Drop-off Reservations

NEWS

The Exchange Alternate Intake and Sales Days

Updated 8/11/20: Big thanks to the community for your support of The Exchange and our Covid safety protocol. We know...
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Exchange Loses Outlet for Excess Clothing; Forced to Limit Intake

The Exchange has always received A LOT of clothes. A lot of bedding. Towels. Bags and shoes. Textiles. Way more...
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The Loft Gallery at The Exchange

We always get the occasional really special item at The Exchange. We also often get calls to assist when a...
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New Exchange “Locals Only” Online Store!

Ever since we re-opened the The Exchange in 2017, we have been experimenting with online sales. We started out with...
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INSPIRATION

A “Good” Clothing Option

The Exchange continues to have some limitations on accepting clothing donations and we understand this, in turn, effects our customers’...
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ORS Responds To Racial Injustice

“It is ORS policy that all decisions involving any aspect of the employment relationship will be made without regard to...
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Consider The Exchange When Making Life Changes

Transitions in life can be difficult. Whether it’s a move, a death in the family, or a need to downsize,...
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Sew4ZeroWaste Helps Coordinate Orcas Mask Makers

Sew4ZeroWaste is a sewing and recycling craft workshop run by Asifa Pasin, a Board Member at ORS/The Exchange. The group...
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KNOWLEDGE

August Recycling Tip: No Plastic Film

This summer, you may meet one of our Recycling Docents at the Orcas Transfer Station when you drop off your...
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The Value of Docents at the Transfer Station

Our docents are back on duty at the Z-wall where you drop off your recyclable materials. We started this program...
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July Recycling Tip

July Recycling Tip: Take your recycling efforts up a notch and separate your aluminum cans! For years, we've been collecting...
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Next Household Hazardous Waste Round-up: Saturday, September 26

The next Household Hazardous Waste Round-up will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, September 26th. Items that...
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Ever think about what happens to your Garbage afte

Ever think about what happens to your Garbage after it's "out of sight"? Read on to better understand the goal for zero waste on Orcas!

1. We push all the garbage into 48-foot long containers that hold up to 24 tons. We cover the trailers with a heavy tarp, and set it out in the yard for pick-up.

2. Our friends at Orcas Freight then pick up these garbage containers, and take them to the mainland on the ferry.

3. Orcas Freight drives them to a rail yard in Burlington, just off highway 20, on Farm To Market road.

4. Full containers are lifted off the truck trailer, and set on flat rail cars. At this point they become the property of Allied Waste/Republic Services, one of the biggest garbage companies in the Country. Allied/Republic then transports the garbage over the mountains to the tiny place called Roosevelt, in eastern Washington. A huge landfill, about a mile from the Columbia River, is the final resting place for your garbage. 350 miles from Orcas.
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

“Bicycle, bicycle, bicycle I want to ride my bic

“Bicycle, bicycle, bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle, bicycle, bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my bike
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride it where I like” -Queen
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#bicyclesongs #orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Tools of summer. What garden or landscaping tool h

Tools of summer. What garden or landscaping tool have you been using the most during Summer 2020?
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Seen these signs by the recycling bins? Separating

Seen these signs by the recycling bins? Separating out the right kind of cardboard (and aluminum cans) really helps with waste management costs! Docents and staff are happy to explain more and answer any questions!
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Come shop safely with us tomorrow (Saturday) 10am-

Come shop safely with us tomorrow (Saturday) 10am-4pm!
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

This gorgeous Hot Ice Pottery is available on our

This gorgeous Hot Ice Pottery is available on our Locals Only Online Store.
https://exchange-store.shopsettings.com/Hot-Ice-Pottery-p199688175
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Great piece of art! . . . #orcasisland #sanjuanisl

Great piece of art!
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Safety first. . . . #orcasisland #sanjuanislands #

Safety first.
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #covid19safety #maskup

We are closed today but you can still do some virt

We are closed today but you can still do some virtual shopping on one of our two online stores!
http://www.exchangeorcas.org/online-sales/
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Learn more about what’s going on with our clothi

Learn more about what’s going on with our clothing recycling stream. http://www.exchangeorcas.org/exchange-loses-outlet-for-excess-clothing-forced-to-limit-intake/
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Love recycling? Consider becoming a docent at the

Love recycling? Consider becoming a docent at the Transfer Station this summer!
http://www.exchangeorcas.org/the-value-of-docents-at-the-transfer-station/
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Check out the July Recycling Tip. [Hint: It has to

Check out the July Recycling Tip. [Hint: It has to do with aluminum!]
http://www.exchangeorcas.org/july-recycling-tip/
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #recyclealuminum

A BIG THANK YOU to our staff for keeping things sa

A BIG THANK YOU to our staff for keeping things safe!
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

This view. . . . #orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zer

This view.
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

What’s been your best book 📚 find at The Exch

What’s been your best book 📚 find at The Exchange?
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

The next Household Hazardous Waste event will be S

The next Household Hazardous Waste event will be September 26th! Take a look at what we can and cannot accept.
http://www.exchangeorcas.org/household-hazardous-waste/
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Support The Exchange by Checking out this Special

Support The Exchange by Checking out this Special Auction!

We recently helped a family transition off of Orcas. They had a very large art collection we helped appraise and distribute. Many of the items were valuable and not practical to sell locally and are part of a LIVE auction showcasing some beautiful Northwest Fine Arts & Native Americana pieces. The auction ends at 5pm PT on tomorrow (6/25). You can browse and bid on items here:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/171171_northwest-fine-arts-and-native-americana/?page=2
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Head to our Story and find out how to help us keep

Head to our Story and find out how to help us keep this from happening!
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#beadocent #orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #recycleright

Just a reminder that tomorrow is a “Drop-off by

Just a reminder that tomorrow is a “Drop-off by Reservation Only” day. Reservations are currently full but while you’re getting ready for a future drop-off appointment, make sure you’ve read all our updated rules on what we do, and do not, accept.
http://www.exchangeorcas.org/accept-do-not-accept-list/
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

We are OPEN tomorrow from 10am-4pm for SHOPPERS ON

We are OPEN tomorrow from 10am-4pm for SHOPPERS ONLY! Please bring your face mask and be patient as we work through all the new processes to keep everyone healthy and safe!
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

We are reopening on Thursday (with changes), but d

We are reopening on Thursday (with changes), but don’t forget you can still shop online and find some amazing items!
www.exchangeorcas.org/online-sales
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Read what some locals have been doing to provide P

Read what some locals have been doing to provide PPE to our community.
http://www.exchangeorcas.org/orcas-mask-makers/
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

WE'RE REOPENING JUNE 18th!! We'll have some new pr

WE'RE REOPENING JUNE 18th!! We'll have some new procedures in place - like alternate intake and sales days, a drop-off reservation system, and mask requirements for shopping. So please make sure you tap the #linkinbio and thoroughly read through all the details. We can't wait to see everyone!
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

This hand-crafted bedroom set is available on our

This hand-crafted bedroom set is available on our LOCALS ONLY online store! Take a look at it and other items available to islanders.
https://exchange-store.shopsettings.com/Beautiful-hand-crafted-bedroom-set-p200018990
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

#tbt to that Swap Meet 2 years ago. . . . #orcasis

#tbt to that Swap Meet 2 years ago.
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

The next Household Hazardous Waste Roundup is set

The next Household Hazardous Waste Roundup is set for September 26th! Get it on your calendar!
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

A preview of one of the items in the Loft Gallery

A preview of one of the items in the Loft Gallery at The Exchange. Stay tuned for the re-opening plan!
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #exchangeloftgallery

The formal Great Islands Clean Up was canceled thi

The formal Great Islands Clean Up was canceled this year, but some islanders still made the magic happen...and we're so grateful to you all!
http://www.exchangeorcas.org/islanders-keep-great-islands-clean-up-alive/
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Hope everyone is having a great MDW at home or saf

Hope everyone is having a great MDW at home or safely social distancing!
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

It’s Thursday... and you know what that means...

It’s Thursday... and you know what that means...#tbt ! What’s your favorite part of this old Exchange photo?
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

This place misses you as much as you miss it. . .

This place misses you as much as you miss it.
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

We can’t wait to share The Exchange Loft Gallery

We can’t wait to share The Exchange Loft Gallery with you when we reopen!
http://www.exchangeorcas.org/the-loft-gallery-at-the-exchange/
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Throwin it back on #tbt . Who’s loving these old

Throwin it back on #tbt . Who’s loving these old Exchange photos!?
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Recycling is not enough! WATCH THIS video on Reuse

Recycling is not enough! WATCH THIS video on Reuse!
http://www.exchangeorcas.org/recycling-is-not-enough/
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #reuse

Featured Employee: Genae Kaltenbach has lived on

Featured Employee:
Genae Kaltenbach has lived on the island for a very long time and has worked with us a little over a year. She's a part-time cashier OITS and likes to draw and paint in her free time. She has a husband, John, and a son, Sam. Make sure you tell Genae how much you appreciate her next time you see her!
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Happy to introduce our new online store for LOCALS

Happy to introduce our new online store for LOCALS ONLY! Head over to the link in our bio to check it out!
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

“At Rainbow Chicken Ranch, we girls are the quee

“At Rainbow Chicken Ranch, we girls are the queens of making compost! We produce the "secret ingredient.” This month’s Compost Corner is live. Tap the link in our bio to read.
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#composting #talkingtrash #compost #orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

You all are obviously loving these throwback pics.

You all are obviously loving these throwback pics...so we’ll keep them coming!
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

In the mood for a little throwback? . . . #orcasis

In the mood for a little throwback?
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

We’ve come a long way, baby. . . . #orcasisland

We’ve come a long way, baby.
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Nothing like a robot (made from materials from The

Nothing like a robot (made from materials from The Exchange) to brighten your day...
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Just in case you’re missing this view... . . .

Just in case you’re missing this view...
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Just because we can’t all get together for the S

Just because we can’t all get together for the Spring GICU this weekend doesn’t mean you can’t do it on your own! Grab a bag, take a walk (by yourself or with those you’ve been social distancing with) and help keep our roads and beaches clean. You can drop any road and beach trash you’ve picked up at the Transfer station for free (will require you to fill out a short form).
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#gicu #islandcleanup #earthday50 #earthdayallmonth #orcasisland #sanjuanislands #greatislandscleanup

This month in the compost corner, and in honor of

This month in the compost corner, and in honor of everything being online right now, we’ve shared some great videos! Give us your thoughts and tell us if you’ve started any composting projects during the quarantine.
http://www.exchangeorcas.org/compost-inspiration/
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #composting #talkingtrash #compost

This Burberry Poncho Cape is available this month

This Burberry Poncho Cape is available this month on The Exchange Online Store. Shipping is the only delivery option until further notice. http://www.exchangeorcas.org/online-sales/
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Remembering Jen Teague… http://www.exchangeorcas

Remembering Jen Teague…
http://www.exchangeorcas.org/remembering-jen-teague/
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Just because we’ve had to postpone the Spring Gr

Just because we’ve had to postpone the Spring Great Islands Clean Up doesn’t mean you can’t do something!
http://www.exchangeorcas.org/great-islands-clean-up-becomes-month-long-individual-effort/
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas #gicu

We recently elected Jim “Duff” Duffield as the

We recently elected Jim “Duff” Duffield as the new president of the board of directors! Read all about Duff here:
http://www.exchangeorcas.org/ors-the-exchange-announces-new-board-president/
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

Our Featured Employee this month is Cindy Lundquis

Our Featured Employee this month is Cindy Lundquist! Cindy is a cashier in the scale house and has been with us for four years. She is incredibly friendly and amazing with our customers. Cindy is happily married to her husband, Loren, and has a dog, Bailey, who regularly keeps her company in the scale house. Thanks for all you do, Cindy!
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#orcasisland #sanjuanislands #zerowaste #zerowastecommunity #recyclereuse #lovetheplanet #reducereuserecycle #reuse #recycle #savetheplanet #exchangeorcas

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