Earth Matter seeks to reduce the organic waste misdirected into the garbage stream by encouraging neighbor participation and leadership in composting. We see that there is one soil, one air, and one water, all commonly held and stewarded by one people, the nurturance of which is critical to a verdant world. Organic waste should not be part of modern landfills because the waste of any process is food for other processes. By redirecting these organic materials, we recover resources and reuse them to create a rich soil amendment while educating the public about full circle sustainability.

The ZWI Initiative was formalized in 2017 with the goal of implementing sustainable closed-loop waste management practices on Governors Island to drive down the waste generated and exported off the island. Earth Matter oversees the collection of organics and composting on Governors Island and works closely with the Trust for Governors Island, Island vendors, partners, event producers, and the public towards that goal.

Participants will:

– Develop professional skills, build partnerships, and participate in zero waste events

We are looking for folks who:

– Are reliable, punctual, and self-motivated
– Are interested in acquiring green job skills and learning best practices for Zero Waste in the City and beyond
– Have a basic knowledge of composting, recycling, and waste reduction and/or are eager to learn more
– Enjoy working outdoors and with the public
– Are able and excited to motivate and lead diverse groups
– Have the ability to lift up to 40 lbs., perform physical tasks, including moderate periods of standing
– Are willing to work in all weather conditions
– Can ride a tricycle - or are willing to learn! (this is how we transport supplies and materials around the Island)

Through participating in this program, participants will gain:

– A Zero Waste Internship Certificate (200 hours)
– Skills in organics management/collection

This program runs in two 15-week sessions - total of 200 hours:

Cohort 1: Late April to early August - APPLICATION CLOSED
Cohort 2: July 29th - Nov 1st

Hours: 9am – 2:30pm
*Start time is the launch time of the ferry you arrive on, the end time is the time you leave Earth Matter site/other work site*

Earth Matter NY is located on Governors Island, which is only accessible by ferry. The ferry departs from Lower Manhattan at 10 South Street, NY 10004.  The Earth Matter site is about a 20-minute walk from the Governors Island Ferry Landing.

Interns should come dressed to work outside, in clothing they don’t mind getting dirty. Earth Matter will provide overboots, gloves and aprons and other materials to protect you during this work. Interns may want a sturdy jacket, boots or other closed-toed shoes, a hat for sunny days, a water bottle and lunch/snacks, as options for food are limited on Governors Island.