Earth Matters is an environmental program based in Nelson, BC. Earth Matters aims to support a socially just and environmentally sustainable community through our ECO Centre, Recycling Service, relevant workshops, accessible resources, knowledgeable staff, training programs, meaningful volunteer opportunities and our stewardship of two vibrant demonstration gardens. Our mission is to inspire and support lifestyles that are environmentally responsible and beneficial to human health.
Earth Matters projects and initiatives promote the values of environmental stewardship and responsibility, social justice, community, partnership building,
and economic viability.
Since 1995, we have been developing and implementing innovative, experiential education and community development programs. These programs have particularly focused on youth environmental stewardship while offering meaningful work experience and unique opportunities for youth to increase their employability, self-esteem, interpersonal effectiveness, and capacity to effect change in their own community.
In 2008, the Earth Matters Program expanded beyond Youth Initiatives to include a wider range of environmental initiatives such as sustainable social enterprises. These enterprises offer ongoing work opportunities for people experiencing barriers to employment. Today, we successfully operate two successful social enterprises in Nelson, BC. The Earth Matters Recycling Service collects recyclables from Nelson businesses and apartments on a weekly basis. And the Earth Matters ECO Centre sells a range of products that support environmentally sustainable lifestyles and provides education and support for those looking to invest in a ECO future.