Product Description

FROM THE PIONEER OF ECO-CONSCIOUS LIVING

A committed environmentalist for more than thirty years, Ed Begley, Jr., has always tried to “live simply so others may simply live.” Now, as more and more of us are looking for ways to reduce our impact on the planet and live a better, greener life, Ed shares his experiences on what works, what doesn't–and what will save you money!

These are tips for environmentally friendly living that anyone–whether you own or rent, live in a private home or a condo–can try to make a positive change for the environment. From quick fixes to bigger commitments and long-term strategies, Ed will help you make changes in every part of your life.

And if you think living green has to mean compromising on aesthetics or comfort, fear not; Ed's wife, Rachelle, insists on style–with a conscience. In Living Like Ed, his environmentalism and her design savvy combine to create a guide to going green that keeps the chic in eco-chic.

From recycling more materials than you ever thought possible to composting without raising a stink to buying an electric car, Living Like Ed is packed with ideas–from obvious to ingenious–that will help you live green, live responsibly, live well. Like Ed.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #21455 in Books
• Published on: 2008-02-19
• Released on: 2008-02-19
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

Review
“Filled with sound advice and first-hand experience from someone who has been walking the walk for more than 38 years, Living Like Ed provides a wide array of practical options for anyone who wants to make his life a little-or a lot-greener. Ed Begley is more than a beloved Hollywood figure; he¹s an all-American hero, and Living Like Ed is a comprehensive yet accessible guide to becoming more environmentally savvy that light greens and bright greens alike will find themselves dog-earing for years to come.”
—Treehugger.com


From the Trade Paperback edition.

Review
“Filled with sound advice and first-hand experience from someone who has been walking the walk for more than 38 years, Living Like Ed provides a wide array of practical options for anyone who wants to make his life a little-or a lot-greener. Ed Begley is more than a beloved Hollywood figure; he¹s an all-American hero, and Living Like Ed is a comprehensive yet accessible guide to becoming more environmentally savvy that light greens and bright greens alike will find themselves dog-earing for years to come.”
—Treehugger.com

About the Author
ED BEGLEY, JR., is a veteran actor who has appeared in numerous film and television roles. He and Rachelle reside in L.A. in a self-sufficient home powered by solar energy. Visit him at LivingLikeEd.net.

Customer Reviews

What is a Eco-Friendly life?
This book will explain what you can do to help the environment as one person or family.I thought it was time to make a difference in this world and this book helps with that. It gave me many idea's.

His book looks at 6 area's in our lives we can be more efficient.The Home,transportation,energy;garden and kitchen;clothing and hair;skin care. He has also included a workbook of questions that you can answer with your own life styles and how to improve it, helping the earth.

i want to be like ed!
This book is great. It's very easy to read, helpful, and interesting. Ed & his wife explain a variety of home improvements one can make and provide logical explanations for all of them. This book makes me want to do everything i can to live an eco-friendly life.

Live like Ed, Don't Rant like Him
This book is a pretty decent reference guide. Begley breaks his book up in six areas that he (as well as we) can do to make our lives greener (in the home, transportation, recycling, energy, garden and kitchen, and clothing/hair/skin care). You can get as much or as little as you need from the guide. Basically each area is an essay by Begley that has the main points highlighted throughout with a legend of a tree plant that shows it's significance (price and impact wise) environmentally. He also allows some companies, that he does business with, to give the reader a pitch about the products or services they provide. Even his wife throws in her "two cents" throughout the book (which is basically what it's worth because she only made herself sound like a shallow bimbo with a smug sense of self-satisfaction.)
Now don't get me wrong, I've watched Living with Ed and found it entertaining and informative. And for the most part, I like Ed Begley, Jr. I can appreciate a guy who can make fun of himself from time to time (ex. Cameo'd on the Simpsons driving a go-cart powered by his own "sense of self satisfaction"), but I found the essays a little preachy. Maybe the guy has to get defensive because he's probably had to be that way for the last 30 years or so, but I don't feel like he has to be that way to readers. If you pick this up, you're basically looking to "green up" your living, but Begley talks to the reader like he's expecting a fight. Chill, man, you're in good company. He uses alot of scare tactics that made me feel guilty about the life I've been leading, not positive of the way I'm changing my life. He also had a tendency to rant on and on, and that was off-putting. Okay Ed, I got it. Solar is good, let's move on, shall we?
This book is mainly written by Begley based on what Begley knows, so he often makes references to services offered mostly in California (or NYC) so if you're not in those areas, that just means you may have to do more research. At least he gives the reader a starting off point.
And in terms of ways to "green up" your life, this book isn't as insulting as some (you mean turn out a light when I leave a room saves energy!? And I paid $16 for you to tell me that?! Doy!) but not as wacky as others (I just can't save up used bath water to water my lawn. Maybe someday, but not today). And the ways range from uber cheap to long shot expensive. So I think a multitude of readers can get something out of it. It had a nice reference key for those recycling numbers on the bottom of plastics. It also has a small "workbook" to use if you implement his suggestions so you can see the progress you make.
And if you're interested in this book because you're a fan of the show, it makes lots of references to it. Begley and his wife play off each other throughout, and some of the companies that are featured in the book are some of the products on his show. He also provides us with a few recipes that he's used on the show (Birthday episode Lentil soup and tofu brownies, etc).
Overall, it was informative, but the writing just wasn't for me. At least you can skip the rants if you want.