Coast Cleaning & Environmentally Aware in Reykjavík

PROJECT: The Coast Cleaning in Reykjavík project is a new series of camps organised by SEEDS. Our goal is to clean the whole coastline of Iceland. We are starting with the coastline of Reykjavík and immediate surroundings. SEEDS will be working closely with the municipalities in the capital area and with other organisations and individuals concerned with the issue of waste in the sea and shores.  The camp will allow you to learn about global and local environmental issues, especially regarding ocean plastic pollution, as well as to contribute directly to environmental protection by cleaning the coastline around the Reykjavik area.

Virtually every piece of plastic that was ever made still exists in some shape or form as plastic takes about 500 to 1,000 years to degrade in nature. Plastic is approximately 90% of all the trash in the ocean, with an estimate of about five trillion individual pieces of plastic floating in the sea. About 80% of that ocean plastic pollution comes from coastal dispersal by people. The best way to help fight this is to clean the coastlines, to avoid trash coming from the land entering the sea and to pick up trash from the sea that has washed up on shore.

This project is based on similar projects around the world, where outstanding results have been made with volunteers and beach cleaning. We aim to also host public beach cleaning events in the project to get the local  Icelandic people to join us in the coast cleaning efforts. We hope participants of the project will also learn how to plan their own coast cleaning projects and that they will create such event once they are back home.

The camp combines learning, sharing, cleaning the Reykjavík shores, and having fun. Participants should also use this opportunity to share something about environmental issues in their country with the group of international participants. Included is a trip to the Hot River Hike, which is a hike up Reykjadalur valley in the vicinity of Hveragerði. The valley is filled with hot springs and there is a hot river in which one can bathe.

Participants should be ready for spending time outside, walking along the coast for the cleanup,  as well as for other activities and sightseeing. Be prepared to experience all kinds of weather and bring warm clothes as the tasks take place outside and it can get cold, even in summer.  

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS participants will stay in a house in Reykjavík. The facilities are basic with a shower, washing machine, kitchen and everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions. We will sleep in shared rooms in a sleeping bag accommodation. Please bring your own sleeping bag.

We will receive food supplies and you will be in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities. Do not forget some traditional/typical food 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.  In the area closer than 100 Km from Reykjavík, there are several spectacular waterfalls, geysers, impressive coastline, geothermal park, lakes, mountains and many more.

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 250 (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 Hot River Hike trip. Meeting time will be 17:00 (5:00 pm) on June 6th at the SEEDS Office.

Some excursions (eg. Snæfellsnes, South Shore, Golden Circle 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 in Iceland is unpredictable, it can be cold or rainy. Please bring warm waterproof clothes, waterproof boots, overcoats, scarves, gloves & hats as the project takes mostly place outside.