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Living Like Ed: A Guide to the Eco-Friendly Life
FROM THE PIONEER OF ECO-CONSCIOUS LIVINGA 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.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
15 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
About the author
Ed Begley Jr.
45 books28 followersInspired by the works of his Academy Award-winning father, Ed Begley, Jr. became an actor. He first came to audiences’ attention for his portrayal of Dr. Victor Ehrlich on the long-running hit television series, “St. Elsewhere,” for which he received six Emmy nominations. Since then Begley has moved easily between feature, television and theatre projects.
Ed can currently be seen in the hit Seth Rogan/Judd Apatow film, “Pineapple Express”, as well as many Christopher Guest films, including “A Mighty Wind”, “Best In Show,” and For Your Consideration”.
Other feature film credits include “Batman Forever”, “The Accidental Tourist” and “The In-Laws.”
On television, Begley is appearing in the new CBS comedy on Wednesday night called “Gary Unmarried” He has also been seen recently in “Recount” with Kevin Spacey, Tom Wilkinson and Laura Dern, as well as recurring roles on “Six Feet Under”, “Arrested Development”, and “Boston Legal.”
Begley also starred in the West Coast premiere of David Mamet’s “Cryptogram,” at the Geffen Playhouse, in the role that he first performed in Boston and then in New York. He also starred in Mr. Mamet’s production of “Romance” last fall at the Mark Taper Forum.
Ed has directed several episodes of the hit show “NYPD Blue” as well as a play that he wrote called “Cesar and Ruben” that won a Nos Otros Award and four Valley Theater League Awards.
Ed Begley Jr. is currently one of the hottest speakers on eco-living in America. His theme, Live Simply So That Others Can Simply Live, has been received by standing ovations at more than 200 events in just the last four years. His message on sustainable living is empowering and humorous.
~From http://www.edbegley.com/biography/ & http://www.motherearthnews.com/fair/w...
Ed can currently be seen in the hit Seth Rogan/Judd Apatow film, “Pineapple Express”, as well as many Christopher Guest films, including “A Mighty Wind”, “Best In Show,” and For Your Consideration”.
Other feature film credits include “Batman Forever”, “The Accidental Tourist” and “The In-Laws.”
On television, Begley is appearing in the new CBS comedy on Wednesday night called “Gary Unmarried” He has also been seen recently in “Recount” with Kevin Spacey, Tom Wilkinson and Laura Dern, as well as recurring roles on “Six Feet Under”, “Arrested Development”, and “Boston Legal.”
Begley also starred in the West Coast premiere of David Mamet’s “Cryptogram,” at the Geffen Playhouse, in the role that he first performed in Boston and then in New York. He also starred in Mr. Mamet’s production of “Romance” last fall at the Mark Taper Forum.
Ed has directed several episodes of the hit show “NYPD Blue” as well as a play that he wrote called “Cesar and Ruben” that won a Nos Otros Award and four Valley Theater League Awards.
Ed Begley Jr. is currently one of the hottest speakers on eco-living in America. His theme, Live Simply So That Others Can Simply Live, has been received by standing ovations at more than 200 events in just the last four years. His message on sustainable living is empowering and humorous.
~From http://www.edbegley.com/biography/ & http://www.motherearthnews.com/fair/w...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
April 9, 2016
Ed Begley, Jr. has been living eco-consciously since the 1970s. In this book, he brings lots of ideas and suggestions at various levels (marked by images for cost) to help other people try some of the green things he already does. Chapters include Home, Transportation, Recycling, Energy, In the Gardens and Kitchen, and Clothing and Hair and Skin Care.
I thought this was really good. Even with all the things I have read and already do, I still learned other things. I have just purchased my first home, so there are some ideas that I might be able to use there. This is one book that is probably worth buying so that you can look back on it later (I got this one from the library). There was a running line at the bottom of each page that took the ideas from that page and made it into one sentence. There were also little anecdotes by Ed's wife, who was leery of many of Ed's ideas at first, and had to be convinced of some things; she is quite conscious of style and aesthetics, so it was sometimes harder to get her on board. I think her comments are helpful for some people who are reluctant to try some of these things.
I thought this was really good. Even with all the things I have read and already do, I still learned other things. I have just purchased my first home, so there are some ideas that I might be able to use there. This is one book that is probably worth buying so that you can look back on it later (I got this one from the library). There was a running line at the bottom of each page that took the ideas from that page and made it into one sentence. There were also little anecdotes by Ed's wife, who was leery of many of Ed's ideas at first, and had to be convinced of some things; she is quite conscious of style and aesthetics, so it was sometimes harder to get her on board. I think her comments are helpful for some people who are reluctant to try some of these things.
Read
December 10, 2008Have 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.
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.
June 16, 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 changes into a less obsessively eco-friendly life :-)
One additional thought now that I'm done. I've been reading a lot of these sorts of books. Most of them make me feel like a jerk at times because I don't do everything. This is one of the ones that didn't. Not feeling like a jerk actually inspired me to try more - I bought 7th Generation tp yesterday. We haven't tried it yet. Hopefully it feels like tp and not sandpaper :-)
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 changes into a less obsessively eco-friendly life :-)
One additional thought now that I'm done. I've been reading a lot of these sorts of books. Most of them make me feel like a jerk at times because I don't do everything. This is one of the ones that didn't. Not feeling like a jerk actually inspired me to try more - I bought 7th Generation tp yesterday. We haven't tried it yet. Hopefully it feels like tp and not sandpaper :-)
July 8, 2021
I like what this book sets out to do, and I appreciate Ed's dedication and intentions.
I chose not to subtract a star for being outdated, but I would encourage anyone reading this book to be aware that it is a bit outdated with regards to specifics. That being said, it does contain some very useful information that doesn't have an expiration date, so it is still a helpful guide for basic information.
I'm giving this book only three stars for two big reasons:
1. Dismissing Nuclear Energy
Perhaps this is part of the information being outdated, but the outright dismissal of nuclear as a green energy option is naive and under-researched at best. Nuclear is one of our best options for ending fossil fuel dependence, and technology has come a long way since Chernobyl. I was extremely disappointed that this was dismissed without close examination.
2. Pushing Organics and Demonizing GMOs
Certified organic food is not always the greenest option. While I agree that using fewer chemicals is a positive, there are other factors to take into account, primarily water usage and transportation. It's far better to buy local than to buy organic, so I was surprised to see Organic and Non-GMO as the top of the list under food. That's another thing: GMO'S are absolutely not dangerous and are extremely important for eliminating food scarcity and reliance on pesticides. Demonizing GMO's can only come from not understanding the process and fear-mongering. I was beyond disappointed to see this. In addition, the centering of organic cotton in the clothing section is appalling. There are much much much better options that don't use as many resources to create. Secondhand will always be better than new, even if that new is "organic." This section was a huge missed opportunity.
As far as the home and transportation, this book is a good jumping off point.
I chose not to subtract a star for being outdated, but I would encourage anyone reading this book to be aware that it is a bit outdated with regards to specifics. That being said, it does contain some very useful information that doesn't have an expiration date, so it is still a helpful guide for basic information.
I'm giving this book only three stars for two big reasons:
1. Dismissing Nuclear Energy
Perhaps this is part of the information being outdated, but the outright dismissal of nuclear as a green energy option is naive and under-researched at best. Nuclear is one of our best options for ending fossil fuel dependence, and technology has come a long way since Chernobyl. I was extremely disappointed that this was dismissed without close examination.
2. Pushing Organics and Demonizing GMOs
Certified organic food is not always the greenest option. While I agree that using fewer chemicals is a positive, there are other factors to take into account, primarily water usage and transportation. It's far better to buy local than to buy organic, so I was surprised to see Organic and Non-GMO as the top of the list under food. That's another thing: GMO'S are absolutely not dangerous and are extremely important for eliminating food scarcity and reliance on pesticides. Demonizing GMO's can only come from not understanding the process and fear-mongering. I was beyond disappointed to see this. In addition, the centering of organic cotton in the clothing section is appalling. There are much much much better options that don't use as many resources to create. Secondhand will always be better than new, even if that new is "organic." This section was a huge missed opportunity.
As far as the home and transportation, this book is a good jumping off point.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 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!
READ: This book has changed my life.....just wait and see!
October 3, 2008
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.
July 8, 2018
Super inspiring - no matter what level your interest or commitment is to environmental consciousness, you’ll come away with greater awareness. Lots of great, practical ideas and I love his wife’s comments (she represents the “regular” person’s perspective).
March 2, 2025
Picked this up again 16 years after it first came out and it's still excellent. Some of the info might be a bit dated now, but overall the message and stress on choices to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle are goals we should all be striving for.
June 22, 2017
lots of little changes that can easily be made, and some bigger ones too.
June 1, 2018
This was a very helpful guide - sometimes I find some books to be so overwhelming, but this one gave very specific ways to help the planet.
April 7, 2019
Good, useful, charming. Ed and his wife are an adorable couple and their tv show is fun and sweet. Not a groundbreaking work of literature though, overall useful and helpful.
October 26, 2024
Good tips and a few of them we currently already use.
February 27, 2008
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" have sections where they explain the benefits of specific products and practices. I appreciated Rachelle's point of view as someone who is adapting from a life of "regular" consumption to a more environmentally-aware lifestyle. I also liked that Ed left some of the more technical explanations to experts in his "Green Friends" sections. He clearly knows his stuff and has crunched the numbers and has a big-picture mentality when it comes to consumption, but he doesn't sound like a know-it-all, he sounds more like someone passing along helpful hints from their experience.
I jotted down notes about the types of recyclable plastics and found his recylcing sorting guide very useful. I do think that this book is most helpful in Ed's own southern California area, because I took his advice and Googled my area and "hazardous waste" only to find that getting rid of it responsibly is not as easy as Ed makes it sound. Also, ridding my life of e-waste is not going to be convenient or free. Still, he answers a lot of valuable questions and lays out solid reasoning for cutting consumption. Thanks, Ed!
I found that I liked the additional voices included in the book, Ed's wife Rachelle chimes in occasionally and "Ed's Green Friends" have sections where they explain the benefits of specific products and practices. I appreciated Rachelle's point of view as someone who is adapting from a life of "regular" consumption to a more environmentally-aware lifestyle. I also liked that Ed left some of the more technical explanations to experts in his "Green Friends" sections. He clearly knows his stuff and has crunched the numbers and has a big-picture mentality when it comes to consumption, but he doesn't sound like a know-it-all, he sounds more like someone passing along helpful hints from their experience.
I jotted down notes about the types of recyclable plastics and found his recylcing sorting guide very useful. I do think that this book is most helpful in Ed's own southern California area, because I took his advice and Googled my area and "hazardous waste" only to find that getting rid of it responsibly is not as easy as Ed makes it sound. Also, ridding my life of e-waste is not going to be convenient or free. Still, he answers a lot of valuable questions and lays out solid reasoning for cutting consumption. Thanks, Ed!
September 30, 2011
Really good eco-friendly guide! There were things in this book that I would have never thought of to save energy as well as money. The first few things that we did that was easy to do and cheap were cleaning the coils on the refrigerator, washing clothes during off-peak or low-peak hours, keeping the blinds closed during the day that directly shines light on the refrigerator, and changed the light bulbs to CFL's (got these in bulk from Sam's: 3 for the price of 2). Things that we are planning to do in the near future include changing the A/C filter (when the boyfriend gets around to climbing up to the ceiling with a ladder), caulking around drafty windows, placing UV film on all the windows, and installing solar screening to the outer windows (that I plan on building myself). We are hoping to see some cost savings on our electric bill within the coming months.
The book touches on many other ways to cut back on gas and electric use as well as going about it in an environmentally friendly way. He also talks about eco-friendly transportation, recycling, gardening, appliances, and even clothing and cosmetics. Since Ed has been on this environmentally friendly journey since the 1970's, I think it is very safe to say that his book provides some of the best green ideas that any household can find useful in one way or another.
The book touches on many other ways to cut back on gas and electric use as well as going about it in an environmentally friendly way. He also talks about eco-friendly transportation, recycling, gardening, appliances, and even clothing and cosmetics. Since Ed has been on this environmentally friendly journey since the 1970's, I think it is very safe to say that his book provides some of the best green ideas that any household can find useful in one way or another.
February 2, 2013
I loved Ed Begley Jr.'s television show about his lifestyle and have always liked him as an actor. If he had been the only contributor to this book, I might have rated it higher. Unfortunately, someone felt the need to include his wife's reflection on their lifestyle, perhaps to appeal to the ladies? She contributes such insight as "With what we save on the electric bill, I get to buy more shoes!" (p. 24) and a random rant on people who paint their homes canary yellow. The editors helpfully marked her passages in green, to make them easier to skip, but since I'm one of those people who can't help but read words in front of me, her words got in my brain anyway. I stopped reading in the middle of the chapter about alternative transportation, when she rambles on about the one time she rode the bus (it was horrible! She was wearing a skirt! And heels! Clearly Ed has taken his lifestyle too far.) I would have enjoyed this book much more without her input.
June 11, 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 can see on his show, Living With Ed, which is an entertaining way to get some green ideas. (Ed often fights with his wife over green living. She can be a touch resistant and combative, as you will see.)
A lot of these tips you can see on his show, Living With Ed, which is an entertaining way to get some green ideas. (Ed often fights with his wife over green living. She can be a touch resistant and combative, as you will see.)
March 22, 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 change.
Good info. Good writing. And a good reminder of how constantly we need to reevaluate our ways of living.
Good info. Good writing. And a good reminder of how constantly we need to reevaluate our ways of living.
November 24, 2008
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 dedicated as Ed is. I was particularly intrigued by Ed’s discussion of electricity and gardening.
Anyway, I would recommend this book for an interesting read on what it means to be eco-friendly.
Anyway, I would recommend this book for an interesting read on what it means to be eco-friendly.
April 27, 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?? :) Not sure I would love to live with the man...but he sure shows the way.
July 10, 2008
Some neat ideas and more info on them, but overall, I was disappointed that there wasn't a resource guide included. Most of his green goods must be ordered online, but few names or websites were offered. I know he's writing from his own experience in SoCal, but not all of us live there, so it would have been nice to have websites and company names. The Ed's Green Friend segments were nice, though.
August 27, 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.
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.
September 14, 2008
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 fly someplace).
October 17, 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.
March 26, 2013
This book was funny in the sense that it's Ed Begley showing you around his house and his life like it's MTV Cribs "Eco Houses." The stuff in this book is mostly stuff I have read before, but he talks a lot about bigger projects, like solar panels, small wind turbines, gardens, electric cars. It'd be nice to be rich and choose to do all these things, but I'm not rich so I can't use all the tools he talked about. His wife's commentary cracked me up though.
April 8, 2008
I agree with one of the other reviewers. This is a good accessible book for those interested in a 'green' lifestyle. But, if you are at least a little familiar with the concept, most of this will be repetitive. However, I think whatever it takes to get people motivated is great. That's why I gave this three stars, I didn't personally get a whole lot out of it but I'm sure others will!
Want to read
March 3, 2008Cool and entertaining book. Ed Begley Jr. wrote most of it, but his wife Rachelle wrote the intro and jumps in periodically. I like the fact that it offers alternatives if you can't take the best, most energy-efficient measure. I do many of the things they write about, but I've learned a few things just skimming. Bought this for my little brother; figured I'd read it before I hand it over.
August 5, 2008
Same advice you'd get from any basic eco-friendly how-to book. The blocks written by his wife were interesting and kept me going through the book -- they pretty much exemplified the whole idea of having a comfortably (Hollywood), eco-friendly lifestyle. Good to grab from the library, but not necessarily worth the money to buy unless you're truly just starting to toy with the idea of green.
April 21, 2008
Though I appreciate trying to save resources and everything, the black and white pictures in this book were REALLY bad. Like 80’s bad.
Other than the interest in Ed Begley himself and his nearly four-decade long dedication to vegetarianism and the environment, this was just like every other green book. Same “easy, hard, harder” formula of how to go green.
Other than the interest in Ed Begley himself and his nearly four-decade long dedication to vegetarianism and the environment, this was just like every other green book. Same “easy, hard, harder” formula of how to go green.
May 29, 2008
i think i liked this book because it reminded me of how my husband approaches anything. he craves information and then makes decisions. ed begley jr. works virtually the same way in his pursuit of environmental causes. also, his wife chimes in often during the book to give her side of the story, and she is hilarious.
Read
September 23, 2008. Ed Begley Jr has been and enviormental since the 1960s when it was first cool. The book reads just like his TV show of the same name. His wife Rachelle makes comments about his ideas in the book, just like she does on the show. It has lots of good information. There again some of his ideas are worth trying but some were a little to radical for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews