Are you passionate about the environment and looking for an adventure off the beaten track? Look no further. Airbnb is offering a few lucky people the rare opportunity to join a research expedition in one of the most mysterious and isolated places on earth: Antarctica.
We’re not being paid to post this, we just think it’s a really cool opportunity—especially since it focuses on plastic pollution instead of Italian tourism, like Airbnb’s last sabbatical trip. So if you want to get involved in the fight against plastic pollution, here’s an all-expenses paid chance to do so.
The one month sabbatical offers five people the chance to become “citizen scientists” and study the impact of microplastics in Antarctica. The trip, in partnership with Ocean Conservancy, will contribute to research that will ultimately be used for education and advocacy efforts highlighting the issue of plastic pollution.
Kirstie Jones-Williams, an environmental scientist researching the impact of microplastics on polar marine zooplankton in Antarctica will lead the group of citizen scientists.
“Most people think of Antarctica as a pristine and isolated continent, but recent evidence shows that even the most remote locations are affected by plastic pollution,” said Jones-Williams. “This expedition will help us understand the pathways of microplastics to remote regions such as Antarctica and comes at a critical time to highlight our responsibility to protect our natural world.”
With Jones-Williams’ guidance, the citizen scientists will share their findings with the world and provide insights about how the Airbnb community, and others, can minimize their plastic pollution footprint, a press release said.
There are no formal requirements. All you need is an adventurous spirit, passion for the environment, a desire to understand the environmental impact humans have on the planet, and to fill out the application!