Environmentally Aware & Trash Hunting in Reykjavík

PROJECT: The Environmentally Aware & Trash Hunting project is part of a series of camps organised by SEEDS in cooperation with different partners. SEEDS works with The Blue Army, an organisation dedicated to the cause of coast cleaning; Sea Shepherd Iceland, an organisation dedicated to defend, conserve and protect the oceans; with Whales of Iceland, an exhibition of life size models of whales and porpoises aiming at educating about their lives and human impact on their existence, and SORPA the organisation in charge of waste collection & management in the Reykjavik area. 

This camp allows participants to learn about global and local environmental issues, through non-formal opportunities such as participation in discussion groups, workshops and presentations; as well as to contribute directly to environment protection by joining coastal, urban or green-spaces clean-up efforts. 

These clean-up efforts may be arranged in partnership with the above mentioned organisations or organised solely by SEEDS. We aim to also involve the local community, so some of our events may be open to the public. We hope participants will also learn how to plan and do their own trash-hunt projects back home. This project is based on similar activities around the world, where outstanding results have been made with volunteers. As a hands-on volunteering activity day included also in this camp is one of the below options:

1. A day trip combining a guided tour to the Hellisheiði Power Station, a trash hunt in the Blue Mountains area; and the Hot River hike, a hike up a valley filled with hot springs where one can bathe. 

2. A day trip to the Reykjanes peninsula, combined with a coastal trash hunt in the area.

Furthermore, participants may be able to visit the recycling centre SORPA, where a tour of the facilities and a lecture regarding waste management in Reykjavik will be provided. The mentioned activities are dependent on conditions such as weather, human resources available, as well as availability from our partner organisations. 

This camp combines learning, sharing, hands-on work and having fun. Participants should also use this opportunity to prepare and share about environmental issues from their home countries with the group. No previous experience is needed, participants should be ready to spend time outdoors, walk medium distances during the clean-ups, as during other activities and sightseeing. As part of the project is happening outdoors, volunteers shall be ready to adapt and be flexible with the working and free-time schedule, as depending on the changeable weather, we may not be able to perform some of the tasks or activities planned. 

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, drinks, recipes, music, games or movies from your country for the international evening. 

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. 

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 200 (Euros). Please note that the fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid for on arrival. The fee includes transportation from the meeting point to the camp (on the first day), as well as the visits to the SORPA recycling centre; and one trip combined with the trash collection activity (Geothermal power plant & the Hot river Hike excursion or Reykjanes Peninsula).

Meeting time will be 18:00 (6:00 pm) on May 2 at SEEDS Office in Reykjavik. Participants that cannot arrive on time (later or delayed flights) will be sent information on how to reach the camp on their own. 

Other excursions (eg. Golden Circle, South shore, Reykjanes and/or Snæfellsnes) can be arranged at discount fares in case there is additional free time after the workshops or sessions of the camp. 

Weather may be very cold and/or rainy, so we recommend to bring winter warm and waterproof clothes.