Watch Living with Ed

Living with Ed is an American reality TV show that aired on Planet Green from January 2007 to December 2010. The show was created and hosted by Ed Begley Jr., an actor and long-time environmentalist. The premise of the show was to follow Ed, his wife Rachelle Carson, and their efforts to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Ed's passion for the environment translated into every aspect of his life, and the show documented his efforts to go green at home, at work, and in the community. Each episode focused on a different aspect of sustainable living, from energy-efficient homes to organic gardening to alternative transportation.

The show began with a theme song featuring acoustic guitar and ukulele, and the opening credits showed Ed riding his bike and Rachelle walking with their dogs. From there, the show would dive into specific topics related to sustainable living.

Some of the more memorable episodes included Ed's efforts to build a green home from scratch. The show documented the entire process, from choosing the lot to designing the floor plan to installing solar panels. Ed also showed viewers how to retrofit an older home to make it more energy-efficient, pointing out simple changes like using LED light bulbs and installing low-flow showerheads.

Another episode focused on Ed's love for composting. He demonstrated how to start a compost pile, what materials to add (and what not to add), and how to use compost to fertilize plants. This episode also included a hilarious segment where Ed tried to convince his neighbors to start composting by offering to mow their lawns - with a manual push mower.

Ed's commitment to alternative transportation was another major theme of the show. He was a vocal advocate for biking instead of driving, and he demonstrated how to install bike racks on cars and how to properly maintain a bike. In one episode, Ed even competed in a bike race to raise money for charity.

Throughout the show, Ed's wife Rachelle provided a counterpoint to his fervent passion for the environment. While she supported Ed's efforts, she also expressed frustration at times, such as when Ed insisted on using a manual push mower to mow their large lawn. These moments added levity to the show and made it clear that living a green lifestyle isn't always easy.

One of the most compelling aspects of the show was watching Ed interact with other people who were skeptical of his eco-friendly ways. In one episode, he visited a group of NASCAR fans to try to convince them to switch to hybrid cars. In another episode, he visited a dairy farm and tried to persuade the owner to use more sustainable practices.

But perhaps the most entertaining guest on the show was Bill Nye, who appeared in several episodes to offer his scientific expertise. Ed and Bill have been friends for years, and their playful banter added a fun and educational element to the show.

Overall, Living with Ed was a groundbreaking show that offered a rare glimpse into the world of sustainable living. Ed's enthusiasm was infectious, and the show was a great reminder that small changes can make a big difference in the environment.