2011 XOF1 Inspiration Walk

April 10, 2011 - Niagara Falls to Toronto

XOF1 continue to challenge and inspire by undertaking yet another first. On April 10th, XOF1 ran on human power. It was pulled from Niagara Falls to Toronto on secondary roads, a journey of 160 km (100 miles), on foot. To inspire people to learn, think and act - to discuss forms of clean energy and to challenge people to consider their energy usage and the ways each of us individually can have an impact on our environment. Dubbed the "XOF1 Inspiration Walk" this event aims to inspire real and positive changes towards sustainable energy models at the individual, regional and government level

The XOF1 Solar Car is the first electric vehicle to reach the Arctic Circle, not once - but twice. Travelling through much of Canada and the United States, including Alaska, it was once mistaken for a UFO and chased by the police. It more than doubled the previous world distance record, clocking in at 36,220.5 km (22,436.3 miles) and counting. It also was the first EV (electric vehicle) to drive on an ice road and the first EV to cross the longest continuous ice road in the world. What makes its achievements even more remarkable is the fact it ran on sunshine as fuel, using less energy than what shines on the roof of a typical garage. It was never plugged into the grid, it used no man made electricity whatsoever.

XOF1 was designed and built in Ontario, Canada. In a streak of irony Ontario has forbidden XOF1 to drive on its public roads and thrown up enough administrative roadblocks to make it virtually impossible to drive any solar car across Ontario. XOF1 can be driven in nearly every jurisdiction in the world without restriction.

Marcelo wants to motivate ordinary citizens to do what they can to help preserve the planet. He also wants to encourage governments to foster a mutually rewarding atmosphere for those who seek green prosperity and those in power who can make it happen. Marcelo hopes the Ontario government will re-evaluate its policies. The sun will shine in Ontario. The past is over and the future is bright as new decisions bring new possibilities.

"I sincerley hope individuals, communities and its political leaders will embrace and welcome the opportunity to be inspired by the XOF1 WALK to believe that them as individual can change the world" - said Marcelo da Luz.

The motto of this event is “One Person Can Change the World, You”

Facts at a glance

2011 Xof1 Inspiration Walk Videos

Video Gallery

Day 1 - April 10

Day 2 - April 11

Day 3 - April 12

Day 4 - April 13

Day 5 - April 14

Day 6 - April 15

Day 7 - April 16

Day 8 - April 17

Day 9 - April 18

Day 10 - April 19

Day 11 - April 20

Day 12 - April 21

Inspiring videos

HOME

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqxENMKaeCU

Internationally renowned photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand makes his feature directorial debut with this environmentally conscious documentary produced by Luc Besson, and narrated by Glenn Close. Shot in 54 countries and 120 locations over 217 days, Home presents the many wonders of planet Earth from an entirely aerial perspective. As such, we are afforded the unique opportunity to witness our changing environment from an entirely new vantage point. In our 200,000 years on Earth, humanity has hopelessly upset Mother Nature's delicate balance. Some experts claim that we have less than ten years to change our patterns of consumption and reverse the trend before the damage is irreversible. Produced to inspire action and encourage thoughtful debate, Home poses the prospect that unless we act quickly, we risk losing the only home we may ever have.

A Farm for the Future

http://www.grinningplanet.com/embed/sustainable-farming-video/a-farm-for-the-future.htm

The premise of this 48-minute movie, which was originally presented on BBC's Natural World series, is that oil will soon peak, and that this will have enormous implications for agriculture. Exploring this linkage is not new among peak oil films, but A Farm For the Future moves quickly past the framing of the problem to spend most of its time exploring how the food and farming issue can be solved.

Earthlings

http://www.earthlings.com

EARTHLINGS is an award-winning documentary film about the suffering of animals for food, fashion, pets, entertainment and medical research. Considered the most persuasive documentary ever made, EARTHLINGS is nicknamed “the Vegan maker” for its sensitive footage shot at animal shelters, pet stores, puppy mills, factory farms, slaughterhouses, the leather and fur trades, sporting events, circuses and research labs. The film is narrated by Academy Award® nominee Joaquin Phoenix and features music by platinum-selling recording artist Moby.

Story of Stuff

http://www.storyofstuff.com