Voluntary work in Iceland (2 of 2): Reykjavik and the environment

During my second week in Iceland, I decided to continue doing voluntary work, but this time for another international project on the environment.

To read the first part (where I tell you about my experience in a school situated in a small Icelandic village) you can click here to read it.

This project took place in the capital of Iceland: Reykjavik. We made people aware and at the same time we acted: picking up rubbish, visiting a geothermal centre, we took part in a protest against fishing for whales and for the climate...

Anyway, a rich experience learning about things which I would like to share with you here!

Iceland: an environmentally friendly country?

All together, with the group of volunteers (there were 10 of us), we learnt things and spoke about the steps to a greener world, and how we could create new ways of having an impact on different scales. It therefore all starts with thinking and imagination!

We also had the opportunity to visit a number of places which were directly linked to environmental issues. For example, I found out about the recycling process in Iceland, and also how the country is entirely powered by renewable geothermal water.

One of the things which surprised me most, was having to learn that 80% of rubbish which goes to the tip is plastic and every day, between 500 and 750 tonnes of rubbish is buried in our land.

Knowing that there are only 220 000 people living in Reykjavik, that makes 750 tonnes a day in Iceland.

I found out that part of the rubbish was sent to Sweden because Iceland doesn't have the infrastructure to dispose of it.

Therefore, we must start rethinking about the way we consume right now (whether that be by reusing plastic or by producing zero waste).

The importance of working together and acting

All these activities and new discoveries were always done by acting together, integrating with people in the streets and exploring Reykjavik.

It was therefore important for us volunteers to make ourselves heard by participating in the climate strike in Reykjavik, because hope starts with concrete actions.

And I think that we can all contribute to a better and more sustainable world by looking after it... in fact, it's vital!

And the international atmosphere can only contribute to feeling united in this world.

For example, I didn't know that food was always shared during mealtime in Korea or in China: there's not just one plat per person, they share everything.

Or even, I found out that you could also put chocolate in a green salad and transgress our cultural norms.

Damn Nature > Humans

But in the end, by helping the environment I learnt that nature doesn't need us to survive.

In fact, we're actually fighting to prolong humanity, to respect the life that we've been given and to avoid witnessing the environmental conditions that are getting worse and worse.

Therefore, by exploring Iceland, we quickly learn that nature is a power entity, which we can't fight against. I will always remember the powerful winds and snow, I have never had the feeling as if I was going to be swept away by the wind like that before! (despite my clothes weighing a tonne).

Mother Nature has also given some important life lessons to Icelanders.

The life conditions and meteorological conditions are so unpredictable that it's useless to plan things long in advance, we should have faith in life.

The history, climate and geology of Iceland have made a unique way of seeing life. In case of any problem, stop yourself right away. Breathe deeply and recite this Icelandic expression: þetta reddast (=everything will be okay in the end, things will work out no matter the current circumstances).

This country is so unique and special: there are no trains, no railway nor forests, there are no McDonalds or Starbucks, just a refreshing calm place and respectful towards the environment.

And you'll see that there's always someone to catch you when you fall over on the black ice!

If this has made you curious about Reykjavik and Iceland, don't hesitate to go and find out about experiences from other Erasmusu travellers here!

Thanks for reading :)

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