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Help Build a Compost Toilet on Our Off-Grid Land

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(19 reviews)19

The experience

Are you interested in sustainable living and eco-friendly construction? Join us on our off-grid land to help design and build a compost toilet! This project is perfect for someone who enjoys hands-on work and wants to contribute to sustainable solutions in a natural setting surrounded by cats.

What you offer

25 hours of help per week

Building & Repairing: Help with a wide range of repairs or building.

Additional fee required

Amount: € 35 Per week

Fee pays for: Donation to project

Description: We request a small donation because our project is still in early stages. Volunteers sleep in tents, the kitchen leaks when it rains, and showers are cold. Hosting people costs us food, materials, and time we don’t have. The donation helps cover basics, support the animals, and attract committed volunteers who understand our harsh, survival-mode conditions and truly want to help.

What you get

2 days off per week

Tent: You will sleep in a tent at a camping site.

Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.

Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.

Dinner: You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.

Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.

Bikes at your disposal: You can use our bikes any time you want.

Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.

Basic Internet Access: Basic speed internet for you to work remotely

Requirements

Beginner English or Beginner Portuguese

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

We are looking for proactive people with basic construction skills and who care for nature and are willing to live with it, not against it.
There will be furry friends wherever you go, that is the way our land gained its name- CatsVille. Its important to us that volunteers treat the cats that roam our land with respect.
We are off the grid, so be prepared for a rustic lifestyle without constant access to electricity or Wi-Fi and with cold showers.
Off Grid in our case means we are reliant on our solar panels for electricity and we get water from our well or the waterfountain in the town nearby. We aim to be as resourceful as we can. We provide a bucket toilet to each person to use in their tent and we also have a toilet tent with a chemical camping toilet for the volunteers who prefer that option. The luxury at CatsVille is living together with nature.
Outside work time you’ll have a chance to truly unwind, enjoy the fresh air, and connect with other like-minded travelers.
You can bring a tent to camp, sleep in your own vehicle or if you can't bring your own tent, sleeping bag and pillow I can provide for you.

Activities & Shift

The work schedule will depend on the time of the year. You'll be assisting in the design and construction of a compost toilet using sustainable, natural materials from our land to create a practical, eco-friendly facility for everyone.

Rules

Work Ethic & Attitude

You are expected to work hard and stay focused during work hours.

We live in “survival mode” with harsh conditions — our well-being and the animals’ depends on everyone doing their part.

We value people with good intentions, honesty, and a positive mindset.

Manipulative behaviour or attempts to take advantage of the project will not be tolerated.


Behaviour & Safety

No smoking, alcohol, drugs, or mind-altering substances on the property.

No stealing or disrespectful behaviour.

Any behaviour that makes my family, other volunteers, or animals uncomfortable may result in immediate dismissal.

Security cameras are in place for everyone’s safety.


Living Conditions & Shared Spaces

Volunteers using the tents or bucket toilet must keep them clean and leave them exactly as they were found.

Keep the kitchen and all common areas clean after use.

You may only take food provided during meal times — no taking food outside these times unless given permission.

Respect everyone’s privacy. Do not enter private spaces, including other volunteers’ tents and all family areas.


Animal Welfare

Show respect, care, and gentleness toward all animals.

Follow instructions closely when handling or feeding animals.

Report any injuries, illnesses, or concerns immediately.


Boundaries & Communication

If you are unsure about a task, rule, or boundary, you are always welcome to ask.

Do not enter restricted areas without permission.

Clear communication is expected — ask before doing anything you’re unsure about.


Termination

Any violation of these rules may lead to the volunteer being asked to leave immediately.