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? 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.

Different aspects of environmental issues will be considered. The daily schedule may include trainings/sessions on sustainable development, carbon emissions calculation, 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)...

Different visits with environmental interest such as going to the recycle centres of Reykjavik (SORPA) or a geothermal power plant will be organized. One part of the project will also consist of restoring our volunteer centre in the outskirts of Reykjavik and turning it into a base camp for our environmental activities. Here the volunteers will have the chance to work on the different topics in a practical and funny way.

ACCOMMODATION:  For one part of the project SEEDS volunteers will stay in a well equipped house in Reykjavík. The facilities are basic with only one shower and volunteers are expected to show consideration for their companions.

In the other part of the project SEEDS volunteers will stay in a house in the outskirts of Reykjavík, where the sparkling city confronts nature. The facilities are basic and volunteers might for instance have to show patience when showering since the water pressure in the area is low at certain hours of the day and there are more houses using the same water supply; at certain points of the day the water flow may stop but start again after a while.

In both accommodations volunteers will be sleeping in shared rooms in a sleeping bag accommodation. Please bring your own sleeping bag.  Volunteers will receive food supplies and be in charge of the cooking and cleaning. Do not forget some traditional food from your country for the international evening.

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.

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 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).

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

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

AGE: 18+