Volunteers who love the outdoors, are happy to work with their hands and are interested in sustainability and environmental issues affecting New Orleans. The project is only available for groups of 8+. Please contact our Group Support Team for more details. For individual volunteers or smaller groups, check out this similar project in San Juan.

Project details

Curious about being an Environmental Sustainability volunteer in USA - New Orleans? International Volunteer HQ’s Environmental Sustainability project is an exciting opportunity for volunteers to help protect precious ecosystems tied to the Mississippi Delta and tackle the potentially devastating effects of climate change. Volunteers gain hands-on experience with a focus on sustainability, recycling and community education that all helps give New Orleans a better, greener and healthier future.

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

New Orleans is surrounded by wetlands – one of the most threatened biomes in the USA – and facing rising sea levels, intensified heat waves and plastic pollution. Volunteers can make a meaningful difference by helping with environmental initiatives that ultimately help protect valuable ecosystems tied to the Mississippi Delta.

The Environmental Sustainability project takes a multi-pronged approach to this by focusing on sustainability, recycling and educational initiatives that help green spaces to thrive. These efforts help not only the local ecosystem but serve to beautify communities and enrich the lives of those who live there by providing pleasant natural areas.

As an Environmental Sustainability volunteer you will work in community gardens, public parks, recycling warehouses or urban farms to assist sustainability initiatives. Your duties will vary depending on your placement and their specific focus at the time, but you could be involved in a range of tasks including:

Planting trees
Removing invasive species
Sorting and recycling second hand housing materials
Building urban trails
Maintaining drainage areas
Workshops to encourage sustainable living

It’s important to note this project predominantly involves working outside and you should keep this in mind for the time of year you are choosing to volunteer. You should come prepared for the seasonal weather and be particularly aware that summer in New Orleans can be very hot.

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Cities account for approximately 70% of global carbon emissions and over 60% of resource use, with low-socioeconomic areas hit hardest by overburdened infrastructure and worsening pollution. Cities must evolve to provide better access to basic services for all, including housing, transportation and clean air.

Why do Environmental Sustainability volunteering in New Orleans with IVHQ?

As an Environmental Sustainability volunteer in New Orleans you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

Helping protect the environment and precious natural resources
Educating local communities about sustainable living
Learning about the effects of climate change
Developing your communication skills
Gaining sustainability experience
Exploring New Orleans and Louisiana

Volunteer requirements

Volunteers aged over 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.

All volunteers must speak English and have adequate volunteer travel insurance.

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Who is going?

Group video calls

Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.

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IVHQ Environmental Sustainability project

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IVHQ Environmental Sustainability project

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Environmental Sustainability volunteer in USA

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Academic course credit

Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!

Learn about course credit

Location

Volunteer Abroad in the USA, New Orleans with IVHQ

Location

The IVHQ USA volunteer program has volunteer placements located in the neighborhoods around New Orleans, the largest city in the state of Louisiana.

New Orleans is a place like no other. It’s one of the most vibrant cities in the world and famed for its live music, festivals, food, nightlife, friendly locals, blend of cultural influences and buzzing atmosphere.

Whether you are looking for short term volunteer opportunities, or longer volunteer vacations in the USA, the IVHQ New Orleans volunteer program can support you to make a positive difference while experiencing everything that this iconic city has to offer.

Arrival and orientation

A general program orientation will be held prior to your project starting and the timing for this will be advised based on your specific schedule. Your orientation typically covers an introduction to New Orleans, reflection on the importance of volunteering, code of conduct and expectations, transportation and safety instructions, and an overview of the week.

After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) in New Orleans.

Volunteer schedule example

As your group schedule will be customized based on your choice of package and customizations, this will be finalized ahead of your arrival in New Orleans.

Typically a 1 week schedule will have you arrive on Sunday, volunteer Monday - Friday, and depart Saturday.

Weekdays

Volunteer schedules vary based on the organization you’re placed with and the time of year. A typical volunteer day may look like:

8:00 - 9:00 AM	After breakfast, travel to placement to join the local staff. Receive a project-specific briefing and begin work on your project.
12:00 - 1:00 PM	Your project will likely finish at lunchtime. Depending on your choice of package you may have lunch included, or you’re free to enjoy some of the local dining options.
1:00 - 5:00 PM	Depending on your choice of package, you may have cultural or sightseeing activities planned. Otherwise take this opportunity to relax or explore this vibrant city independently.
Evenings:	You’ll either have dinners included, or you’ll be free to choose from one of the many great local dining and entertainment options New Orleans offers.

Weekends and Free Time

You’ll have the chance to truly explore New Orleans in your free time. This Louisianian city is the home of all that’s good in life - mouthwatering food, soulful music and fun loving, welcoming people. The fusion of Cajun, Creole, French, and African influences have made this resilient American city a unique place to visit today. Start by exploring the French Quarter, the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans, famous for its grand architecture and lively street life. Discover Treme, the city’s brass band powerhouse and cultural pulse. Make the most of Crescent Park which stretches 1.4 miles along the riverfront and enjoy the bike lanes which run from the Bywater to the Marigny. Watch the transformation of Bourbon Street at twilight as the home of jazz comes alive and the live music starts up. Or, head further afield and take in the wild backwaters, Mississippi River, and vast sugarcane fields on a swamp tour.

You’ll have worked up quite an appetite by then, so sit back and recharge with a feast of shrimp gumbo, or maybe just a bite of a po’boy sandwich or a spoonful of jambalaya.

And, don’t think Mardi Gras or the Jazz Fest are the only times the city’s in the festival swing. Be ready to make the most of the impromptu, authentic festivals and parades that pop up across the city most weekends. It’s an expression of the strong community spirit and thriving arts community.

But most importantly come to New Orleans with an open mind and ready to embrace the city’s motto, ‘laissez les bon temps rouler’, which translates to ‘let the good times roll’.

Accommodation and WiFi

Volunteers are accommodated in gender-specific dormitory accommodation - either at a volunteer housing facility or public hostel (subject to package choice). Separate or private accommodations can be arranged for group chaperones.

The standard accommodations will have shared bathroom facilities which will vary according to the specific housing your group is assigned.

Meals

As one of the culinary capitals of the United States, you’ll quickly fall in love with the unique cuisine of New Orleans that reflects the city’s French, African and American roots.

Your choice of package will determine the meals you receive as part of your program fee. Many accommodations will also offer the option to prepare your own meals.

Please let us know in your application if you have specific dietary requirements.

IVHQ Volunteer accommodation social area in New Orleans, USA

Typical volunteer hostel accommodation

IVHQ USA New Orleans volunteer accommodation

Typical volunteer hostel accommodation

IVHQ Volunteer accommodation kichen and dining room in New Orleans, USA

Typical volunteer hostel accommodation

IVHQ Volunteer accommodation shared bedroom in New Orleans, USA

Typical volunteer hostel accommodation

Shared IVHQ volunteer bedroom in New Orleans, USA accommodation

Typical volunteer hostel accommodation

IVHQ Volunteer accommodation bedroom upgrade in New Orleans, USA

Typical volunteer hostel accommodation

Upgraded IVHQ volunteer bedroom in New Orleans, USA accommodation

Typical volunteer hostel accommodation

IVHQ Volunteer bed in New Orleans, USA accommodation

Typical volunteer hostel accommodation

IVHQ New Orleans, USA Volunteer accommodation lockers

Typical volunteer hostel accommodation