Official and corporate Indiana has by and large neglected the quality of the state's environment. According to the 1991Ð92 Green Index, Indiana ranks 43rd in the nation based on 256 indicators of environmental health. The state's spending on environmental protection and natural resources ranked 47th out of 57 states and territories. A composite of 179 indicators of "Green Conditions" ranked the state 49th. In water pollution, Indiana ranks 49th; in air pollution, 50th; in toxic, hazardous, and solid waste, 50th; in quality of life, 50th. The people whose stories are told in this book are ordinary citizens from all walks of life who have acted on their own to improve the quality of Indiana's environment. These are stories of exemplary courage, persistence, and dedication to an important cause. Their stories are recounted here as examples of how individuals can help improve the environment.

The individuals portrayed are Andy Mahler (protecting forests), Sue Lynch (fighting toxic waste), Tom Dustin (preserving rivers), Terri Moore (blocking out-of-state waste), Jeff Stant (organizing the state), Bob Klawitter (fending off a theme park), John Foster (opposing a PCB incinerator), John Blair (advocating for the Ohio Valley), and Herb and Charlotte Read (watching over parks).