Environmental Christmas in Reykjavík

WORK/PROJECT: Participants in this SEEDS project will have the opportunity to share and learn on Environmental issues while at the same time may assist in fundraising for the Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live environmentally friendly?  Or what “environmentally friendly” actually means? Well, wonder no more. You will not only get a dose of knowledge about the world around us and the state of the environment at the moment, but also a chance to try out those “green solutions” that we all keep hearing about.

We will start with the state of environment in general; then we will make an overview of the environment in Iceland - issues that regular visitors may not get to know or learn by travelling around Iceland (like the ecological footprint and energy use).

We will then have workshops about human needs - difference between ‘wanting’ and ‘needing’ something for a ‘happy complete’ life. During these days debates about consumerism, recycling, society and empowering will come up. Some days we will have workshops on global issues, and we will have documentary nights where we discuss the issues close to our heart among friends…

Some of our study visits may include one of the garbage collection/recycling centres of SORPA in Reykjavik or to the geothermal power plant!

Apart from the environmental study part of the camp, participants may join the festive atmosphere during some days by handing out hot chocolate in the city centre as a way of fundraising for non-for-profit projects of the Icelandic Red Cross and of the Salvation Army.

Volunteers with artistic skills, such as singing, juggling, playing music are encouraged to apply as they can help to create a nice and friendly atmosphere.

Please note that this project is more a learning/sharing camp and not a work camp; we may be able to organize some voluntary service but in some cases it will not be possible.

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS participants will stay in a 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.

We 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.

LOCATION: The population of Iceland’s capital is over 200,000 including the metropolitan area, so two thirds of Iceland’s inhabitants live here. Reykjavik is often called “the nightlife capital of the north”.  There is more than pubs and clubs, the city also gathers the most interesting of Icelandic culture. It is an incubator of new ideas and styles which often indicates new global trends. It is an International city with a lively Cosmopolitan cultural scene surrounded with beautiful nature.

In December 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 200 (Euros). Please note that the fees are to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic krónas.

Excursions (Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle or South Shore) can be arranged at discount fares. Weather in Iceland is unpredictable and in the winter it can be cold or rainy. Please bring warm winter clothes, overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats as part of the project takes place outside.

Age: 18+