In this powerhouse episode of BizNinja Entrepreneur Radio, host Tyler Jorgenson welcomes legendary actor, environmental advocate, and accidental entrepreneur Ed Begley Jr. to the show. While many know him from films and television, Ed's decades-long commitment to clean living and sustainability might surprise you. From riding his bike to the Oscars to bottling eco-friendly cleaning products in his garage, Ed proves that walking the green talk can be both impactful and entertaining.

Ed takes us on a time-traveling journey through his early adoption of electric cars, his adventures with faulty toner cartridges and primitive solar systems, and the birth of his eco-business, Begley’s Earth Responsible Products. His stories are equal parts hilarious and humbling—from delivering products himself in his electric car to learning the hard way about doing too much, too fast. He shares how he learned to value not just environmental resources, but his own time and energy as a resource, too.

With wisdom drawn from smoggy childhoods, big-screen sets, and homegrown sustainability hacks, Ed dishes out heartfelt advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. His approach to advocacy is refreshingly relatable: lead by example, stay authentic, and do what you can—without burning out. Whether you’re launching a brand or just trying to live cleaner, Ed’s message is clear: live simply so that others can simply live.

Takeaways

• Start Small, Stay Consistent: Ed’s clean-living journey began in 1970 with vinegar and baking soda. Sometimes the simplest steps lead to lifelong impact.
• You Can’t Make Gasoline on Your Roof: But you can make solar power—and Ed’s been powering his life and car this way for decades.
• Walk the Talk, Quietly: Ed didn’t shout about his values—he just biked to the Oscars and let the media catch on. Authenticity speaks louder than megaphones.
• From Garage to Costco: His product line started in his garage (with help from his daughters!) and is now sold nationwide. Proof that green businesses can scale.
• You’re a Resource Too: Entrepreneurs must protect their own time and energy like any precious environmental resource.
• Lead with Common Ground: Don’t want to debate climate change? Focus on clean air, energy savings, and local impact. Change doesn’t always need a label.