Hey! I'm Joaquim, and this summer I am volunteering with In The Same Boat, a Norwegian NGO dedicated to removing plastic pollution in the Arctic and Northern Europe. We are a crew of six volunteers and two skippers living aboard a sailboat in Northern Norway, above the Arctic Circle. Every day, we set out on missions to clean remote beaches and fjords, collecting plastics that are later processed into energy.

This experience has been incredibly meaningful to me. It empowers young people to become environmental stewards, brings together volunteers from around the world, and creates a lasting ripple effect when we return to our homes.

During my time here, I’ve learned so much — from boat maintenance and arctic ecosystems to appreciating local wildlife (the Minke whale is my favorite!). Most of all, I’m grateful for the platform that In The Same Boat has created, and for the incredible guidance of the full-time staff, who pass down an immense wealth of knowledge about sailing, the ocean, and sustainability. Their mentorship is what makes this experience truly special.

For those interested in the facts and figures:

We are a results-driven organization. Since its founding in 2017, In The Same Boat has removed more than 1,700,000 kilograms of marine litter. This massive effort benefits not just the Arctic but the health of the entire ocean system.

In July, our team of 8 was able to remove 12 tons of plastic from beaches, and we are currently projected to collect a similar tonnage for August. Our efficiency is thanks to the overall model of living aboard sailboats, which cuts down on our living costs and the time it takes to reach isolated hotspots.

I’m hoping to raise €10,000, which will go directly toward the NGO’s €100,000 operating costs for the winter season. This funding supports boat repairs and maintenance, skipper salaries, transportation and disposal of collected plastics, and equipment for volunteers.

One of our essential workboats, Dory (pictured above), urgently needs repairs to her keel and hydraulic system so she can continue hauling the 1.5-ton loads of trash she was designed for.

I deeply believe in this mission to keep our oceans plastic-free. Your donation will help ensure that future volunteers can have the same impact I’ve been fortunate to experience. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Together, we can keep this vital mission afloat!!!

To learn more about In the Same Boat, click here