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

By Ed Begley Jr.

Book Overview

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'tand what will save you money! These are tips for environmentally friendly living that anyonewhether you own or rent, live in a private home or a condocan 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 ? Ed's wife, Rachelle, insists on stylewith 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 ideasfrom obvious to ingeniousthat will help you live green, live responsibly, live well. Like Ed. From the Trade Paperback edition.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0307396436
• ISBN13: 9780307396433
• Release Date: February 2008
• Publisher: Clarkson Potter Publishers
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.84 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.4" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Achievable energy and cost-saving tips for life

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.

Eco-nut or savior of the planet?

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.

Good overall guide

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.

Great Tips on Greening Your Life

I bought this book because I enjoy the HGTV show, Living with Ed. The reality show features Ed Begley, Jr. and his wife, Rachelle Carson. The two of them and the show are clearly authentic, funny and intelligent. Begley is genuinely committed to the environment for the sake of the planet. Rachelle epitomizes what is the reality for most of us--you want to be kind on the environment, but you also want to live in a comfortable, beautiful home. The same commitment to the environment that is evident on the reality TV show comes across in Living Like Ed. It's obvious that Begley gets his "kicks" from not only using eco-friendly products, but on saving money as well. Saving money while being green is an important concept, as many of us are under the impression that "eco-friendly" equals "expensive". This is not the case, and this book will teach you how live a green lifestyle and save some bucks. Author of the award winning book, Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify and Energize Your Life, Your Home and Your Planet