Whisper

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 3:

A 2001 Swedish study reported "air pollution from cutting grass for an hour with a gasoline powered lawn mower is about the same as that from a 100-mile automobile ride."

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 54 million Americans mowing their lawns each weekend with gas-powered mowers may be contributing as much as 5 percent of the nation's air pollution.

Ouch. What to do about these staggering statistics? Is there an environmentally-friendly alternative to taking care of our lawns?

Whisper Landscape Maintainence, an environmentally friendly landscape company dedicated to the reduction of noise and air pollution, might have the solution.

Owner Michael Gould talks with Neon Tommy about his business and personal mission to live green.

NT: Tell us more about your business.
MG: The main idea is that it is a landscaping maintenance company that is environmentally friendly. All the appliances that we use are battery-powered. Batteries are recharged using solar power and all appliances give off zero emission.

Our company doesn't stop there. We have hired irrigation experts and our methods comply with the California Landscape Contractors Association. This is very important because California has a lot of issues regarding water usage. Our practices adhere to the [CLCA's] guidelines in order to promote water conservation.

We also use organic fertilizers and weed control approaches.

NT: Why "Whisper?"
MG: Our appliances are very quiet. That was actually one of my main motivations for starting the company. Gas powered mowers and blowers are so noisy, and the appliances my company uses are like using a hairdryer outside.

I had a newborn who had sleeping problems, and one day when I put her down to take a nap, the next door neighbors, maybe even a few doors down, were mowing and blowing away. I just thought it was ridiculous. I've always used battery powered appliances, and when I looked it up, I learned that no other company was doing this. I called a colleague of mine and asked how feasible it was to modify my appliances to create a business. It cost a lot of money and time, but we've done it. We're very busy and have a lot of demand.

NT: Why do you think most people are reluctant to switch from gas powered to battery powered appliances, even if it would be better for the environment?
MG: [Gas powered] is the standard. People think battery powered appliances are too expensive and it's cheaper to buy gas powered, but that's not really the case. Gas powered appliances are more polluted, dirty and require more maintenance. Battery powered appliances are a little less powerful, but not enough to make a difference.

NT: Do you find it more challenging and/or expensive to live green?
MG: In some ways, it is more expensive but [my family] makes it a priority. It's getting easier [to live green,] I think because people are more environmentally conscious. People are more aware because there is more information, especially with the Internet and better access to the media. People are scared--the BP oil spill is terrifying. People are starting to take more steps to make society more renewable.

NT: What tips would you give to someone interested in living more sustainably who doesn't know where to start?
MG: Every little bit helps. Start where your heart is. For myself, I love food. I enjoy eating fresh, organic food. Sometimes you have to pay more for locally grown produce and shop at places like Whole Foods markets. But after a while you learn the tricks and which stores have the best price. You learn that it helps the environment when you purchase food that's locally grown instead of food shipped from [far away.] Every little bit adds up, and you learn to make it fit with your lifestyle. So start with an interest and make a dent. You'll make the dent bigger as time goes by.

Want to learn more about Gould's business? Check out Whisper Maintenance's site here.

To reach reporter Amanda Tran, click here.

Follow her on Twitter: @amandajtran