The Green Rocket

1. First of all, tell us more about yourself and the Global Warming Opposition Front.

My name is Shawn Boudreau. I’m originally from North Bay, Ontario, grew up in Tilden Lake, Ontario (a small community north of North Bay); I moved to Waterloo about 12 years ago after my family’s business (restaurant, post office, gas station and general store) was accidentally burned down in a stove fire. I graduated from the Waterloo Collegiate Institute and obtained some credits in Conestoga College’s ‘Design and Communications Fundamentals’ program.

I originally came up with the idea about 6 years ago, since then I’ve been researching and planning it. The Global Warming Opposition Front aims to be a prosperous green-safe, not-for-profit, electric company. Our application for federal incorporation is currently pending and we hope to have everything worked out by the end of August. Our main focus is to invest in wind power but depending on the land available, wave, under-water river generators and solar panels are other options we’ll consider. As GWOF will be a not-for-profit organization all proceeds from subscriptions will go towards the running and expansion of the organization.

2. What do you believe the role of the government is in achieving alternative electricity options? Does the demand have to come from the people, the government, or elsewhere to initiate changes? Why?

The role of government should be an immediate and complete conversion to alternative energy. Evidently, with the current federal govenment in power [Ed--in Canada], that’s not going to happen. Thus, the Global Warming Opposition Front provides citizens with a vessel to initiate some change–at least in the power grid sector.

3. How do you feel about Ontario’s proposal to return to nuclear energy to provide electricity?

Nuclear energy is a polluting waste of money and time as far as I’m concerned. There’s no safe disposal method of the nuclear waste, and it’s expensive to mine, transport and refine Uranium. Renewable energy is the best way to go, after you build the initial generator and watch the electricty flow in with little maintenance.

4. So you’re hiking across Canada to raise awareness about the issues of climate change. What are the details of the trip, and what inspired you to take on this challenge?

I’m doing this without a chase car to encourage non-vehicular transportation and to collect money as a base start-up fund for GWOF. I started out on July first from Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. I was originally set to jog for a rotation of 15 minutes of jogging followed by a 45 minute break of walking which would allow me to travel 50km in 8 hours. Unfortunetly I sprained my knee in Middle Cape, Nova Scotia on my second day. For now, until i’m completely rehabilitated, I’m just hiking. But with 40lbs on my back it’s still enough of a challenge, especially in 30 degree weather. [Ed: Holy Crap, Go Shawn!]

I actually came up with the marathon idea before GWOF. I originally wanted to go from the north pole to the US border only using green safe transport methods to raise awareness for climate change before it was steadily in the public consciousness.

5. Which challenges are you most afraid of overcoming on your trek? Which are you excited for? Why?

At this point thoughts of bears, moose and a pack wolves attacking me on the road scares me. I haven’t seen any yet but I have a tendency to think about it while walking on long, wooded roads at night.

Getting the word out is what I’m anxious for right now. Unfortunetly it’s hard for me to book interviews when I’m constantly moving but I’ve managed to get a few in and the public has been receptive.

6. What kind of training is involved for a trek of this calibre? What kinds of other preparations are needed, in terms of finding accommodation, planning routes, timing, and so on?

Before I left I tried to get in as much jogging as possible, instead of taking a bus or getting rides I opted to jog everywhere in the past 2 months. Also before I left I had to make sure I had all the equipment I needed to survive on the road. A lot of the time I’ll still be on the road when it gets dark, and when that happens I try to look for clearings to set my tent up in an over pass or bridge to sleep under. For cities I try to use the networking site, couchsurfing.com for accomodations. I’ll also stay the night at a hotel in towns but I try not to as they’re pretty expensive. Route planning wise I used Google Maps to try and find the shortest route possible but they don’t have all of the roads mapped out yet so I just tend to follow my GPS or map.

7. Why are you choosing to forgo vehicular assistance? You can still call attention to the cause with one; if you’re worried about emissions you could always go with a hybrid car!

At this point I wish I had brought a bike! I thought that this way would gain more respect and worth for my cause and I. Not only am I trying to collect money but I’m also trying to prove that I, and my organization, are worthy of investing in. Additionally, I found it’s easier to introduce ideas to people when you’re not zipping past them.

8. What points do you wish to make the focus of the cause? Why are they important?

The main focus is to raise funds for my organization because I feel an organization like this needs to be created. Secondly to encourage non-vehicular transportation. A lot of people I’ve noticed still drive 2 blocks to the grocery store, despite carbon emissions, despite gas prices, and despite it being healthier to walk.

9. As a fitness instructor and an eco-minded woman, I am fascinated at the relationship between healthy living and the environment. What are your opinions on health and the environment, in general and specifically related to training? How do you think people can be encouraged to participate more in training and healthy living?

I think healthy living and the environment are directly related. If you go out for a jog for example, instead of staying at home watching TV you’ve just spared the world some carbon emissions and you’ve strengthened your heart and lungs to boot.

The problem is, a lot of people aren’t making the connection. I think we need more campaigns to link weight loss and the environment to add more inspiration and incentive. Whenever people loose weight they think of diets and they think of gyms when they should be thinking green.

10. Is there anything else you would like to offer to our readers?

If nothing seems to work, try everything

Resources: The Global Opposition Front | Facebook Group

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