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Linda is highly accomplished off-screen as well, and a conversation with her reveals a consciousness for healthy living. "Like many people, I was deeply moved when we first saw pictures of the entire Earth taken from space by the astronauts. I had small children then, and realized that we were not doing such a great job of protecting our planet for them. I wanted to do better." One of her earliest steps was to eat healthier food, a decision that eventually led her to grow an organic garden in her backyard. "I only grow some of my vegetables, but they are mine, I know they are organic, and I like that."
As her acting career took off, Linda began a path that many are walking today-expanding healthy lifestyle choices and feeling the benefits. Another step she took was to serve on the board of the Earth Communications Office, an organization that uses the talents of the entertainment industry to educate and inform via environmental messages in the media.
In 1997, she was invited by the United Nations to be a Goodwill Ambassador specializing in women's issues, an involvement that has taken her to Europe, Asia and Central America. "I have met less privileged women around the world who make it clear that access to clean water is one of their highest priorities-along with safe childbirth and education. Water is an environmental issue, and you can't separate the environment from social welfare. They are so related."
Connecting Linda's interests to Prius ownership is not difficult. "I enjoyed my small SUV, but it got to the point where burning that much gas didn't feel right to me. I sold it and got my 2004 Prius... after waiting months, just like everyone else. I feel that I am making a personal statement about being less dependent on oil with my Prius. The available Bluetooth® technology and Smart Key System... I just love it. My Prius has lots of passing power on the freeway, and plenty of storage space with the back seats folded down. It's so fun to drive! I don't miss my SUV one bit.
"I am kind of an under-the-radar environmentalist, but I try to support what I believe in by making choices that are healthy for me and the planet."
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