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“Great book! I wish he could have met my dad and seen his sustainable lifestyle!”
Gail M wrote this review Tuesday, July 21 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This is an excellent book for those interested in becoming more environmentally friendly. Full of practical advice on how to green your life that are affordable and easy. His wife Rachelle has a running commentary throughout the book that adds an element of humour. ”
C M wrote this review Tuesday, November 25 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This book is a pretty decent reference guide. Begley breaks his book up in six areas that he (as well as we) can do to make our lives greener (in the home, transportation, recycling, energy, garden and kitchen, and clothing/hair/skin care). You can get as much or as little as you need from the guide. Basically each area is an essay by Begley that has the main points highlighted throughout with a legend of a tree plant that shows it's significance (price and impact wise) environmentally. He also allows some companies, that he does business with, to give the reader a pitch about the products or services they provide. Even his wife throws in her "two cents" throughout the book (which is basically what it's worth because she only made herself sound like a shallow bimbo with a smug sense of self-satisfaction.)
Haka92 wrote this review Wednesday, October 1 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Now don't get me wrong, I've watched Living with Ed and found it entertaining and informative. And for the most part, I like Ed Begley, Jr. I can appreciate a guy who can make fun of himself from time to time (ex. Cameo'd on the Simpsons driving a go-cart powered by his own "sense of self satisfaction"), but I found the essays a little preachy. Maybe the guy has to get defensive because he's probably had to be that way for the last 30 years or so, but I don't feel like he has to be that way to readers. If you pick this up, you're basically looking to "green up" your living, but Begley talks to the reader like he's expecting a fight. Chill, man, you're in good company. He uses alot of scare tactics that made me feel guilty about the life I've been leading, not positive of the way I'm changing my life. He also had a tendency to rant on and on, and that was off-putting. Okay Ed, I got it. Solar is good, let's move on, shall we?
This book is mainly written by Begley based on what Begley knows, so he often makes references to services offered mostly in California (or NYC) so if you're not in those areas, that just means you may have to do more research. At least he gives the reader a starting off point.
And in terms of ways to "green up" your life, this book isn't as insulting as some (you mean turn out a light when I leave a room saves energy!? And I paid $16 for you to tell me that?! Doy!) but not as wacky as others (I just can't save up used bath water to water my lawn. Maybe someday, but not today). And the ways range from uber cheap to long shot expensive. So I think a multitude of readers can get something out of it. It had a nice reference key for those recycling numbers on the bottom of plastics. It also has a small "workbook" to use if you implement his suggestions so you can see the progress you make.
And if you're interested in this book because you're a fan of the show, it makes lots of references to it. Begley and his wife play off each other throughout, and some of the companies that are featured in the book are some of the products on his show. He also provides us with a few recipes that he's used on the show (Birthday episode Lentil soup and tofu brownies, etc).
Overall, it was informative, but the writing just wasn't for me. At least you can skip the rants if you want. ”
“Great tips on living an environmentally-friendly life. A lot of tips on what to do in your house to save water, energy, expenses and the planet.”
Sarah S wrote this review Saturday, June 14 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
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