As the year winds down, our Earth Matter staff reflect on what makes us JOYFUL.
“Working for Earth Matter gives me the opportunity of being a key player in changing the way New Yorkers think about organic waste and its critical role in solving many of the global environmental challenges that the world is currently facing.”
Alberto Carreras, BOP Shell Collection Program Manager
“What brings me joy is being immersed in the warm steam of a compost pile in the cold air as as I turn it.”
Andrea Lieske, Zero Waste Island Coordinator
“There’s joy when a visitor’s face lights up with the understanding that compost is all about the renewal of life.”
Charlie Bayrer, Compost Manager
“I am joyful to see our partner restaurants’ eagerness to work on this project with us. And the free coffee they give us. And Jordi.”
Devin Reitsma, BOP Shell Collection Driver
“I work with fantastic people who make a positive impact on the environment of New York City, and who collaborate and teach and groom the community composting leaders of tomorrow … all while providing one of the best destinations on Governors Island.”
Ilyse Kazar, Project Administrator
“I find joy discovering what organisms are alive and active in Earth Matter Compost Devices and identifying how that communicates the current conditions of the device.”
Infinitae Stockton, NYC Service Organics Corp Member
“I get joy in the thought that my work will have a positive impact on New York Harbor’s ecosystem.”
Jordi Wheeler, BOP Shell Collection Driver
“I love working with volunteers and introducing them to the composting cycle by taking care of our animals. I also love being surrounded by people that are making a difference in the planet.”
Kim Tateo, Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator
“The more I look and feel and touch and experiment alongside microbes and macro organisms that are decomposing organic matter contributing to balancing our planet, the more wonder and awe they inspire in me and I want to get to know and understand them better.”
Marisa DeDominicis, Director
“Disembarking from the ferry onto a niche of the city where zero-waste is in the atmosphere, I enjoy playing an integral part in responsibly recycling organic refuse back into our ecosystem through composting.”
Syed Arif Mumtaz, Field Assistant