Ed Begley Jr., Environmentalist and Actor (INTERVIEW)

Ed Begley Jr. isn't just a successful actor who has been an Emmy nominee six-times, he is also an revolutionary environmental leader. Always one to be conscious of his carbon footprint, Begley Jr. is known in Hollywood as an avid eco enthusiast who can be seen pedaling his way to red carpet events on his bicycle.

Besides being the chairman of a few environmental associations and serving on several world-changing boards, Ed Begley Jr. has also been the recipient of a variety of awards that celebrate his positive contributions to our Earth.

To learn more about what Ed Begley Jr. was inspired to get into the green movement and get the scoop on what he thinks are upcoming trends in eco-friendly products, check out our interview with him below.

1. How did you first get involved with the green movement?

It was 1970 and several things happened that year. It was the first Earth Day, and I wanted to get involved. I had grown up in smoggy L.A. in the 50s and 60s and by 1970 I had had a belly full. My father Ed Begley, a great actor, had always told me "Eddie, don’t tell people what you are going to – show them by doing it." He passed away in 1970, so to honor him I felt I need to go out and do something – not just complain about it. So, in 1970, I started recycling, composting, buying all biodegradable soaps and detergents – and I bought my first electric car.


2. What motivates you to continue promoting the eco cause?

I am motivated by the changes that we've seen since that first Earth Day in 1970. We have 4 times the cars and millions more people in LA, but we have half the smog. We are making progress and we are moving in the right direction.


3. What is an important trend you are seeing in earth-friendly innovation?

Advances in science have made Clean Tech a robust section of the economy. There is a tremendous amount of energy, water and other resources we can all save with the best that efficiency technology has to offer.


4. What role do you think creativity plays in making the world more environmentally conscious?

Without creative minds like Amory Lovins and Paul Hawken, we would not have come as far as we have. If we listen to smart folks like them, we can make great advances.


5. Where do you get your inspiration?

From my children. They have a lower carbon footprint than me.


6. Do you have any rituals to reset yourself to be creative?

Morning meditation.


7. How do you spot trends?

By reading voraciously.


8. What are your most important hobbies?

Astronomy and bicycling.


9. What other environmental leader do you think has had made the biggest positive impact on our world?

Jane Goodall and Bobby Kennedy Junior. They are my heroes.