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Good 4.18rating (74)
  • Climate Action

Circular Economy & Upcycling

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Innovation in Recycling! This creative solution demonstrates the potential for repurposing materials and encourages a shift towards more sustainable manufacturing practices.
  • Transform plastic, textile, and food waste into valuable resources, actively reducing pollution while promoting sustainable, eco-conscious habits across Lisbon.
  • Partner with local NGOs to redistribute essential resources to underprivileged communities, fostering social integration and ensuring support reaches those who need it most.

Highlights

  • Innovation in Recycling! This creative solution demonstrates the potential for repurposing materials and encourages a shift towards more sustainable manufacturing practices.
  • Transform plastic, textile, and food waste into valuable resources, actively reducing pollution while promoting sustainable, eco-conscious habits across Lisbon.
  • Partner with local NGOs to redistribute essential resources to underprivileged communities, fostering social integration and ensuring support reaches those who need it most.
  • Play a direct role in meaningful environmental and social initiatives, seeing firsthand how your contribution helps reduce waste, support vulnerable groups, and create measurable positive change.
  • Work alongside dedicated local NGOs and community partners who are actively driving sustainable solutions and social impact throughout Lisbon.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Engaged in upcycling and waste-reduction projects in Lisbon, assisting NGOs, giving items a second life, and supporting communities through sustainable initiatives

    The Circular Economy program gives you the chance to make a real difference for both people and the planet, while experiencing Lisbon in a unique and meaningful way. This project brings together several local NGOs and as a volunteer, you’ll help turn materials and food that might otherwise go to ...

    About the program

    The Circular Economy program gives you the chance to make a real difference for both people and the planet, while experiencing Lisbon in a unique and meaningful way. This project brings together several local NGOs and as a volunteer, you’ll help turn materials and food that might otherwise go to waste into something valuable, transforming single-use plastics into skateboards and paddles that connect sports with the community, upcycling fabrics into bags, clothes, and cushions, giving a second life to trash gathered from beaches and the ocean by turning it into practical, sustainable items and preparing essential supplies for vulnerable populations. You’ll also be part of initiatives that give clothes and other items, such as furniture, a second life, supporting underprivileged communities and promoting sustainability across the city.


    What to expect:

    • Make a Real Impact – Help protect the environment while directly supporting vulnerable communities in Lisbon.

    • Turn Waste into Purpose – Transform plastics into skateboards and paddles, upcycle fabrics into bags and clothing, and give ocean and beach waste a practical second life.

    • Support Those in Need – Prepare essential supplies and help redistribute clothes, furniture, and other items to underprivileged communities.

    • Experience Lisbon Differently – Connect with local NGOs, communities, and creative initiatives in a hands-on, meaningful way.

    • Be Part of the Circular Movement – Actively contribute to a more sustainable, resourceful, and socially inclusive city.


    Daily Tasks:

    • Separating and shredding plastic
    • Collecting and sorting recyclable materials
    • Creating new products from upcycled materials
    • Packaging and distributing donated goods
    • Learning how to craft new pieces from recycled resources
    • Sorting donated items
    • Labeling products
    • Organizing and arranging the space

    Are you ready to join?

    Typical day

    A Typical day would be:

    After the initial orientation, you will have an afternoon shift at your placement and will work for approximately 3 to 5 hours per day. Please note that start times and daily workload depends on the project that you are participating in. 

    08:00 | Breakfast begins at Impact ...

    Typical day

    A Typical day would be:

    After the initial orientation, you will have an afternoon shift at your placement and will work for approximately 3 to 5 hours per day. Please note that start times and daily workload depends on the project that you are participating in. 

    08:00 | Breakfast begins at Impact Beach House, available until 10 am

    10:15 | Travel to placement by train to join local placement staff and begin work on your project, or enjoy a free morning.  

    12:30 |  Lunch is served at the accommodation or take-away if you want to go somewhere else                                

    13:30 | Travel to placement by train to join local placement staff and begin work on your project, or enjoy a free afternoon.

    19:00 | Dinner at the volunteers' accommodation with the other volunteers. After dinner, you will have the remainder of the evening free to relax and use as you wish

    Please note that the actual schedule can change :)

    Free-time activities

    Lisbon is near the beach, near the mountain and is a great starting point to get to travel the rest of the country.

    Enjoy climbing in Arrábida, festivals all around the summer, diving in Peniche, Hiking in Monsanto, visit some of the best museums in Europe in Lisbon and Porto, join for a Horse ride ...

    Free-time activities

    Lisbon is near the beach, near the mountain and is a great starting point to get to travel the rest of the country.

    Enjoy climbing in Arrábida, festivals all around the summer, diving in Peniche, Hiking in Monsanto, visit some of the best museums in Europe in Lisbon and Porto, join for a Horse ride at the beach (like in the movies!), visit the fantastic zoo in the Capital, join a great variety of sports at your choice, enjoy swimming and water sports at the pool or at the beach (warning: the water is cold) and participate in yoga classes in relaxing places.

    We can help you with anything you might want to do in your free time.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (intermediate level)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10:00 - 18:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    - Pick up at the international airport in Lisbon & transfer to the accommodation - on Sunday 

    On Sunday, the ImpacTrip team will be at the airport waiting for you with a big sign and a smile on our face! :)


    If you arrive prior to the Sunday, you will still be able to receive an airport pickup and our team can transport you to the accommodation, but you will need to pay an extra fee for this service.

    - Accommodation at a dormitory at an impactful hostel, female dormitory, or mixed dormitory

    - Three meals a day everyday: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (Local style. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and meals for lactose-intolerant are also available upon request)

    - Shared use of a common room, outdoor area, garden, and free WIFI

    - Orientation event on arrival (including an introduction to Portugal and culture, volunteer experience, an overview of programs, practical information, safety guidelines)

    - SIM card

    - Guided city tour

    - The best tips to discover the city!

    - Allocation and coordination of a work placement in an impactful non-profit project

    - Introduction on the first day of volunteering

    - Ongoing support throughout the stay

    - 24h/7 emergency support

    Airport Pickup at Lisbon Portela Airport

    On Sunday, the ImpacTrip team will be at the airport waiting for you with a big sign and a smile on their face! :)

    If you arrive prior to Sunday, you will still be able to receive an airport pickup and our team can transport you to the accommodation, but you will need to pay an extra fee for this service.

    We will reach out to you by WhatsApp a few days before your start date to connect :)

    Accommodation

    Volunteers will stay accommodated in a in a dormitory-style sustainable hostel in Estoril.

    Estoril is a beach town, a 30 min train ride from Lisbon city centre!

    And the hostel is a 5 min walk from the train station

    This sustainable hotel has dormitory-style rooms accommodating from 6-14 participants (single gender) and private rooms (available for upgrades upon request. Bathrooms are shared).

    Wi-fi is freely available in the hostel, and of course in many cafe's and restaurants.

    Around the house there are big common areas to relax and meet other people from all over the world.

    We are extremely dedicated to its sustainable concept, making it an integrated part of how this hostel works and the experience that you will have.

    Feel free to ask us about our environmental measures and to give us new ideas!

    Food & Beverages

    All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are included on the program fees. 

    Portuguese food is delicious and during your time, you will be sure to receive some incredible treats.

    The meals are prepared daily by local cooks who use fresh local ingredients to offer volunteers the best of typical Portuguese dishes.

    Volunteers are provided with three meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner).

    Volunteers will have access to a shared kitchen that they can use to cook!

    Lunch and Dinner will include local staples such as fish and chicken, as well as rice, pasta, vegetables and salad.

    Breakfast is self-served at the accommodation and generally includes tea, coffee, bread, cheese, ham, spreads, cereal, yogurt and fruit

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    Add-ons & Experiences
    Surf Lessons
    Learn from the best with a 90-minute lesson at Carcavelos or Guincho.
    $42 / per day

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) in Lisbon. We assist you to find cheap flights to Portugal. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Portugal provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Portugal you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Portugal. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    This program starts every Sunday.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $948 per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    1 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.2
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    •
    2025
    I ended up staying in the program for a week. I loved working with the cats and the people there, who were all really sweet. The program ...
    •
    2024
    I recommend this experience to absolutely anyone, it was the best of my life. The first week my placement was in a Skatepark in Cascais, so ...
    Alba Gala Torrero

    Child & Youth Supporter

    •
    2024
    Stayed 2 weeks in October 2024. Warm welcomed by a dynamic and enthusiastic team. Clear and detailed information provided. Good location, ...
    Eliane BURLAC

    Child & Youth Supporter

    •
    2024
    This stay in Barcelona was amazing. To be able to discover a city and to work at the same time is a great thing for me. I worked in a cat ...

    Location

    Europe > Southern Europe > Portugal > Estoril

    Meet your project coordinator

    Cristiana
    74
    reviews
    4.18
    Good
    2015
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: Portuguese, Spanish, English
    Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

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    Contact Cristiana
      Good response rate
    Portuguese, Spanish, English

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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