Living Like Ed: A Guide to the Eco-Friendly Life [Paperback]

Ed Begley Jr. (Author)

Book Description

Release date: February 19, 2008

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.

Editorial Reviews

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.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Clarkson Potter (February 19, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0307396436
• ISBN-13: 978-0307396433
• Product Dimensions: 6.2 x 0.6 x 8.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #601,265 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

64 of 67 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Living Like Ed is a winner! February 19, 2008

By Nerissa Oden

Format:Paperback

Length: 5:34 Mins

5 minute video explaining why I recommend "Living Like Ed." I did my best to be entertaining and informative. I didn't reveal info within book, instead I focused on how the book was surprisingly helpful to me.

It's easy to read and skim--everyman language. Helpful. Even to green know-it-alls like me. My idea of a "perfect gift" for friends, family, renters, home owners, even landlords like me.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Good introduction to making your home and life eco-friendly March 3, 2008

By suetonius

Format:Paperback

I bought this book because I am a fan of the HGTV show. Living with Ed is reality show about Ed Begley Jr., his delightful wife Rachelle and their Los Angeles area home. The house has been modified over the years Begley has owned it be as eco-friendly as possible with solar panels, wind mills and CFL bulbs. The book Living Like Ed is small paperback that touches on some of the green modifications that anyone can do to save money and be kind to the environment.

Some of the tips are common-sense: don't waste water, grow some of your own food in a vegetable garden, turn off all the lights when you leave the house, walk or ride a bike instead of taking your car for short trips.

Some tips are more expensive. Equipping a house with enough solar panels to get "off the grid" will cost many tens of thousands of dollars, the cost of which may never be amortized. Buying a hybrid-fuel car will cost more than a regularly-powered vehicle.

There are some ideas that I found very helpful: completely disconnecting all unused electronic gadgets and chargers can save up to 10% of your electrical use. Avoid buying items that come with excess packaging. Donate old magazines, toys and electronics to charity. This way these things will help a good cause and keep toxins out of landfills.

One of Ed's central themes is the development of a mindset that looks for ways to reuse and recycle things rather than wasting.

Highly recommended.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Eco-nut or savior of the planet? March 27, 2008

By Robert Crespo

Format:Paperback

As someone who is very concerned about our home, planet Earth, I found Ed Beagley's book very illuminating. Many people ask "what can I really do to help save the planet? After all I'm only one person."

The contents of the book is laid out very well as it's divided into topical sections such as the home, transportation, garden etc. In each of these sections he explains how one can make small changes or large changes to impact the planet in a positive way. For example, I used to waste a lot of water shaving by letting the water just run and run. Now I fill my bathroom sink up with a reasonable quantity of water and shave just using that small little pool. It doesn't seem like I am saving a lot of water but multiply that by 30 days in the month and 365 days a year and I can see how I'm saving many many gallons of water.

Some of the suggestions in the book I have already put into place before reading Ed Beagley's book such as converting over to compact fluorescent bulbs. However he has also raised my awareness for doing a more vigilant job of recycling as well as the dangers of everyday toxins in our homes. Will I be willing to pay more money for less toxic paint for example? I'm not sure but he has certainly given me something to think about.

I also became acquainted with his line of cleaning products called Beagley's Best which is an all natural non-toxic line of household cleaning liquids. I have used all three of his products, the all-purpose cleaner, the glass cleaner, and the amazing spot remover. I am now a Beagley's Best convert when it comes to my cleaning products and best of all they do not smell or leave and offensive order behind. In fact they are virtually odor free.... My wife used to complain that the majority of cleaning products made her feel sick after she used them. I recently did a spring cleaning of my apartment and used only Beagley's Best cleaning products and I have to say that it was a most pleasant experience as there were no toxic fumes and it made my work easier because the products worked really well.

So what is my recommendation regarding this book? I think everybody should read Ed's book as it's accessible, easy to read, and entertaining. Read more ›

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Achievable energy and cost-saving tips for life April 5, 2008

By Zaine Ridling

Format:Paperback

A wonderful book that advises you to get started with your own eco-awareness by "picking the low-hanging fruit," i.e., the cheaper, easier things you can do right now (switching lights, composting, gardening, walk, bike, ride public transportation where available and weather permitting, etc.), and then he moves in stages for where you may be or want to go. So this is not a 'CHANGE YOUR LIFE NOW, YOU FOOLS!' kind of book. Ed admits it took him 30 years to get where he is today, and as others have noted, at some cost because of early technology. It's a book worth reading, keeping, and sharing its ideas with others. If for no other reason, to save yourself gads of money year in and year out in your own home.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Real man's way to save energy, with loving wife. March 24, 2008

By Dafydd Nicholas

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This was easy to read and VERY informative as well. So many EASY ways to be a lover of the planet.

This Man has been and continues to be a great citizen of our world.

I felt inspired and relieved all the way through this book for saving my money and my planet.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Good overall guide March 17, 2008

By Adona

Format:Paperback

I have done a lot of research into green living, and I do think this book is a fantastic guide. It covers a wide array of things, from the simple things like changing light bulbs and recycling to the more complex and/or expensive, such as solar and wind power, electric cars, etc.

Ed writes in a very personable style, and the additions from his wife keep it down to earth. Ed has been living green for many years, and no matter where you are on your path to going green, you certainly have something to learn from his experience. Thoroughly enjoyable.