Orcas Island ExchangeThe Compost Pile Explained
There is a difference between soil creation and a moldering heap. Composting is a process that works to speed up the natural decay of organic material by providing the ideal conditions for detritus-eating organisms to thrive….
Recycling is Not Enough–Reuse!
If you’re looking for ways to keep education flowing through your household during the stay-at-home orders, check out this video and discussion guide from Alex Eaves. Alex takes us on a journey around the country looking…
The Exchange Supports Art for Kids At Home
If you have OISD kids at home between the ages of 5 and 18, Art for Orcas Kids (AOK) is offering free weekly age appropriate art packs during this period of social distancing. Brook Meinhardt is…
What’s Wrong with this Photo?
A photo taken earlier this month at the recycling wall area raises this question: A. Is it mixed, co-mingled recycling dumped on top of separated clean, dry, flattened, corrugated cardboard that has value; or B. Is…
Upcoming Workshops at The Exchange
All Workshops are canceled until further notice. If you have an idea for a workshop, send it to info@exchangeorcas.org. We are open to any idea that encourages reuse, recycling, and remanufacturing.
Help Us Upgrade Island Recycling!
Help ORS build an up-graded recycling facility on Orcas. The recycling system in America is currently broken. And while we can’t fix the Country, we do have a solution for Orcas. Next time you come to…
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…
Hazardous Waste Roundup June 23rd
The annual County-wide hazardous waste collection event is scheduled for Sunday, June 23rd. The event is free to all Orcas households. Businesses must register in advance. You can do that here. We will be accepting gasoline…
Using 3D Printing for Plastic Reuse
The Orcas Food Co-op, the Funhouse and The Exchange are teaming up to start an exciting plastic recycling project. A generous local donor purchased the equipment needed to grind up plant-based plastics (PLA), heat it, and…
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 –…
