Living Like Ed: One Man's Guide to Living an Environmentally Friendly Life

by Ed Begley

book data

137 ratings, 3.69 average rating, 51 reviews (more data...)

rating	frequency	%
5		18%
4		42%
3		30%
2		7%
1		1%

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published

February 19th 2008 by Clarkson Potter

binding

Paperback, 240 pages

isbn

0307396436 (isbn13: 9780307396433)

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 o...more

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books that make u wanna DO something!!!

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06/11/08

Natalie rated it:

bookshelves: green-living, library

Read in June, 2008

I really liked this. Possibly even more than all of the other green books I've been reading. He breaks things into small manageable things and labels them in one of 3 groups. Anyone can change a light bulb to a CFL or clean the coils on the fridge. It's more $/work to install a programmer thermostat. Replacing your windows is a big project.

Lots of tips, lots of reasons and examples, and a balanced view from his wife, who's not as green, to talk about how to incorporate some chan...more

Like this review? yes (2 people liked it)

8 comments

12/10/08

Perryvillereference added it

bookshelves: angela, nonfiction

Read in October, 2008

Have you noticed that lately it’s “in” to be “green”? It seems like nearly every product has jumped on the bandwagon, advertising itself as having some vague benefit for the environment, whether or not it is truly beneficial. (This reminds me of the syrup I had in the refrigerator years ago which proudly announced that it contained “real artificial chocolate flavor!”)

Ed Begley, Jr., the actor, is not interested in bandwagons. He got involved with the environmental mov...more Have you noticed that lately it’s “in” to be “green”? It seems like nearly every product has jumped on the bandwagon, advertising itself as having some vague benefit for the environment, whether or not it is truly beneficial. (This reminds me of the syrup I had in the refrigerator years ago which proudly announced that it contained “real artificial chocolate flavor!”)

Ed Begley, Jr., the actor, is not interested in bandwagons. He got involved with the environmental movement back in 1970, the year the first Earth Day was held, and has faithfully practiced what he preaches for nearly 40 years. It’s not often you find someone as passionate about the environment as Ed. In the beginning he began recycling, composting, buying biodegradable soaps and detergents, and bought his first electric car. Then in 1990 he bought a small, old house (built 1936) in a neighborhood in Los Angeles, and has used it to try out many different ways, large and small, to gain energy efficiency and lessen his impact on our planet. In his book Living Like Ed: A Guide to Eco-Friendly Life he shares his successes (and his failures) with us.

Ed’s book is divided into six categories: Home, Transportation, Recycling, Energy, Garden/Kitchen, and Clothing/Hair/Skin Care, plus a workbook at the end where you can track your own progress. Throughout the book Ed introduces us to vendors who manufacture some of the products he has found useful. After Ed tells us about his experiences he lets the vendors tell us about their specific products or services, which include solar and wind power, electric cars, environmentally-safe insulation, electric yard tools, and others. The book is packed with suggestions, and for each suggestion Ed indicates whether it is a Small, Not-So-Big, or Big change, mostly relating to cost. Many of his suggestions are free or cost very little. He is also careful to include ideas for folks in apartments or condos, who might not be able to do things on a large scale.

One of the best things about this book is the commentary from Ed’s wife, Rachelle. Let’s face it--Ed can be a little…um…obsessed about environmentalism, even for those of us who feel as he does. Rachelle gives us the viewpoint of an average person who isn’t willing to give up certain creature comforts and conveniences. As Rachelle puts it, she “married into a lifestyle”, but that doesn’t mean they can’t compromise on some things. For instance, if they both have to travel from Los Angeles to New York, Ed will drive Rachelle’s hybrid vehicle, and Rachelle will fly. He then purchases a TerraPass (see page 88) to offset the additional carbon generated by Rachelle’s flight. In Rachelle’s comments she tells it like it is. I was really laughing when she described some of her “adventures” with Ed, especially those relating to his alternative-fuel vehicles and his solar oven. Both Ed and Rachelle write as if they were sitting in your family room with you, having a conversation.

It’s nice to have the Begley’s do the experimenting, so we will know up-front what works and what doesn’t work. All the small choices you make can add up to money in your pocket and a better world for everyone. If this is a topic you’re interested in, you might also enjoy The Earth Friendly Home by Nancy Hajeski, and Green Remodeling: Your Start Toward an Eco-Friendly Home by John D. Wagner. Or ask at the Info Desk for titles on sustainable living.
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04/27/09

Fallwitch rated it:

Read in May, 2009

Got this after I watched the show and I admit I was a little fearful that it would be a bit naggy and irksome. I'm glad I was disappointed because it's an entertaining book, full of very useful information, presented in a format that actually encourages the reader to make the small changes (the "low hanging fruit" as Begley calls it) in an effort to see almost immediate results. We all cannot go the electric car/solar panel route nor does he insist that we should. Each small change ...more

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04/25/08

Morgan rated it:

Read in April, 2008

So excited about this book. Just happened to pick it up on Earth Day too. Ed admits that he is over the top on being green, but his wife has little excerpts that really make it a fun read. It is well written and there are tips in this book that you can do that will cost you a little or absolutely nothing.

READ: This book has changed my life.....just wait and see!

Like this review? yes (1 person liked it)

1 comment

10/02/08

Tish rated it:

Not only do you learn to live a greener life, you enjoy the read. It is set up in a way so there are things for people at any income level to green up a bit. Ed rates every project in the book like fruit on a tree, low hanging being the easiest and the high fruit for those with a little more money to go green.

Like this review? yes (1 person liked it)

4 comments

11/23/08

Alissa rated it:

bookshelves: 2008, nonfiction

The book is broken down into Home, Transportation, Recycling, Energy, In the Garden & Kitchen, Clothing/Hair & Skin Care. The book also includes a workbook at the end so you can try out Ed’s different suggestions and see how much you save (both money and energy). This was a good practical book of how Ed & his family live green. I appreciated his wife Rachelle’s asides which added some reality/practically since while I’m interested in being more environmentally conscious, I’m not quite as...more

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02/21/08

Sara rated it:

bookshelves: highly-recommended, instructional, nonfiction

Read in February, 2008

recommends it for: anyone dawning on the importance of eco-friendly living

I found Ed Begley Jr.'s guide to green living very accessible to people getting more into this lifestyle. The overall tone of the book was very positive - Ed's enthusiasm for all things eco-friendly is pervasive. He shares his approach to energy saving or recycling, and gives good explanations for the why this each is a useful conservation habit.

I found that I liked the additional voices included in the book, Ed's wife Rachelle chimes in occasionally and "Ed's Green Friends"...more

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06/25/09

Elisa rated it:

Read in January, 2008

This is really a GREAT book to read as a FIRST green book. Not only is he amusing, he never shoves his thoughts down your throat. He basically says "this is what i do and why i do it" He doesn't run around sticking every study that was ever done to prove a point. I love that. Whe needs another study?
I highly recommend this book.

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02/02/09

Josh rated it:

Read in January, 2008

I would have preferred more of a narritive, but instead I got a book of tips for going green. It is not a bad book, and Ed only endorses a few brands throughout the book. But I wouldn't call this a must read or anything. It's more of just something you might like to read of you have some time to waste.

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03/03/08

Tamar rated it:

Read in May, 2008

There are certainly some good ideas in this book, and I appreciated its recognition that not all readers have a great deal of disposable income, even for an excellent cause. (There was also good coverage of more involved, and expensive, measures to take for those able to.)

At the same time, I felt there was a lack of recognition for individual preferences. It was pretty clear to me that this book was written by someone living in a warm and sunny climate. And even though I see the prac...more

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06/11/08

Diane rated it:

Read in June, 2008

This is a good primer of various ways you can live a more eco-friendly life. The chapter I appreciated most was about the different kinds of green power, specifically the econimics of solar and wind power. Granted, I don't have $35,000 to spend on a stand-alone solar power system, but Begley points out some less expensive ways to tap into green power, such as renting solar panels, investing in a wind farm or even buying green power from your utility company.

A lot of these tips you ca...more

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06/07/09

Andrea rated it:

Read in June, 2009

I highly recommend this book! It ROCKED! :)

I love Ed Begley and everything he is doing for the environment and if anyone knows me I am trying to do as much as my budget allows!

READ THIS BOOK!

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03/18/08

Bob rated it:

Read in March, 2008

This book is great. It offers really practical ways to alter your life in a more 'green' direction. The best part is, he's not some high and mighty Hollywood activist. Instead, he's warm and kind and funny. Most importantly he realizes that everyone isn't as crazy about this stuff as he is...but he encourages you to take steps in the right direction, even if you don't go all the way. Every little bit helps, and he recognizes that for some folks reading the book, a little bit is all they'll ...more

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04/24/08

Margi rated it:

Read in April, 2008

If you are at all inclined to be more environmentally responsible...this is the book to have. I love how he includes sections dealing with home, transportation, recycling, clothing and skin care etc...He has tips that are free, low cost, and a bit more of an investment (like solar panels). Choose one change at a time. His style is not preachy or over the top...entirely accessible. A hero of sorts. He has been living the green life long before it was the thing to do. Can it now be the thing to do...more

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08/28/08

Heather rated it:

bookshelves: non-fiction

Read in August, 2008

recommends it for: greenies, wanna be greenies, yuppy-now-crunchy-granola types.

Ed (with asides from his wife) tell you about green-ifying your home, your work and your life. Surprising things: Get rid of your lawn, because it is a stinky use of water. Plant a garden, instead, of things that grow well in your climate. Ed's wife, Rachelle, explains her commitment to the enviornment in a more selfish(?) way, such as using organic shampoos and lotions to get rid of all the petroleum and parabens. It was interesting if you're interested in the subject, and you want to know w...more

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06/26/09

Tonnie Rogers rated it:

Read in June, 2009

Great information...would like a copy

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03/28/09

Rayell rated it:

Gave me some good ideas.

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09/13/08

Dioscita rated it:

I never expected to like a "celebrity" book nor did I think E.B. Jr. had much to teach me. I was wrong on both counts (and am really glad about that). Two highlights for me were the idea of a "green switch" for the home (to turn off the outlets that not-in-use-appliances are plugged in to while keeping the other ones on/running) and a "terra pass" which invests in green or alternative fuel providers to offset ways we have to sometimes be fuel hogs (i.e. if we must...more

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08/26/08

Robyn rated it:

bookshelves: library-book

Read in August, 2008

With a minimum of politics and preaching, this book was much more practical than I expected.

Tips ranged from "turn the heat down and wear a sweater" in the winter to "install a vertical-axis wind tubine" on the roof of your house. Even though the author has plenty of money to install the more expensive items, he expects that normal people do not and so he has categorized the tips in terms of initial financial impact. Unexpectedly useful.

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10/16/08

Steve rated it:

Read in October, 2008

A great primer for starting to think and live green. Ed's manner is very practical, informal and fun. He comes at it from the dual stand of helping the environment AND saving money, which is a great two-pronged attack. Some of his suggestions might be a bit much for a beginner (like me) and I'm sure certain things were easier for him to do on a Hollywood salary, but the basics are straightforward enough for anyone to follow.

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