THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 1999

Begley preaches virtues of Earth Day

By Andrea Makshanoff

On-Line Forty-Niner

Earth Day is a time to reflect on how to simplify our lives and take better care of our environment. Not a simple task, especially in Los Angeles.

Television and film star Ed Begley Jr. shared his experience of simple living with several hundred citizens at the Long Beach Public Library last week in preparation for Earth Day this Saturday.

"If stuff made us happy, then everyone in Bel Air would be happy and everyone in the bush would be unhappy," Begley said. "In fact having stuff could have an effect quite the contrary."

Begley told of his unusual habits: riding his bicycle through the urban wilds, using the bus system and not owning a car - all in Los Angeles!

It is difficult to abstain from the most basic creature comforts. Begley, however, clearly practices what he preaches - the philosophy of voluntary simplicity.

The essence of this lifestyle, Begley said, is not simply to disperse one's stuff, but to replace the time that is usually spent on purchasing and maintaining that stuff with less material-oriented activities. This includes spending time with loved ones, enjoying books and paintings and working on inner growth.

"We are working more than we ever have in history. What is it we are working for? Just more stuff," Begley said.

Begley lives in a two-bedroom house retrofitted with solar panels and a garden he works in.

"I have two very young kids, and I want them to know where food comes from. Not the Ralphs trees or the Safeway bush, but dirt."

Begley said he has environmentalist friends who talk about the great Yosemite web sites, but when he asked them when they were last there they said they did not have the time.

"Put the mouse down and put your hands in the dirt," Begley said.