How to support environmental projects around the world through volunteering

Ever wonder how you can make a real difference for our planet? The solution may be more straightforward than you'd expect.

Imagine rolling up your sleeves, feeling the earth beneath your fingertips, and knowing that each action helps nurture nature. This isn't just about planting trees or cleaning beaches; it's about taking part in something bigger—environmental projects.

The truth is simple: our daily lives are interconnected with the state of our environment. Environmental projects go beyond simply conserving our planet, having an effect on all facets of life.

It may appear odd to connect your morning cup of coffee with environmental initiatives, but due to the weather shifts caused by climate change, even something like java cultivation is at risk. It might seem strange to link your morning cuppa joe with environmental efforts—yet coffee cultivation is under threat due to changing weather patterns caused by global warming. And this is only one simple example.

This journey will change more than just landscapes—it could reshape perspectives and transform lives... perhaps even yours! Ready to discover how?

• Also, take a look at: Environmental charities: choosing your cause and making a difference

Reasons to volunteer at environmental projects

Firstly, it offers a unique chance to contribute to the world and make it better. But that’s not all; when you help protect our environment, there are numerous personal, social and economic benefits too:

Personal benefits of volunteering at environmental projects

You gain valuable life skills like leadership and teamwork through hands-on experience. These abilities will serve you well in every area of your life - from professional scenarios to social situations. 

Dedicating time and effort to an important cause also brings about significant health benefits.

• Your physical health gets a boost as many environmental projects involve outdoor activities – planting trees, cleaning parks or monitoring wildlife habitats are just some examples that keep you active.
• Mental wellness improves too because helping others has been linked with reduced stress levels. 

Beyond this, volunteering allows us an opportunity for continuous learning and growth on both personal and intellectual fronts.

Venturing out into diverse environments expands your worldview as well by exposing yourself to different cultures when participating globally-focused initiatives.

For those who adore animals, taking part in environmental projects takes on a whole new meaning. Conservation initiatives help protect endangered species by preserving their habitats and promoting biodiversity. So next time you watch those adorable videos of pandas munching on bamboo shoots or sea turtles hatching—remember these moments are made possible because people just like you decided to volunteer at environmental organizations dedicated to protecting our planet's wildlife.

The social impact

Volunteering for environmental projects doesn't just benefit the planet; it can have a profound impact on society too. When we lend our hands and hearts to these causes, we help shape communities that are more resilient, cohesive, and informed about ecological issues.

So environmental volunteering is also social volunteering in a way. As people from diverse backgrounds work towards a common goal—protecting Mother Earth—they form bonds of camaraderie and understanding.

A greener environment is also linked to improved public health. Clean air reduces respiratory diseases while green spaces encourage physical activity and mental well-being. 

Surely you're wondering: what does this all mean for me as an individual volunteer?

You might be surprised by how much your actions matter. You’re not only helping restore ecosystems but inspiring others to follow suit as well. "Be the change you wish to see in the world," Mahatma Gandhi famously said—and nowhere is this truer than when volunteering for environmental causes.

Economic impacts

Environmental volunteerism can even stimulate economic growth. By helping conserve resources, we're also ensuring they remain available for future use—a concept known as sustainable development.

This doesn't just apply to natural reserves or wildlife sanctuaries either. Think about how urban gardening projects transform vacant lots into productive spaces—growing food and creating jobs in the process.

Green jobs are cropping up worldwide at an impressive rate—a clear sign that sustainable living doesn't mean compromising on development or prosperity. 

Inspiring environmental projects in need of volunteers

The first step is identifying the kind of work that speaks to your heart. Are you passionate about wildlife conservation and would love to volunteer with animals? Or do organic farming is your niche of interest? Identifying what matters most will guide your journey into environmental volunteerism.

You might ask: where do I find these opportunities? Worldpackers is an online platform dedicated solely for this purpose. It connects eager volunteers with impactful initiatives around the globe, focusing on sustainability and eco-friendly practices.

At Worldpackers you can find tons of environmental projects looking for volunteers. 

Every host has references left by previous volunteers, and you can also contact these volunteers through the platform to know more about their experience. In the host's page you'll find pictures, a detailed description of the project, what they expect from you as a volunteer, and what they give in exchange for your help, such as accommodation (always included), meals, and free access to workshops, for instance.

Having the cost of accommodation covered during your time volunteering means that you can travel on a budget while doing a positive impact, learning new skills, and meeting people from different cultures and walks of life (both international volunteers and local hosts).

Read these articles to know more about Worldpackers: Traveling with Worldpackers: your top questions answered and What is a work exchange and how does it work?

These are some volunteering opportunities at environmental projects around the globe that you could apply for right now:

Environmental volunteering at an organic farm in Alaska

Organic farms are can save the environment by working the land on ethical and chemical free principles. Would you like to learn more about them and try an experience personally? Apply to volunteer in this organic farm in Matanuska Valley, Alaska.

You will learn a lot of things and the experience will be different depending on the season you’ll be there. And if volunteering during wintertime big chances are to spot the Northern lights!

You will have the chance to see all the processes of an organic farm, from seeding to selling the products.

Recommended reading: Organic gardening: a practical guide to a greener home and lifestyle.

Join an ecovillage in Canada

Would you like to learn about permaculture practices? O.U.R Ecovillage is a space of 9 acres dedicated to conscious food production, including greenhouses, propagated gardens, food forests, animals areas and grazing space.

Located on British Columbia's Vancouver Island, Canada, this is an ideal opportunity to connect with nature and develop new set of skills.

During your volunteering days you can join the permaculture courses given at the village as well as yoga classes and holistic therapies. Three meals a day are included and you'll have 2 days off a week to travel around.

Help a reforestation project in Peru

What about collaborating with a reforestation, land regeneration, and natural farming project in the cloud forest in Peru? The Guardian Farm is looking for environmental volunteers to help planting seeds and trees, maintaining land, and learning about organic pest management and soil health.

They are passionate about reforestation and biodiversity and are located in an area of Peru famous for being the main producer of tea in the country. It is less than 4-hour drive from Cusco and just 3 hours away from the Sacred Valley, so you can travel around on your free time.

They have many different positions to apply for, so you can choose according to your skills and interests. 

Environmental project in Portugal

Castelo de Vide is a place of natural beauty in Portugal. You can enjoy it and explore its surroundings while volunteering in this permaculture project.

You will be helping the host Fred with farming, gardening and construction tasks and enjoy two days off a week. Accommodation, lunch and dinner are provided as a reward for your help, plus a lot of local experiences. 

Lot of volunteers have had a wonderful experiences at this project, as volunteer Amálie from Czech Republic reports: 

"Quinta do Sol is lovely place in the middle of nowhere. I had very good time in here. We were doing lot of things so the work is different every day. Fred is a very nice person, he helped us with everything what we needed. We had a lot of fun with him and also with two amazing Brazilian guys that we met. Fred is doing the best beer in the world and every month he does pizza party in Castelo. He was taking us to a lot of events around (like beer garden or party of watching stars). Thanks for everything".

Eco village in Southern Italy

Help and learn in Giardino della Gioia" (Garden of Joy), an eco-village in Foggia, South of Italy.

As they describe it: "We're an eco-village with the purpose of reconnecting with nature and a will to work for the awakening of consciousness and work on self, all this supported by an atmosphere of joy, trust and liberation from false ego. We have 3 yurts, 1 straw house, 1 caravan, 1 tipi, 4 compost toilets, a kitchen, a meditation circus and a bathroom with sauna. We live in an olive garden in a National Park in front of the Adriatic Coast".

Besides accommodation, three meals a day, free laundry and yoga classes are part of the deal. Plus, is a great opportunity to learn Italian!

Suggested reading: Exploring agriturismo in Italy: a journey into rural life.

Volunteer in pony conservation in Greece

How does experiencing life on a Greek island while helping care for an endangered animal species sound? Almost too good to be true, right? It's not!

Through Worldpackers you can join the Trust Friends of the Skyrian Horse in helping them care for critically endangered Skyrian ponies on the island of Skyros.

During your stay on Amanda's farm you'll spend roughly 25 hours a week learning and helping care for the ponies as well as the other animals on the farm, which include dogs, cats, goats, and chickens.

Embrace veganism and friendly farming practices in Germany

If you are vegan or curious about this lifestyle, Elisabeth's Farmsanctuary in Germany is the perfect place for you!

Elisabeth describes the farm as an animal liberation organization. She rescues animals destined to become food and cares for them on her farm, which is currently home to many pigs, sheep, cows, and geese.

Volunteers are tasked with all aspects of the animals' day-to-day care during their stay. Elisabeth provides three free vegan meals per day and a quiet escape within easy traveling distance of Berlin.

Keep reading about veganism on Vegan travel: what you need to know about traveling on a plant-based diet.

Experience how life is in a Krishna community in the UK

Krishna Eco Farm is a project of Hare Krishna spiritual community located in Lesmahagow, Scotland. It is being developed as a holistic spiritual centre and low-impact eco project from seed to table. 

They are aiming for self-sufficiency, working to promote more peaceful and ethical lifestyle and offer a positive alternative to the consumerist worldview.

If you are align with these goals and would like to have a unique experience of life, don't hesitate in contacting them! They have lots of 5 stars reviews from previous volunteers, becoming one of the Top Hosts on Worldpackers.

Care for cats and dogs in India

Cat and dog lovers can have a relaxed, rewarding experience volunteering with Veronica in Arambol, India.

Veronica manages a small riverside community dedicated to caring for homeless cats and dogs. With dozens of animals to care for, there's always plenty of work to be done. Volunteers will help feed the cats and dogs and maintain their living spaces.

Members of the community live in tents and huts, with the community's focus being on their shared passion for helping the animals.

Be part of an NGO Organic Farm in The Philippines

And how about experiencing rural lifestyle in the Philippines by helping in an organic farm in the stunning island of Mindoro?

You have the chance to do so by joining Stairway Organic Farm, a land area located in a beautiful mountain setting around 450 meters above sea level in the village of Baclayan.

Stairway aims to inspire community members in sustainable and effective methods of agriculture. The farm plays a significant role in terms of food production as well as a venue for training and inspiration, especially for the children and youth in the community.

Did you like these ideas? Subscribe to the Worldpackers Community for free and start saving your favorite volunteer positions until you are ready to get verified.