Projecto Horta is an environmental program that maintains gardens in favelas (urban slums) around Rio. Most of the favelas in Rio lack planning or structure and are located on the hills and in the middle of the forest. A solution found for the overgrowing favelas was to create community gardens that offer usable green spaces for residents. This project’s garden is located inside a favela and residents can pay for produce if they are able or are free to take whatever they need from the garden. This project teaches residents to produce their own food in a sustainable and organic way and to educate people about healthy living and preservation of green areas. This project also uses recycled objects such as plastic drinks bottles to create and cultivate the garden. Volunteers can help with basic activities, such as planting, collecting plastic bottles, and organizing the garden. It involves hands-on work and new ideas are always welcome. NB This is only an example placement which is one of many offered by IVHQ in Brazil and not necessarily the one you will be working at.