When it comes to taking personal responsibility for the environment, few individuals can match the record of actor and activist Ed Begley, Jr. Known for turning up at Hollywood events on his bicycle, he has served as chairman of the Environmental Media Association and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. First capturing television viewers with his portrayal of Dr. Victor Ehrlich on the long-running hit series St. Elsewhere - for which he received six Emmy nominations - he continues to please audiences worldwide.

Inspired by the works of his Academy Award-winning father, Begley became an actor.  Since his days on St. Elsewhere, Begley has moved easily between feature films, television, and theatre projects.  Begley has appeared in A Mighty Wind, the follow-up to the American Comedy Award-winning film Best In Show.  He can also be seen in the most recent Christopher Guest film For Your Consideration. Other feature film credits include Batman Forever, The Accidental Tourist and The Inlaws.  In 2008, Begley had supporting roles in the theatrical comedy Pineapple Express and the HBO feature Recount starring Kevin Spacey. He can currently be seen in theatres in Woody Allen's new film, Whatever Works, starring Larry David.

On television, Begley has had recurring roles on Six Feet Under and Arrested Development.  He has also guest starred on such series as The West Wing, The Practice, and Boston Legal.  Begley was also featured in Veronica Mars and CSI: Miami. Most recently, he was the co-star of the hit HGTV series Living with Ed, a look at the day-to-day realities of “living green” with his not so environmentalist wife Rachelle Carson. His first book, Living Like Ed (2008, Random House), was released last year to widespread acclaim.

But perhaps his greatest passion, has been his commitment to environmental issues. Begley serves on the boards the Thoreau Institute, the Earth Communications Office, Tree People and Friends of the Earth among others.  His work has earned awards from numerous environmental groups including the California League of Conservation Voters, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Coalition for Clean Air, Heal the Bay, the Santa Monica Baykeeper and the Southern California Gas Company. 

At the podium, Begley is currently one of the hottest speakers on eco-living in America.  His theme, Live Simply So That Others Can Simply Live, has been received by standing ovations all across the country.  His empowering and humorous message on sustainable living includes:

• How he began his 37-year eco-journey in 1970, including humorous stories about his first electric car and his first attempt at composting
• “Everything I have done for the ‘environment’ has also been good for my ‘pocketbook’”
• “Start with the little things – you don’t “run” up Mt. Everest!”
• The success in California to clean up the smog – it didn’t hurt business…the economy thrived!
• Global climate change, pollution, dependency on Mid-East oil – these are “challenges” that can be overcome!
• Products and services that he has used that work!