The Project

<< PROJECT DRAFT 26-01-2009 >>

PROJECT PURPOSE:
To create (global) awareness on alternative eco-lifestyles and solutions that help creating a more sustainable world

WHAT:
profile, connect and promote low-impact life-styles (in terms of environmental footprint) in rural and urban South America

WHY:
the rapid environmental changes require action, and instead of talking, some people from all around the world have taken the lead into creating new realities. By showcasing creative and positive solutions to the mainstream citizen, we want to accelerate a necessary global mind-set change, and ignite action.

HOW:

• Driving a modified old Volkswagen Kombi (VW Bus) through South America, adapted to our times (biodiesel, electric or flex)
• Visiting sustainable rural and urban communities, social in novators, social enterprises, cooperatives and other grassroots’ leaders
• Learning about their realities, challenges, solutions and dreams
• Connecting existing initiatives, people and projects in the region
• Providing ad hoc consulting services (a unique mix of approaches)
• Documenting this experience before, during and after the journey, using state-of-art Internet technology incorporated into our project

WHEN:
From August to December 2009

WHO:

• Henrique Vedana, 30, Kaospilot Team 13
• Marcio Jappe, 28, Business Analyst
• Fellow travellers, who will hop-in-hop-out from the kombi during the jo urney, being selected by an online community and/or local Ecovillage members

SOME OF OUR ASSUMPTIONS:

• Climate change is happening fast, and it’s accelerated due to Humans’ activities
• Our modern “Way of Life” is a major cause of climate change
• Eco-villages and other sustainable experiences exist in South America, and they are bringing positive results
• Such experiences are replicable in different contexts
• South Americans don’t look for existing solutions developed by their neighbors, and there is a lack of regional cooperation