Environmentally Aware & Trash Hunting

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 activities 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, or

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

We will try to visit the waste collection centre of SORPA, where a tour of the facilities and a lecture regarding waste management in Reykjavik will be provided. Some of the 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. No previous experience is needed. Participants should prepare and share about environmental issues from their countries and should be ready to spend time outdoors walking 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 weather, we may not be able to do some of the 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. 

Volunteers will receive food supplies and will be in charge of the cooking and cleaning. Please note the food SEEDS provides will be vegetarian. Do not forget some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music, games or movies from your country for the international evening, please be aware some items or ingredients may be expensive in Iceland and you will need to buy them yourselves or bring them from your country.  

LOCATION: Reykjavik is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with beautiful nature, using renewable energy sources. 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.

LANGUAGE: English will be the language in the camp; intermediate 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 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), the visits available and one trip combined with the trash collection activity.

Meeting time will be 18:00 (6:00 pm) on July 10 at the 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. 

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

It may be very cold and/or rainy, so we recommend bringing warm/winter and waterproof clothes. Some of the tasks or activities planned may be cancelled in case the weather is not good enough.