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Months after what President Obama has deemed “the worst environmental disaster America has ever faced,” we have yet to see the end of the problems caused by the BP oil spill in the Gulf Coast.

President Obama has urged action on an energy bill to change the way the nation consumes and generates energy, saying the expanding oil spill is “the most painful and powerful reminder that the time to embrace a clean energy future is now.”

The disaster has been a nationwide wakeup call.

In Los Angeles, local environmental groups are pushing for stronger legislation to protect California beaches, while some L.A. residents have voiced their concerns through weekly protests.

But what about the Angelenos who foresaw this disaster long before it struck? Many have long known that inspiring great change is derived from individual efforts.

Join Neon Tommy in a weekly series to find L.A. residents, businesses and organizations dedicated to living greener, cleaner and more sustainable lifestyles.

These local movers and shakers show us that living a “greener” lifestyle may be the first step we need to take in order to solve our environmental woes.

Week Five

There are plenty of ways to stay green in L.A. From getting your nails done at an eco-friendly nail salon to grabbing lunch from the nearby Green Truck, these businesses have made it their mission to protect the environment.

BEAUTY
'Color Me Green' Eco-Friendly and Organic Nail Boutique

You heard it right, a 'green' nail salon. Stop by and get pampered with eco-friendly products and treatments free from harsh, toxic chemicals that can be dangerous to the environment (and you!).

This salon is green from the ground up: bamboo wood floors, energy saving lights, organic beverages, nail polish that is Vegan, DBP, Toluene and Formaldehyde-free and soy based nail polish remover.

If you're looking for relaxation but want to skip the toxic fumes and chemical based nail polish, check out 'Color Me Green.'

'Color Me Green' Eco-Friendly and Organic Nail Boutique 2001 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Unit C Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

GROCERIES
Farmers' Markets

Farmers' markets are the ideal location for picking up fresh, locally grown produce. Cut down on the cost of pollution generated by transporting food long distances by supporting the farmers who grow pesticide-free fruits and vegetables right here.

Check out this site for a farmers' market near you.

FOOD
Green Truck

Food trucks are all the rage in L.A., and the Green Truck has taken advantage of this trend to promote its environmentally-conscious mission.
The Green Truck serves gourmet organic food, using only certified organic and locally grown ingredients. Green fast food? Count me in.

Learn more about Green Truck here.

CLOTHES
Patagonia

Some companies claim to be green, but Patagonia backs up all their talk with green action: $27 million to more than 1,000 grassroots groups, 34 million acres of wildlands saved, its LEED-certified service center in Reno and many more initiatives.

Into hiking or living an active lifestyle? Patagonia has all the gear you need.

Shop online here.

TRANSPORTATION
L.A.'s Metro Public Transit System

What better way to stay green than to conserve energy and use public transportation to get around?

If you're in Downtown L.A., you can get just about anywhere using public transit, including trips to Hollywood on the Red Line, Pasadena on the Gold Line and Long Beach on the Blue Line.

Plan your next weekend trip using public transit here.

To reach reporter Amanda Tran, click here.

Follor her on Twitter: @amandajtran