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.
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Product Details
Author:
Ed Begley Jr.
Paperback:
240 pages
Publisher:
Clarkson Potter
Publication Date:
February 19, 2008
Language:
English
ISBN:
0307396436
Product Length:
6.2 inches
Product Width:
0.55 inches
Product Height:
8.45 inches
Product Weight:
0.75 pounds
Package Length:
8.4 inches
Package Width:
6.2 inches
Package Height:
0.7 inches
Package Weight:
0.8 pounds
Average Customer Rating:
based on 27 reviews
Customer Reviews
Average Customer Review: ( 27 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
62 of 65 found the following review helpful:
Living Like Ed is a winner! Feb 20, 2008
By Nerissa Oden Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1V1GV3PY0ZTRT 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.
24 of 24 found the following review helpful:
Good introduction to making your home and life eco-friendly Mar 04, 2008
By suetonius
"seutonius"
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 found the following review helpful:
Eco-nut or savior of the planet? Mar 27, 2008
By Robert Crespo 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.
7 of 8 found the following review helpful:
Achievable energy and cost-saving tips for life Apr 06, 2008
By Zaine Ridling 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 found the following review helpful:
Real man's way to save energy, with loving wife. Mar 24, 2008
By Dafydd Nicholas
"Knowledge to Know"
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.