The hitchhiker’s guide to saving the planet | Flo Devellennes | TEDxWhistler

TL;DR

Hitchhiking leads to the creation of a carpooling platform called Hitch Whistler, which later evolves into Copyright, helping people share rides and reduce their carbon footprint.

Transcript

[Applause] thank you the first time I ever hitchhiked I held this sign and at the time I had no idea that these two simple words not far would one day allow people to share over a hundred million kilometers together in cars now I was 17 and I just traveled to Scotland with my best friend Tom after we graduated high school and we didn't have much mo... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥺 Hitchhiking can lead to the creation of innovative solutions like carpooling platforms.
• 👣 Picking up hitchhikers can have multiple benefits, including reducing carbon footprints and fostering community connections.
• 😨 Simple initiatives can have significant impacts, with Hitch Whistler evolving into Copyright, serving hundreds of communities and helping share over a hundred million kilometers in cars.
• 🤩 Giving yourself permission, utilizing available resources, and taking the first step are key elements to starting a successful project or movement.
• 👨‍💼 Greta Thunberg and Yvonne Chouinard are examples of individuals who followed this guide to start global movements and successful businesses.
• 😃 Simple actions, like sending an email or picking up trash, can lead to bigger changes in communities and beyond.
• ✊ As individuals, we have the power to solve problems and make a positive impact on a local or even global scale.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the speaker come up with the idea for Hitch Whistler?

The idea for Hitch Whistler was inspired by the speaker's personal experience of hitchhiking, which made them realize the potential benefits of sharing rides. They wanted to create a system that increased trust and reduced risk for both drivers and passengers.

Q: How did the speaker promote Hitch Whistler?

The speaker used word-of-mouth guerrilla marketing strategies to promote Hitch Whistler. They spoke about it at Couchsurfing events, attended meetups in the city, put up posters in key shops, and distributed stickers to people on chairlifts in Whistler.

Q: How has Copyright evolved since its inception?

Copyright has evolved from a simple carpooling platform for Whistler to a nationwide carpooling platform called Copyright, with over 700,000 members across Canada. It is used by people from various walks of life, including skiers, commuters, and those with limited transportation options.

Q: What are some benefits of using Copyright?

Using Copyright allows users to reduce their carbon footprint by sharing rides, contribute to their local community by helping others get around, and potentially save money by sharing gas expenses. It also provides a safer alternative to hitchhiking by allowing users to view profiles and set expectations before sharing a ride.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker shares a personal story of hitchhiking in Scotland and how it inspired them to create a system that encouraged carpooling.

• They discuss the benefits of picking up hitchhikers, including reducing carbon footprints and building trust within communities.

• The success of Hitch Whistler led to the creation of Copyright, a carpooling platform used by over 700,000 members across Canada.