Environment & Sustainability in Reykjavík

PROJECT:  The Environment & Sustainability learning camp allows participants to share and learn about global & local issues through theory and practice. If you are concerned, for example, about climate change, waste management, animal protection, sustainable solutions & other environmental topics then this project is for you. Local Icelandic environmental issues as well as issues from the participants’ countries will be addressed.

Please note this project is a learning/sharing camp, in which everybody is expected to contribute their own knowledge and experience, and not a standard workcamp. The main focus of this camp is to learn about different aspects of environmental and sustainability issues through a selection of workshops, discussions and visits. Topics may include issues like renewable energy, food waste, and sustainable practices such as collaborative consumption or veganism. The over 2 million tourists coming to Iceland every year leave a mark on the country. This camp will help you to be an environmentally aware traveller & consumer.

Participants also get the chance to visit local projects focused on the environment, such as a visit to a local recycling centre whereby a tour of the plant is given and the activities are explained. The group will also visit a Geothermal power plant and have a guided tour of the facilities via interactive multimedia installations, wall displays and presentations to learn about Iceland‘s geothermal energy utilization.

SEEDS participants may also get a chance to improve the local environment through hands-on volunteer activities. In most cases, the camp includes a day or two of voluntary service but in some cases it will not be possible, as the weather does not always allow activities to take place outdoors.

This is a camp that combines learning, sharing, exploring Reykjavík, and having fun. Participants should also use this opportunity to share something about issues in their home country with the group of international participants. Participants should be ready to walk around the city for different activities, visits  and sightseeing.

ACCOMMODATION:  SEEDS participants will stay in a house in Reykjavík. The facilities are basic with showers, kitchen, washing machine  and everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions.

Participants will sleep in shared rooms in a sleeping bag accommodation. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Participants from other projects may also stay  in the house for part of the time.

We will receive food supplies and the group will be in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities. Do not forget some traditional/typical food, drinks and recipes from your home country for the international dinner.

LOCATION: Reykjavik is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with beautiful nature, using renewable energy sources - geothermal- and hydropower. The world’s northernmost capital bridges the Atlantic, between Europe and North America. Reykjavík is spread across a peninsula with a panoramic view of the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean on almost all sides.

Reykjavik is often called “the nightlife capital of the north”, but there is more than pubs and clubs. It also gathers the most interesting of Icelandic culture. It is an incubator of new ideas & styles which often indicates new global trends. It is an International city with a lively cosmopolitan cultural scene surrounded with beautiful nature.

LANGUAGE: English will be the language in the camp; basic conversational skills are needed.

TERMINAL: Closest international Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF). Bus station: Central Reykjavík (BSÍ).

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 350 (Euros). Please note that these fees are to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic krónas.

The fee includes transportation from the meeting point to the camp and back into SEEDS office (on the first and last day), as well as the visits to the Geothermal power plant, the recycling centre & the Golden Circle excursion.  

Meeting time will be 18:00 (6:00 pm) on February 17 at SEEDS Office. Participants that cannot arrive on time (later or delayed flights) will be sent information on how to reach the camp on their own.

Some excursions (eg. Aurora Borealis/Northern lights,  South Shore or Reykjanes) can be arranged at discount fares for SEEDS participants in case there is additional free time after the workshops or sessions of the camp.  

Weather may be cold and/or rainy, so we recommend to bring winter warm and/or waterproof clothes (overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats) as part of the project takes place outside.