Environmentally aware: in Reykjavík

SEEDS 002. Environmentally Aware: in Reykjavík

07.01 - 15.01

ENVI / SUST / EDU

8 Participants

Age: 18+

PROJECT: Our camp will allow you to learn about both global and local environmental issues through theory and practice. If you are concerned, for example, about climate change, waste management, animal protection, sustainable solutions and other environmental topics then this project is the one for you. Local Icelandic environmental issues as well as issues from the participants’ countries will be addressed. Becoming one of over 2 million tourists coming to Iceland every year will leave a mark. This camp will help you to be an environmentally aware traveller and consumer.

SEEDS Environmentally Aware camps will get a chance to improve the local environment through hands-on activities. Our groups usually join the campaign "Meet Us Do Not Eat Us" that SEEDS has been supporting for the last seven years: A whale protection awareness project run in cooperation with IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare). It may also be possible to organise a visit to a local recycling centre whereby a tour of the plant is given and the activities are explained. There are a selection of workshops whereby a deeper understanding of issues can be studied and discussed. Topics can include issues like animal farming, food waste, and sustainable practices such as collaborative consumption and veganism. We also offer typical local leisure activities (swimming pool, cinema and the flea market).

Please note this project is a learning/sharing camp in which everybody is expected to contribute their own knowledge and experience, and not a standard workcamp. We organize some voluntary service but in some cases it will not be possible, as the weather does not always allow activities to take place outdoors.

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.

We will receive food supplies and you will be in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities. Do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for the international dinner.

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

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 on almost all sides. Reykjavik is often called “the nightlife capital of the north”, but there is so much more than pubs and clubs, it also gathers the most interesting of Icelandic culture.

In the area closer than 100 Km from Reykjavík, there are several spectacular waterfalls, geysers, impressive coastline, geothermal park, lakes, mountains and many more.

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 these fees are to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic krónas.

Participants should have a motivation to learn and share on environmental and global issues, and should be open to new cultures. All volunteers are encouraged to bring environmental and sustainability suggestions to the group and collaborate with the leaders in planning activities.

Excursions (Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle, South Shore, Northern Lights, Reykjanes Peninsula) can be arranged at discount fares.

Weather in Iceland is unpredictable, it can be cold or rainy. Please bring warm waterproof clothes, waterproof boots, overcoats, scarves, gloves & hats as part of the project may take place outside.