Earthwise Society has been a leader in sustainability initiatives for over 30 years.  Our programs contribute to the quality of life for BC residents by helping individuals and groups make choices that lead to sustainable stewardship of our natural resources and the environment.  Our programs target climate change, sustainable horticulture, and the protection of urban habitat through education and stewardship.  Our approach is based on the belief that individual choices do matter and that by working together with others in our community, we can create a sustainable future.   

Our community based programs educate people about the impacts of their actions on the environment and offer alternative choices that help save resources and reduce pollution.  The Earthwise Programs are based upon a  stewardship ethic which actively involves community volunteers in program delivery.  Working in partnership with a broad base of other organizations, the Earthwise programs not only contribute to environmental quality, but provide employment opportunities and health benefits for our community.

The Society operates the Boundary Bay Earthwise Garden and Farm on a two acre site in South Delta.  This beautiful and unique facility models sustainable land use practices and provides opportunities for active learning and stewardship.  The Earthwise Garden demonstrates how ecological landscape practices contribute to healthy and diversified urban ecosystems.  The Earthwise  Farm engages people of all ages in understanding where their food comes from, through education and participation in farm related activities.  Located at Vancouver’s urban edge, the Earthwise Farm demonstrates the environmental and social benefits of small scale organic farms in the context of urban regions.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Earthwise Society has a governing board of directors

PRESIDENT	Kathy Martin
VICE PRESIDENT	Gerry Redmond
TREASURER	Cheryl Davie
SECRETARY	Barb Coates
DIRECTOR AT LARGE	Jeff Norris
DIRECTOR AT LARGE	Sarah Sugiyama
DIRECTOR AT LARGE	Ryan Williams
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR	Patricia Fleming

OUR MISSION STATEMENT:

"Earthwise Society is a catalyst for the creation of a sustainable community through empowering individuals to take responsibility for social, economic and environmental well-being."
 

BRIEF HISTORY OF EARTHWISE:

In 1979,  a group of concerned Delta citizens founded the “Delta Recycling Project”  to set up community recycling depots in response to a garbage strike.   Depots were soon established throughout Delta and the Society was formally incorporated as Delta Recycling Society in 1983.   Delta Recycling Society (DRS) was a sustainability leader,   establishing the first blue box collection program in Western Canada in 1988.  During the early years,  the work of the society was intricately linked to providing employment opportunities for people with disabilities, through the Fair Chance to Work program.    In 1993,  the Society opened an intermediate multi material processing facility in Delta’s Tilbury Park. 

Delta Recycling Society was quick to learn that education is the key to engaging the community in responsible environmental actions.  The Society’s education programs initially focused on recycling education, but by the mid 1990’s had expanded to a broader focus on reduction and re-use,  the critical other 3R’s. 

In 1995  DRS opened a Compost Demonstration Garden at the site of the processing facility to raise awareness about organic waste recycling and to encourage  back yard composting.  Later renamed the “Earthwise Garden”, the unique, one acre display garden was the first of its kind in BC, demonstrating ecological land use and featuring native and drought tolerant plants.  Community allotment gardens were added in 1996, providing a unique green refuge in an industrial park where area workers could eat lunch,  stroll,  or grow food.  In 2001,  the Society was recognized by the BC Landscape and Nursery Association for leadership in Environmental Stewardship for the Earthwise Garden.  

By 2004,  North America’s recycling industry had grown into a mainstream business, and the Corporation of Delta made the decision to use a private recycling company and close the Tilbury facility.   The same year, DRS designed the McKittrick Garden in North Delta.   The following year the Society decided to change its name to DRS Earthwise Society,  to reflect its new focus on a broader range of environmental education and community stewardship initiatives.  

In 2006,  Earthwise Society began to work on a new demonstration project of sustainable landscape practices in South Delta.  Century Group generously provided the land for the project on a 20 year lease at a nominal fee.   Today,  the Boundary Bay Earthwise Garden and Farm features a one acre ecological demonstration garden,  65 allotment plots,  a two acre organic farm with year round production in a hoop house, a nursery,  and a farm store. 

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