The Exchange Now Digs In For the Long Haul

— by Sam Gailey —

Paula Treneer, ORS; Mike Greenberg, ORS; Rick Hughes, SJC County Council; Tim Blanchard, ORS; Pete Moe, ORS; Greg Sawyer, SJC; Mike Thomas, SJC

On Wednesday, Apr. 5, the Exchange moved one step closer to resuming their mission to reduce, reuse, and recycle on the island, as they officially broke ground on the site of the future facility. With over 25 islanders and Orcas Recycling Services (ORS) board members and volunteers in attendance, the gray skies above threatened rain, but held off as shovels were thrust into the ground for the very first time.

Pete Moe, Executive Director of ORS, expressed his excitement that this momentous day was finally upon them after four long years since the original Exchange was destroyed by a fire in February 2013. The Exchange had been a cultural institution for the community. It was not only a resource for struggling families to purchase building materials, clothing, appliances, and other necessary household items, it was a meeting place and a treasure trove for local artists. All profits were donated to local charities and the Exchange’s mission statement stood in direct contrast to the throw-away consumerism of our culture.

Moe explained that completing the building is only the first step. ORS’s mission is to build a zero waste community through service, education and stewardship of Orcas Island’s waste and resource streams.

Working in a partnership with the ORS, San Juan County will provide the funds to construct the shell of the building, which should be completed by early July. ORS will be responsible for the build-out of the interior space and hope to open their doors in late summer.

County Council member, Rick Hughes, was in attendance, and described the event as a “pure phoenix moment.” Councilman Hughes felt proud to be involved in the process of making the new Exchange a reality. “I’m glad that the county could be part of the solution, not an obstacle.”

The day had a celebratory energy in the air with members of the ORS and employees of San Juan County posing for pictures with shovels gripped in their hands. Moe took a moment to savor this achievement, praising the community’s generosity over the past several years, but confirmed that the ORS still needs to raise over $31,000 in order to complete the interior build-out.

Any and all donations will be appreciated. If interested, visit www.exchangeorcas.org/donate/