Mission: We seek to reduce the organic waste misdirected into the garbage stream by encouraging neighbor participation and leadership in composting.
About: Earth Matter NY Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the art, science, and application of composting in and around New York City. Earth Matter NY accepts and processes food waste generated by NYC residents. Through a partnership with The Trust for Governors Island, we process all of the landscape waste and food waste generated by Island partners and visitors.
Location: Governors Island, NY
Shawn Garcia
Executive Director
Shawn Garcia is the Executive Director of Earth Matter NY, which advances community composting across New York City from its home on Governors Island. He joined the team in 2026, leading the organization through its first executive director transition since its founding 17 years ago, and brings more than 20 years of community organizing and nonprofit management experience.
Originally from East Harlem and the Bronx, Shawn traces much of his lived experience to growing up as a Puerto Rican kid in climate justice communities. His work centers on organizing and building leadership in historically marginalized and BIPOC communities across New York City.
Andrea Lieske
Zero Waste Island Manager
Andrea joined Earth Matter in 2013 as an apprentice and was fortunate enough to turn her passion for playing with microbes into a job. She has been an active composter and community garden member in Harlem since 2012, where she is a founding member of the compost group the Earth Picklers. Previously the director of our Zero Waste Island program, she currently serves as the Interim Acting Director of Earth Matter.
Kristine Dunn
Development Associate
Kris began working on development and communications projects at Earth Matter in 2025. During her path from an early career in public libraries and creative small businesses across the city, she developed a passion for community-focused work and sustainable operations. With years of experience building partnerships across NYC, Kris believes in helping individuals own their power to create lasting environmental change.