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.

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.

Volunteers will work two days with the city of Reykjavík in the cemeteries. Volunteers will help with raking leaves, beautifying the gardens, work on the recycling system among other tasks.

ACCOMMODATION:  SEEDS volunteers will stay part of the time 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.

The other part of the project the volunteers will stay in a well equipped house, in a beautiful setting inside the Botanical Gardens of the city of Reykjavík, about 4 Kilometres from the centre of the city.

Volunteers will be sleeping in shared rooms/dorms 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 activities. 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 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 200 (Euros). Please note that the fees are to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic crowns.

Volunteers should have a motivation to learning and sharing on environmental and global issues. Tours and excursions (Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon or South Shore) can be arranged for SEEDS volunteers at discount fares.

Age: 18+