King County EcoConsumer helps spread the word about 'green living' on new national TV show

King County "EcoConsumer" Tom Watson is the judge for "Green Me Up," a new national TV reality show where two Seattle families compete to see which is the "greenest."

The one-hour special on the DIY Network will air Sunday, Aug. 5, at 6 p.m. and again at 10 p.m. DIY is available on digital cable or via satellite dish (DirectTV Channel 230 or the Dish Network Channel 111).

The two competing families, the Willises and Petersons, are neighbors on Queen Anne Hill in Seattle. Each family undertook more than 40 projects and activities during a 30-day period to "go green." The projects included installing energy-efficient appliances, adding insulation, replacing carpeting with greener flooring and much more.

Watson, who has been with King County's Solid Waste Division for 15 years and promotes recycling and other Earth-friendly activities through newspaper columns and radio and TV appearances, said it was challenging to pick the winner.

"Both families did a terrific job, and they show how any family can reduce their impact on the environment and make their home more comfortable – and they had fun doing it," he said.

"Green Me Up" will be broadcast again on the DIY Network Sept. 16. Visit www.diynetwork.com/diy/specials/episode/0,2046,DIY_14360_51465,00.html for more show information.

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Editor's Note: Watson is available for interviews about the show. He could also help arrange interviews with other local people who were involved: The two families; Rachel Schindler, the show's co-host and a local real estate agent and green building expert; or the owners of the Kirkland-based Green Car Company, which donated the prize of a $14,000 electric mini-car.