Shoreline cleanup in Reykjavik
Reykjavik August 26 - September 3, 2019
Volunteer project: The Shoreline Cleanup in Reykjavik is part of a series of camps organised in cooperation with different partners in the capital area of Iceland.
The project allows participants to learn about global and local environmental issues, especially regarding ocean plastic pollution, as well as to contribute directly to environmental protection by cleaning the coastline. This project is based on similar projects around the world, where outstanding results have been achieved with the help of volunteers. We aim to also host a public beach cleaning to get locals to join us. We hope participants will also learn how to plan their own coast cleaning projects and that they will create such events back home.
Virtually every piece of plastic that was ever made still exists in some shape or form as plastic takes about 500 to 1,000 years to degrade in nature. Plastic is approximately 90% of all the trash in the ocean and about 80% of that plastic comes from coastal dispersal by people. The best way to help fight this is to clean the coastlines, to avoid trash coming from the land entering the sea and to pick up trash from the sea that has washed up on shore.
Participants will visit local projects focused on the environment, such as a Geothermal power plant, and have a guided tour of the facilities via multimedia installations and presentations to learn about Iceland's geothermal energy utilization; and also a recycling centre where a tour of the plant is given and the activities are explained.
The project combines learning, sharing, cleaning some of the Reykjavík shores, and having fun. Participants should also use this opportunity to share something about environmental issues in their country with the group of international participants. Included is a trip to the Hot River Hike, which is a hike up Reykjadalur valley in the vicinity of Hveragerði. The valley is filled with hot springs and there is a hot river in which one can bathe.
No previous experience is necessary. Participants should be ready for spending time outside, walking along the coast for the cleanup, as well as for other activities and sightseeing. As part of the project is happening outdoors, volunteers shall be ready to adapt and be flexible with the working and free-time schedule, as depending on the changeable weather, we may not be able to perform some of the tasks or activities planned.
Language: English
Leisure time: Other excursions (e.g. Golden Circle, South shore, Reykjanes and/or Snæfellsnes) can be arranged for the volunteers at discount fares.
Accommodation: Participants will stay in a house in Reykjavík. The facilities are basic with a shower, kitchen, washing machine and everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions. Participants will sleep in shared rooms in a sleeping bag accommodation. Please bring your own sleeping bag.
Location: Reykjavik is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with beautiful nature, using renewable energy sources - geothermal- and hydropower. 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.
Terminal: Closest international Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF). Bus station: Central Reykjavík (BSÍ).
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 350 Euro
The fee includes transportation from the meeting point to the project site and back (on the first and last day), as well as the visits to the Geothermal power plant, the recycling centre and the Hot River Hike excursion.
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project and is payable upon arrival.