Lincoln Hybrids, Penny Cleaning, and the Art of a “Clean-Enough” Home
In this lively and unexpected episode with Julie Edelman with The Green Living Guy Podcast, host Seth Leitman—aka The Green Living Guy—opens with a candid confession: he’s late. But not without reason.
I was on the phone with none other than the team from Lincoln—yes, the car company. And the conversation? All about their MKZ Hybrid, which has been earning high marks from JD Power and Associates for long-term reliability, strong sales, and excellent fuel efficiency. Lincoln, Seth notes, is clearly making moves toward a greener future with this model—trying to compete with the likes of Lexus and other hybrid leaders.
“I literally am late to the show because I was just on the phone with two great people from Lincoln,” he explains, bringing listeners right into the action.
A Casual Start with a Hilarious Twist
Then, it’s on to the main guest: Julie Edelman, author of The New York Times best-seller The Accidental Housewife. But before the conversation even begins, Julie jumps in with her own quirky vibe—saying she was passing the time thinking about how to clean Lincoln pennies while waiting for Seth to arrive.
“You were cleaning them while waiting for my bus,” Seth laughs, playing off the wordplay between Lincoln the car brand and Lincoln the coin. The moment is spontaneous, unscripted, and perfectly in line with the show’s easygoing, real-life energy.
Why Julie Edelman?
Julie Edelman definitely isn’t your average lifestyle expert. She’s real, relatable, and totally okay with not being perfect. Her message is clear: you don’t need to live in a pristine, Pinterest-perfect home to feel good about your space. Her advice is for everyday people juggling messy kids, busy jobs, and real life.
Julie’s philosophy? Do what you can. Then let the rest go.
That perspective fits beautifully with the Green Living Guy’s sustainable ethos. Why? Because green living, much like housework, doesn’t need to be extreme. It needs to be doable.
Clean Enough Is Green Enough
As Julie puts it in the episode, it’s okay to be a little messy—as long as you’re making an effort to clean smarter, not harder. And that’s where green cleaning comes in.
She and Seth riff on everyday eco-friendly tips that make your house healthier and your routine simpler:
- Using non-toxic cleaners you probably already have in your pantry
- Cleaning in quick, 15-minute bursts instead of deep-cleans that never happen
- Making peace with “good enough” when it comes to spotless countertops
Julie’s humor and practicality shine throughout. She shares that life isn’t a TV ad. You don’t need to scrub until your house smells like bleach. You just need to feel comfortable, safe, and sane.
Why This Episode Still Matters
Though it aired in 2011, this episode feels incredibly current. Julie’s “clean enough” mantra aligns perfectly with today’s push toward realistic sustainability.
- Don’t waste water scrubbing obsessively
- Don’t buy 20 specialty products when baking soda works just fine
- Don’t aim for eco-perfection—aim for progress
Seth and Julie’s chat is more than a housecleaning tip session. It’s a reminder that intentional living, not extreme overhauls, is the real key to going green.
Big Brands, Real Progress
The conversation about Lincoln also plants a seed. Seth highlights how legacy automakers are finally joining the clean transportation wave. With cars like the MKZ Hybrid getting real traction, the auto industry’s shift is no longer a niche movement—it’s going mainstream.
When a brand like Lincoln gets serious about sustainability, it shows just how much progress has been made since early hybrid and EV days. Seth’s excitement is obvious. And it’s infectious.
Listen to the Episode
This episode blends eco-talk with humor, practical advice, and a touch of car geekery. It’s unscripted, real, and genuinely fun.
🎧 Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts
Whether you’re here for green living tips, house cleaning hacks, or news about hybrid cars, this episode has something for everyone.
