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

  Author:    Ed Jr Begley
  ISBN:    0307396436
  Sales Rank:    5133
  Published:    2008-02-19
  Publisher:    Clarkson Potter
  # Pages:    240
  Binding:    Paperback
  Avg. Rating:    5.0 based on 15 reviews
  Used Offers:    4 from $10.23
  Amazon Price:    $12.24
  (Data above last updated:  2008-09-04 01:49:09 EST)
  
  
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Living Like Ed: A Guide to the Eco-Friendly Life
  
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.
                  Reader Reviews 1 - 14 of 14                 
  
  
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07-25-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  great eco-motivator
Reviewer Permalink
I read this book in about two days and have already started applying much of the suggestions given. I liked how Ed organizes his advice by the cost and ease of applying his recommendations. Most are free, ie, vacuuming your refrigerator coils, some are low-cost buying organic cotton, few are big ticket like getting solar panels. Most are just equal trade-offs such as buying energy efficient light bulbs instead of incandescents. I was able to put many into effect right away and some are on the back burner for when I need to replace things I already have. There is even a checklist at the back which allows you to monitor your changes to compare your gas bills, electric bills etc., which I will really like to see. Overall, the book is an easy-read; no-pressure, just great advice that is easy to apply.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-09-03 01:42:42 EST)
07-16-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  How to go green
Reviewer Permalink
Ed Begley Jr. really walks the walk! I really like the way he sets up the book. He tells you how to do the easy things and the more expensive things too. There is something everyone can do and Yes, everything does make a difference. It will save your energy bill, and help to save our planet.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-26 01:09:25 EST)
06-13-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  informative
Reviewer Permalink
I enjoyed this book a lot. It is a basic guide and a start at being a better person for the earth. It gave me some great ideas to use for myself.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-16 10:40:49 EST)
05-31-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  What I like best about this book.
Reviewer Permalink
"Living Like Ed" contains product information and company names. I am trying to figure out how to run an air conditioner without paying the electric company. I think a wind turbine and a dc to ac converter will do the trick better than solar panels because the wind blows even when the sun does not shine. If I get this to work, I'll write another review for this book.
Barbara
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-14 01:36:38 EST)
05-27-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Living Like Ed
Reviewer Permalink
The book arrived in great condition and in a timely manner. I would recommend this book to everyone who wishes to make a difference.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-01 01:06:27 EST)
05-05-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  I love this Guy!!
Reviewer Permalink
Ed Begley is officially my guru! He has sensible options for us all to do little things and some big ones to help our enviroment and biggest of all...save us money!! If we'd all just try one or two of his suggestions we'd make a big difference
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-28 01:08:15 EST)
04-23-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Great Informative Book
Reviewer Permalink
This is a great book that not only informs you about how to better care for the environment, but also talks about the science behind these reasons. In addition, it provides very practical advice in a very easy to read and fun format. Highly recommended.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-17 01:37:31 EST)
04-09-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  No matter their shade of green...
Reviewer Permalink
Anyone from the novice to the expert can find something they didn't know in each of the chapters presented by Begley. I like that he talks about the things he utilizes that are just recently on the market as well as simple processes he's been utilizing for thirty years. No matter their comfort or financial level, one can find something to be put into practice almost immediately.

Most importantly, while many "green" writers are often well-intentioned but are hardly accessible, Begley's style is simple and encouraging throughout.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-04-23 18:32:28 EST)
04-06-08 5 1\1
(Hide Review...)  Achievable energy and cost-saving tips for life
Reviewer Permalink
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.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-04-10 07:19:34 EST)
03-27-08 5 2\2
(Hide Review...)  Eco-nut or savior of the planet?
Reviewer Permalink
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.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-04-07 04:26:47 EST)
03-24-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Real man's way to save energy, with loving wife.
Reviewer Permalink
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.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-03-28 02:56:56 EST)
03-17-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Good overall guide
Reviewer Permalink
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.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-03-25 08:16:03 EST)
03-11-08 5 4\4
(Hide Review...)  Great Tips on Greening Your Life
Reviewer Permalink
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


(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-03-17 23:40:08 EST)
03-04-08 4 2\2
(Hide Review...)  Good introduction to making your home and life eco-friendly
Reviewer Permalink
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.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-03-11 13:45:55 EST)
  
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