals, etc.), shop locally, travel by bike (I think I am called what is in the common jargon, a Townie), buy organic, share my thoughts of conscious living whenever appropriate, write to my representatives demanding environmental action, reuse plastic bags, use reusable shopping bags, pay for my carbon output (carbonfund.org), and more! I no longer live in shame.
Without a doubt, I would not have attained my momentum without my wife's influence. I remember when Maria suggested we pay for our carbon output resulting from our wedding in the redwoods. I think I groaned, then made a face, and then said something like, "how can we afford that?!" Turns out that it is not such a burden. Taking action to better our environment, to reduce pollution and to think of ways to live better not only makes me feel good about myself, but it is good. We can make a better world by doing our part not matter how small." Very inspiring Justin, thanks for sharing and inspiring others!https://www.facebook.com/justin.o.milligan

Salil Madaan, from Fairfax, VA

Salil Madaan, from Fairfax, VA, tries to use AC very minimally, which for anyone who has been in that neck of the woods demonstrates that his is a story of phenomenal sacrifice and temperance! Very inspiring Salil! Thanks for inspiring us! Care, Dare, Act Aware thanks you for adding your story to our OGC collection! https://www.facebook.com/salilmadan

Linda Regan, from Santa Rosa, CA

Linda Regan, from Santa Rosa, CA, wants to take deep breaths and not worry about what she's breathing in. For the past 10 years, she's been a volunteer for the American Lung Association, an organization that is fighting hard to prevent anyone from weakening or undermining the Clean Air Act or the protective standards the law provides. As a volunteer for the ALA, Linda is helping fight to ensure EPA has the legal authority and necessary funding to continue to protect the public health from air pollution! Truly magnificent Linda! What a sigh of relief that you care about our air! https://www.facebook.com/linda.regan.10

Rafeqi Ali Ahmad, from Kandahar, Afghanistan

Rafeqi Ali Ahmad, from Kandahar, Afghanistan, decided that if he does IT work and online work then he helps reduce his carbon footprint and it's true. So instead of using paper, he focuses on electronic communication and sees the benefit of going paperless! Care, Dare, Act Aware finds Rafeqi's story to be a story of personal triumph and honor in a challenging situation of bringing UN Peacekeeping efforts to Afghanistan. Thank you Rafeqi, you inspire us and we think you will inspire others as well!https://www.facebook.com/rafeqi