Ed Begley Jr.
Walks the walk
Ed Begley Jr. not only talks about conservation and environment, he actively incorporates eco-responsibility into his everyday life - maybe a little more radically than most but a good example for sure. This California actor doesn’t just show up at events in a trendy hybrid car, he rides his bicycle; come to think of it, you’ll also find he rides a stationary bike to power the toaster at breakfast. The Prius only comes out when his driving needs are further than his other Toyota, the electric RAV4, will take him.
Reality show Living with Ed (on HGTV) chronicles the life of this vegan and his wife Rachelle Carson, focusing on their pursuits in off-grid sustainable living. It’s a hard task to accomplish, as her ideal home is a little more conventional and a whole lot bigger than his. Looks like the eco-reality shows are starting to catch on? We can only hope. As for the show’s production, it uses hybrid vehicles, recycles materials and films with solar-powered cameras.
Begley has been recycling since before many other eco-celebswere born and has owned a wind turbine since the ’80s. He did it all before it was fashionable and is considered somewhat of an environmental leader for the stars. He gives credit to others like Daryl Hannahand Edward Norton, saying he considers Hannah to be more green than even he is.
He has chaired Environmental Media Association and Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and continues to be on the board of those organizations, as well as the Thoreau Institute, the Earth Communications Office, Tree People and Friends of the Earth, among others. Begley has earned awards from various environmental groups and encourages others to join in on the issues, compiling organization contacts and tips on the environmental section of his website.
Begley’s entire home is self-sufficient, powered by solar and thermal power, which also provides the juice for his electric car. At one point in time, he apparently refused to fly altogether, even foregoing environmental events to save energy.
Furthering Begley’s pursuit of sustainability is his line of natural home cleaning products, Begley’s Best. Made from ingredients like olive seeds, maize and extracts of pine and palm, these cleaners are nontoxic, non-caustic, biodegradable, vegan and child-safe … what more could a green parent want? But wait, he even delivers the product to local stores and all profits go to charity. Now there’s a man who really practices what he preaches.
