Environmentally aware: in Reykjavík

WORK/PROJECT:

How aware are we of our environment? What are our priorities in life? Do we value our possessions or our relationships?  Why? How has the humanity reached a state of no return? Why didn't we prevent it? Is it possible to do something now? Sorry, no more petrol: how do we live now? These and many more questions will be the focus of the project training sessions.

SEEDS volunteers will have the opportunity to meet people really concerned about these issues and to learn in a collective way while enjoying the incredible environment of Iceland.

First we will learn something more about the facts. Different aspects of environmental issues will be considered. The daily schedule may include trainings/sessions on sustainable development, the environment in a political context (environmental politics), rethinking architecture and our way of living, carbon emissions calculation, green and ISO certificates, organic farming, global warming (climate change), the 3 R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), the (hidden) costs of transport, renewable energy sources (focus on Iceland's hydroelectric and geothermal energy)...

Then we will discuss the facts and tailor them to the specific needs of the group. During this process we will organize visits with environmental interest such as going to the recycle centres of Reykjavik (SORPA) or a geothermal power plant. We will also have some activities that will solidify our knowledge and will help us to see all that topics in a practical and funny way.

Finally we will discuss about possible solutions and how we can be actively aware.

ACCOMMODATION:

SEEDS volunteers will stay in a well equipped house in down town Reykjavík. The facilities are basic with only one shower and volunteers are expected to show consideration for their companions. Volunteers will be sleeping in shared rooms in a sleeping bag accommodation. Please bring your own sleeping bag.

Volunteers will receive food and be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for the international evening, when others can try and taste some specialities from your home countries.

Please note that the food for these series of projects will be mainly (and if possible) local Icelandic.

LOCATION:

The population of Iceland’s capital Reykjavik is over 200,000 including the metropolitan area, so two thirds of Iceland’s inhabitants live here. It is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with beautiful nature, using renewable energy sources.

Reykjavik is often called “the nightlife capital of the north”, but there is more: It also gathers the most interesting of Icelandic culture; it is an incubator of new ideas and styles. It is an International city with a lively Cosmopolitan cultural scene surrounded with beautiful nature.

Visitors to Reykjavík experience easily the pure energy at the heart of Iceland's capital city - whether from the boiling thermal energy underground, the natural green energy within the city and around it, or the lively culture and fun-filled nightlife.

In March you can see the Northern lights (Aurora Borealis) in Iceland. In the area closer than 100 Km from Reykjavík, there are several spectacular waterfalls, geysers, impressive coastline and the well-known geothermal Blue Lagoon spa to visit.

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 160 (Euros) to be paid to SEEDS. Please note that the fees are to be paid on arrival in Euros or Kronur and they include full board and lodging (food and accommodation) for the whole duration of the project.

Volunteers should have a motivation to learning and sharing on environmental and global issues.

Tours and excursions (Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon or South Shore) will be arranged for SEEDS volunteers at discount fares.

AGE: +18