On Saturday, June 6, a group of volunteers and local children gathered at the Church of Scientology of Pasadena to celebrate World Health Day with an environmental cleanup of Central Park. The initiative was inspired by two principles from the non-religious moral code The Way to Happiness, authored by L. Ron Hubbard: "Safeguard and Improve Your Environment" and "Set a Good Example."
Armed with trash bags and vinyl gloves, the participants headed to Central Park at 275 S. Raymond Avenue, where they fanned out across the park to search for and properly dispose of debris, litter, and discarded plastics. The event aimed to mirror Pasadena's eco-friendly philosophy, as the city has a long-standing reputation as a deeply "green" city with aggressive sustainability policies. Pasadena's Green City Action Plan guides urban environmental initiatives, including strict zero-waste goals, plastic bag bans, and community-wide recycling programs. The city also manages its urban forest, protects thousands of city trees, and encourages water conservation through public rebate programs.
By demonstrating pride in public spaces, the volunteers and children set a positive example of civic responsibility. One attendee noted, "We hold the responsibility of passing good values onto the younger generations, including of course responsibility for our environment, local and otherwise. I can think of no better way than to instill the values of this powerful booklet." The event organizers hope the visible action will ripple outward into further community care.
For more information about The Way to Happiness, a moral code based on common sense, visit thewaytohappiness.org. The Scientology religion, founded by L. Ron Hubbard, has expanded to more than 11,000 churches, missions, and affiliated groups in 167 countries.
