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
Andrea Lieske
Interim Executive Director
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.