Ed was born in Chicago and his parents moved to Highland Park in 1959. He was raised in a very conventional home with a very conventional diet. He began his journey in 1970 at Michigan State University where he took introductory hotel and restaurant management classes. At that moment his life changed for what he believes was for the better. He was taught at MSU that the way something looked and tasted was more important than how it was grown and what the ingredients were. This did not make sense to him, and thus began a quest, which changed his lifestyle forever.

He read excerpts from Adelle Davis’ book, Let’s Eat Right to Keep Fit: A Practical Guide To Nutrition Designed To Help You Achieve Good Health Through Proper Diet. He still remembers her famous slogan, “You are what you eat.”

He continued his self-taught education by reading ingredients, articles, and attending seminars and events throughout the country. All of his learning supported his belief that eating organic and making sustainable lifestyle choices was a healthier and better choice. He felt that following this path would be better for him personally, as well as for the sake of our planet.

As a kid thirsty for knowledge, in 1976 he traveled over 5,000 miles from coast to coast visiting 14 organic farms, 52 natural food stores, 37 natural food restaurants, 19 distributors, and 13 co-ops, seeking answers to his many questions.

Enjoy Ed's creative endeavors listed below and how he began his Organic Lifestyle:

After his early life experience traveling the country sides, he returned home and met Tom Ulick, who became his farming mentor. Tom was the only local Organic grower nearby in the Barrington area. Since Ed was a recent organic / natural food vegetarian their relationship sprouted. Soon thereafter, Ed asked grammar school friend, Lenny Resnick to use some of her land on her estate.

This was his first attempt to grow anything organic. Dozens of grape vines were planted and a vegetable garden. It only lasted a couple of years because his friends moved.

From 1978 to 1981, he became a sprout farmer, and grew 10 varieties of sprouts in Highwood, Deerfield, Evanston and Chicago Illinois. He was one of the original vendors at the Ravinia Farmers Market. He opened the first of its kind, organic and natural food buying club store and deli in Highwood, Illinois called the Sprout Shop.

From 1987 to 2001, he created and operated six Natural Food Dance Festivals with live music and food offered by local natural food restaurants. There were up to 450 people in attendance at these events, located at the Levy Center in Evanston and the Highland Park Country Club.

In 1988, he created the “Taste of Health” at the Halsted Street Market Days, the largest block party event in Chicago at he time, He operated 10 booths, representing a variety of organic and natural food manufacturers who introduced their products to the public. Over 100,000 people visited this event.

In 1988, Ed traveled to the International Culinary Olympics, Frankfurt, Germany, to film and document the American Natural Food Team, headed by Brother Ron Pickarski, the only certified vegan executive chef, competing and won a Silver medal. Brother Ron continued in the every four-year competition, eventually was awarded a gold medal for his presentation. His latest book, The Classical Vegetarian Cook for Professional Chefs and inspired Cooks is now available.

In 1990 - 1992, Ed's company Natural Needs opened an all organic store / vegi deli in Highland Park, the only one of its kind in the Chicagoland area named Sprout Shop Pure Food Market.

From 1990 to 2003, Ed created the Organic Farmer’s Market and Food Festival (September), as well as Earth Day in Illinois (April) , which were outdoor events at the James Thompson Center in Downtown Chicago. This event was attended by over 10,000 people each year. His company also provided the planning and execution of the 20th and 25th Anniversary dinners for Earth Day at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Chicago, where Senator Gaylord Nelson and Dennis Hayes, the founders of Earth Day were honored guests.

1997, Paul Sturvis, at Goodness Greeness asked for Ed's help procuring donations for the Farm Aid concert that was moved to Chicago at the last minute.

With only three weeks before the concert, and with help from Reed Glidden at Choice Marketing, Ed and his crew successfully acquired over $10,000 worth of Organic produce, including meat, dairy, and breads, and served over 1,000 musicians, VIP’s, staff, volunteers, and guests. The food was well received, and was even mentioned on stage by Neil Young.

From 1999 to 2004, Ed reestablished the Chicago Vegetarian Society, with over 150 members and organized the annual gala, Turkey Free Thanksgiving Dinner.

In 1999, he created the first Organic Food Booth at the Chicago Blues Festival.

In 2001, Ed developed and started the Taste-A-Thon concept, bringing organic and natural food samples to local elementary schools to introduce kids to healthy food choices, and provide further information on where to find their favorite products.

In 2009, Ed created Organic Teaching Garden, an edible landscape in his own backyard, where from 2011 to the present, where people interested in learning about producing organic food can get their hands dirty and grow their own vegetables in his large garden.