Q&A: Ed Begley Jr., on Al Gore and the power of reality TV | Newsweek Environment

Talking With Ed

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I've noticed a lot more hybrid limos at Hollywood functions lately, including a bunch at this year's Academy Awards. Should we thank you for that?
A lot of people in the industry are responsible for the fact that this was the first green Oscars, and it was great to see. I'm a longtime board member [and former chairman] of the Environmental Media Association, and we act as a liaison between the entertainment and environmental communities. We've done a lot, but there is still much more to do.

So what's the latest and most practical environmental trend that you're espousing?
My favorite right now is something called GreenSwitch. It's a switch that, when you leave the house, turns off everything that is nonessential--from your cell-phone charger to your printer. It takes away all the vampire power, which sucks up energy but doesn't give you any benefit. You can't walk around unplugging everything every time you leave the house. The switch is wireless and can be hooked up only to the outlets you choose, and depending on the size of your home, can save you between 10 and 12 kilowatt hours a day.

How do you feel about Al Gore winning the Nobel Peace Prize last week?
I am ecstatic, I am over-the-moon happy for Al. He's a good friend, I've known him since the 1980s and have admired him since the 1970s during the hearings on the toxic Love Canal. He's talked about the environment and global climate change and things that matter for a long, long time, and I am just ecstatic that he's won this award.

So are you going to "green-audit" Gore's house as you have for so many others?
I know, I know … his power bills. The thing is, it isn't just Al and Tipper in that house. He has a large staff in that house. He has put in some carbon offsets. But should he use less power? Yes. Should I use less power? Yes. We all should use less power, we should all should try to fly less and do whatever we can to scale down. But the message Al is spreading is so important. I have nothing negative to say about him.

Speaking of Gore, I hear that you have signed on to appear in the HBO film "Recount" about the controversial Florida election recount in 2000.
Yes, we actually start filming next week. I play David Boies, Al Gore's attorney. I'm really excited about the project.

Do you think Gore should enter the 2008 presidential race?
I think he should do whatever he feels is best for him. I'm really not sure he wants to enter that firestorm again, though. He'll make that decision on his own, of course, but perhaps he thinks now that he can do more good outside the White House.

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Vice Pres. Gore and Mr Begley, a few questions concerning your concerns for conservation. Do either of you have a clothes line? At what temperature do you maintain your homes climate? Do you eat home cooked meals? How much gasoline and kilowatts does your household consume per month. Do you maintain your own landscapes or do you higher a Gardener? Combined family members in your household miles driven and automobiles owned? These questions are the ones that will demonstrate the bulk of your consumption. If you can drastically reduce consumption in these fields your making a difference. Yes, repairing a leaky faucet and shutting off an unnecessary light is just commonsense. We are like machines and we need to be better efficient in our uses and consumption. It is time for those to lead by example and conservation is the first step.

Intervention with a Hollywood energy junky. Boy if you can kick the soap box from underneath these folks and have them practice what they preach I'm for that. Unfortunately many celebs do not want to give in or up anything. Some are poorly educated yet control the limelight. They spew pseudo science gibberish and return to the comforts of their compound where they recklessly continue to abuse our natural resources. Multiple homes, private jet travel, gas guzzler vehicles, huge energy demands for their over sized dwellings etc. Unfortunately it is going to take more than turning off a light in the closet or buying a hybrid car. Maybe if they turned their homes into shelters where they can prorate their consumption out to others.
The energy has been spent creating all the possessions that they have. It needs to be efficiently utilized as a commune or apartment building.

Maybe if folks were creating energy or not consuming in their recreation we wouldn't find ourselves in this energy deficit. Imagine if you would that you have a large battery in your home and that is the only source of power that you have. As a resident you need to contribute to keep the charge up for when a demand is created. Say your exercise bike is the generator and you have some solar and wind etc. As a consumer of this power you become more aware of the limitations and efficiency becomes an awareness. If your sole survival depends on utilization you learn quick. Think of the health benefits mentally and physically. You could get bragging rights for how much energy you have stored rather than flaunting it as they do now (huge homes, guzzler vehicles etc.)

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Posted By: ag guy @ 11/03/2007 4:33:44 PM

Vice Pres. Gore and Mr Begley, a few questions concerning your concerns for conservation. Do either of you have a clothes line? At what temperature do you maintain your homes climate? Do you eat home cooked meals? How much gasoline and kilowatts does your household consume per month. Do you maintain your own landscapes or do you higher a Gardener? Combined family members in your household miles driven and automobiles owned? These questions are the ones that will demonstrate the bulk of your consumption. If you can drastically reduce consumption in these fields your making a difference. Yes, repairing a leaky faucet and shutting off an unnecessary light is just commonsense. We are like machines and we need to be better efficient in our uses and consumption. It is time for those to lead by example and conservation is the first step.
- Reply
- Report Abuse
Posted By: ag guy @ 11/03/2007 11:55:25 AM

Intervention with a Hollywood energy junky. Boy if you can kick the soap box from underneath these folks and have them practice what they preach I'm for that. Unfortunately many celebs do not want to give in or up anything. Some are poorly educated yet control the limelight. They spew pseudo science gibberish and return to the comforts of their compound where they recklessly continue to abuse our natural resources. Multiple homes, private jet travel, gas guzzler vehicles, huge energy demands for their over sized dwellings etc. Unfortunately it is going to take more than turning off a light in the closet or buying a hybrid car. Maybe if they turned their homes into shelters where they can prorate their consumption out to others.
The energy has been spent creating all the possessions that they have. It needs to be efficiently utilized as a commune or apartment building.

Maybe if folks were creating energy or not consuming in their recreation we wouldn't find ourselves in this energy deficit. Imagine if you would that you have a large battery in your home and that is the only source of power that you have. As a resident you need to contribute to keep the charge up for when a demand is created. Say your exercise bike is the generator and you have some solar and wind etc. As a consumer of this power you become more aware of the limitations and efficiency becomes an awareness. If your sole survival depends on utilization you learn quick. Think of the health benefits mentally and physically. You could get bragging rights for how much energy you have stored rather than flaunting it as they do now (huge homes, guzzler vehicles etc.)