CASA Ecologica Paraty

I have three guest houses on my property that I rent out on Airbnb and other sites. I am slowly incorporating ecological principals into the property and home with the intention of not only offering a more ecological experience for guests but also with the idea of creating a space that can be a model for other residents in terms of applying permaculture and ecological concepts to the urban area. Volunteers will be involved in preparation and reception of guests (occasionally), but mostly yard work, gardening, cleaning, wood work (sanding, staining), decorating, and maintenance. I will be putting together larger projects at certain times that will require volunteers with more experience in building and permaculture (adobe pizza oven, water capture, natural pool). I have a Master's degree in Agroecology and have worked for over 15 years in organic agriculture, but mostly in the certification area. I have a small garden that I am working to expand and volunteers looking to learn more about gardening are also welcome.

I grew up in Eugene, OR in the United States, but have been living in Brazil for around 20 years. I have been involved in various educational projects in Paraty (co-founder of the Waldorf school), a local currency project, school garden project and several popular cultural music groups. I expect volunteers to be resourceful and independent and to ask questions whenever they have doubts so that things can be done properly. However, whenever I can, I enjoy working with volunteers in the garden and on tasks. During my free time I enjoy having a nice dinner together, or go out for a drink or to see a band in town. I provide a bed in the shared annex (studio off the back of one of the guest houses) or in a tent. I provide a basic basket of food for cooking your own meals (breakfast and lunch). Also fruit and garden items can be consumed, and I have a trade with a local organic supplier with some credit for purchases by volunteers. The annex has a full kitchen and there are markets nearby. I have bikes for use by guest and volunteers. I prefer vegetarian or vegan volunteers, and someone looking for quiet and tranquility. We have a washer for the guest house that volunteers can use free of charge when available.