Hollywood's Green Machine

Ed Begley Jr. hopes to turn some of his Hollywood friends green.

For his unscripted HGTV series "Living With Ed," back for a second season on Monday, the veteran actor will offer celebrity pals Daryl Hannah, Bradley Whitford, Jane Kaczmarek, Cheryl Tiegs and others tips on making their lives eco-friendly.

"There are a lot of people interested in greening up their houses," said Begley, a longtime environmental activist who said he first drove an electric car in 1970. "I urge everyone to start small. Ride a bike, plant some food."

Begley said the series offers some light entertainment to pique viewer interest in a serious topic.

In one episode, Begley will get environmental advice from musician Jackson Browne. "He's got this big wind turbine, and his ranch is completely off the [power] grid," Begley said. "He's done all of it himself."

The program centers on Begley and wife Rachelle Carson in their daily routines, played out in their environmentally efficient Los Angeles home. The house has solar panels and a compost heap outside, and the toaster is powered by an energetic Begley on his stationary bike.

The couple sometimes clashes: Last season, for instance, Begley fussed and timed Carson as she took a lengthy shower. Begley said they "occasionally juice it a little bit for television, but this is a reality show, and what we do is really what we do."

-- Kathy Blumenstock

Living with Ed

Mondays

10:30 p.m.

HGTV