Orcas Island ExchangeDocents Make a Difference
ORS has been doing a separation of cardboard pilot program for the past 10 weeks. In order to help customers understand the “why” and “how”, we have recruited volunteer docents to interact with customers who visit…
Zero Waste Mulch Available Now!
For a couple of years now we have been accepting clean green yard-waste material at a significant discount. We just did our second major grind, and now we have over 200 yards of totally local composted mulch for sale! What…
ORS Separating Cardboard
Orcas Recycling Services has taken a major step in how we recycle, and we could use your help. Since May 30, ORS has been running a pilot program for separating cardboard from other recyclables. Cardboard represents…
Workshops at The Exchange
When ORS was planning the new Exchange, we committed to using the building for workshops, classes, and events that served our mission of Zero Waste. We have now started this exciting component of our mission –…
Film Inspires Plastic Free Living
On March 7th the Seaview Theater in Eastsound was packed for a screening of the beautifully-made but disturbing film “A Plastic Ocean”. Hosted by the Orcas Island Film Festival, The Exchange, and several other local groups and…
Where Does All the Food Waste Go?
Late last year when the nation-wide recycling crisis consumed the news, we decided to push forward on our Recycle 2.0 program, hoping it would advance the conversation about achieving a zero-waste community. Food waste has been…
Solving the Plastic Packaging Problem
Recycle 2.0 was launched with the purpose of continuing education on the current worldwide recycling challenges. Plastics are a big part of that issue. As long as we continue producing plastic products at the current rate,…
Sorting Through the Plastic Numbers
We’ve been discussing plastics a lot lately. And for good reason. But have you ever been confused by those numbers listed on plastics? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7…what makes one plastic different from another….
The Last Straw
Here’s what you should know if you enter a restaurant in the San Juan Islands and see signage for, “The Last Straw”: “The Last Straw” is a nationwide campaign encouraging businesses and customers to stop using…
Be Mindful of Holiday Packaging
It’s that time of year again when you order stuff online (yes, most of us do it) and we get inundated with retailer packaging materials and gift wrapping products that are, unfortunately, not recyclable. We’re reminding everyone…
