Orcas Island ExchangeZero Waste Mulch is Back for Spring
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…
Workshops Coming to 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 are ready to get started with this exciting component of…
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…
Keeping Waste Local: Need a Garbage Can?
ORS was recently approached by Lotioncrafter, one of our awesome local companies, about what to do with the excess 55 gallon steel drums they have as a by-product of their business. They are beautiful barrels, brand-new,…
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…
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…
Exchange Online Store Launches
For months we have been discussing how to launch an online store that would first take into consideration our local community. And now we have a solution! We recently launched The Exchange Online Store where unique…
WATCH: How The Orcas Exchange Became a Zero Waste Model
Watch the story of how a rag-tag island swap meet turned into a model non-profit, zero-waste reuse and recycling facility.
My Exchange Story: Mount Baker Farm
When Ruth, Cheryl and Barb bought the Mount Baker Farm property on Orcas Island, they were determined to offer a unique experience for islanders and tourists, alike. They did this by creating 58 campsites that sit…
Creativity Shines at Trashion Fashion Show
This year’s “Trashion Fashion” show was so much fun! The creativity from all you local artists and designers was inspiring. Thanks to all who participated (humans and animals alike), and to Asifa Pasin for running the…
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