Hands-On Upcycling Experience
Hands-On Upcycling Experience
By reimagining items that might otherwise end up in landfills, upcycling not only helps conserve natural resources but also sparks innovation and environmental awareness. Beyond its environmental benefits, this initiative also fosters collaboration, creativity, and skill-sharing within the community.
In this project, you will contribute by helping to transform reclaimed materials into objects with new and creative purposes. An opportunity to take part in initiatives that create both social and environmental impact, fostering creativity while supporting a more sustainable future.
Project Highlights:
- Hands-On Upcycling Experience
Volunteers take an active role in transforming reclaimed furniture and materials into useful, beautiful items — giving discarded objects a new life and purpose.
- Furniture Revival Projects
Join creative restoration sessions where old furniture is repaired, redesigned, and repurposed for donation or community use, blending craftsmanship with sustainability.
- Creative Skill-Building Workshops
Learn practical upcycling techniques — from basic repairs to artistic redesign — while sharing knowledge and ideas with fellow volunteers in a supportive, collaborative setting.
- Community Impact Through Creativity
Your efforts directly support local communities by providing upcycled goods to those in need and promoting sustainable lifestyles through hands-on volunteerism.
- Volunteer for a Greener Future
Be part of a movement that connects people through creativity and purpose — every item you help upcycle contributes to reducing waste and inspiring positive environmental change.
What to Expect:
- Furniture Revival: Get hands-on restoring reclaimed furniture and give them a new purpose
- Creative Workshops: Take part in upcycling sessions where materials are reused to craft unique items and help encourage others to think sustainably.
- Social & Environmental Action: Join projects that aim to address social challenges and environmental challenges through creativity and collaboration.
- Community Engagement: Engage directly with community-driven efforts to upcycle and donate items to those in need, and help promote projects through social platforms to widen outreach.
Daily Tasks:
- Furniture Upcycling: Restore and transform used furniture to give it a new purpose and, hopefully, a new home.
- Upcycling Workshops: Support hands-on sessions where participants learn to creatively reuse materials and craft new items.
- Social and Environmental Projects: Contribute to initiatives focused on community impact and sustainability.
- Project Promotion: Help share and promote various upcycling and community projects through social media platforms.
- Community Atelier: Take part in collaborative projects where upcycled objects are created and distributed to people in need.
Included
- Pick up at the international airport in Porto & transfer to the accommodation on Sunday
- Accommodation at a centre-located hostel in female or mixed dormitories. Bed sheets are provided. Shared use of common spaces and free WIFI
- Three meals a day everyday: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (Local style. Vegetarian, gluten-free and meals for lactose-intolerant are also available upon request)
- Orientation event on arrival (including introduction to Portugal and its culture, volunteer experience, overview of programs, practical information, safety guidelines)
- Guided city tour and 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 by phone or personally
- Limited coverage civil liability insurance.
Do I have to pay money for volunteering?+
You are not paying for your volunteer work itself but for your stay with us overall. The costs for your program further include various elements that are part of your stay such as your accommodation, food, transportation from the airport, guided city tour, local coordination and 24/7 support for emergencies. Check the "Included" section of the program you want to choose for complete information!
Do I need to speak the local language?+
No, you don't need to have any previous skills in the local language! All of our programs are run entirely in English and our guides and staff are all comfortable speaking English as well. However, we always encourage our participants to get acquainted with some of the most basic terms and expressions, as even just a simple "Good morning!" in the local language can be a great icebreaker to start interacting with the locals! There are also language lessons available for volunteers that can be booked before or upon arrival.
How and when do I get my volunteer certificate?+
You can request your volunteer certificate to ImpacTrip or the local coordinator at the end of your program.
How many people will be I be volunteering with?+
Depending on your program and project, you might be joined by other ImpacTrip volunteers, but usually, you’ll either be on your own or with local volunteers. It's a fantastic opportunity to connect with locals and immerse yourself in the community and its lifestyle!
How much money should I bring to my program?+
Once you've booked your program, be sure to reach out to your local coordinator to get the scoop on the cost of living in your destination—it can differ quite a bit! And don't forget to budget for public transportation, emergencies, airport drop-off, snacks, fun activities, and a bit of local shopping. Happy planning!
What is the minimum age to participate in this program? 16+
The minimum age to participate in this program is 16 years old. However, if you are under 18 years old, you need to have your parents formal consent.
Will I have time for some sight-seeing as well?+
Of course! We want you to really get to know your natural and cultural surroundings and will provide you with useful tips and tricks that will help you discover the location of your stay like a local.
Your shifts will generally last between 3 and 5 hours per day and will take place either in the morning, in the afternoon or in the evening, which will leave you with plenty of free time to go explore, take a stroll around your surroundings, catch the most important sites, interact with the locals or simply go and relax! And of course, you will have your weekends off as well!
