Global Green Room Staff Interview: Linda Stone

Meet Linda Stone, Programs and Operations Director of our New Orleans office. What would surprise us about you?

Not sure. Perhaps you wouldn't know that I thought I would be a writer of great books (or at least one -- maybe it's still possible!)

Who is your hero?

The Dalai Lama. Look at his face. This is a man who radiates peace and goodwill despite being in exile for most of his life.

What has been your greatest success?

Raising my son is number one. I can say with whatever objectivity a mother can muster that he is an amazing human being -- intelligent, compassionate, talented, curious, and wise beyond his years -- perhaps he will be the writer of great books in the family. Number two is founding The Green Project, a paint and building materials recycling nonprofit. That is my second child and has grown beyond my wildest expectations.

What about a failure or challenge?

I struggle at finding peace and accepting what is.

Favorite green book?

One that really opened my eyes was "Ishmael" by Daniel Quinn, which starts out with a guy gliding off a cliff clearly on course to collide. That is us, of course. It is a novel that clearly shows our trajectory in a scarily compelling way.

Favorite green movie?

I remember one that made an impact was "The Day After Tomorrow" with Dennis Quaid and Jake Gyllenhaal. Not a great movie, but super interesting that global warming could result in New York City being taken over by ice.

Favorite way to spend a free day?

Depends on the weather. It could be many things. Ideally some yoga, maybe dancing, seeing a movie, reading, or going somewhere out of town like to the beach.

If you had the power to make one global and green change, what would it be?

Abolish cars. Think about it: No more parking lots or superhighways taking up acres and acres of land; easy to access public transit, walking and bike lanes; less pollution; more money in all of our pockets.