The Simple Pleasures

My hometown of Laguna Beach California is probably the last place one would suspect to find people giving up personal luxuries for environmental reasons. With houses selling at over $20 million and a median income of over $90,000, this is the type of place with money and superficial values reign supreme. Take a look at MTV's Laguna Beach if you dare.

Yet, when I returned home this summer, I was greeted by an amazing surprise. Not only had the city established a well-running and free shuttle system, but the residents were eagerly crowding on board! Bentley drivers were surprisingly willing to hop on the egalitarian-feeling trolley, and children typically shuttled from beach in stay-at-home-mom Escalades were waiting en mass as the bus stops!

On a few of my recent trolley rides, I gained some insight into what made such changes possible. The passengers didn't undergo any environmental awakening, they simply realised that it was more fun! On the trolley neighbours finally get to know each other, share USC stories, and feel like a Laguna Beacher. On the trolleys people are friendlier and more talkative than ever. I think it's because the trolley experience provides something that no money can buy.

This small Laguna Beach story shows that there is something very special about many of the activities that protect the environment. These are irresistible even for people that think they can buy anything.