Exchange Update | Styrofoam, swap meet, beach cleanup, more

In last month’s newsletter, we shared our mission to keep Styrofoam out of the landfill by using a Styrofoam densifier. This month, a team from The Exchange took a fact-finding trip to Whidbey Island to see a densifier in operation at an exciting new startup called Repurpose Whidbey. Learn more about the trip and find out how you can help make this project a reality!

This year’s SWAP Meet will take place on Saturday, August 29th at The Orcas Island Grange Hall.

Secure your free spot by emailing info@exchangeorcas.org.  

San Juan County’s Solid Waste Program is assessing the tire disposal needs of local residents in an effort to provide better solutions in the future. Take their 2-minute survey by July 31st to let them know how many tires you have and where you’re located.

Join us at the Eastsound Waterfront Park on Saturday, July 25 from 11 am to 1 pm for a Microplastics Beach Cleanup!

Help clean-up hard and soft plastics, and nurdles off our beaches.

The next free tours of ORS/The Exchange facilities and operations will be held on:

• Monday, July 27 at 11:30am

• Friday, August 14 at 9:30am

• Monday, August 24 at 11:30am

Gary Tone Joins Docent Team

Gary Tone and his wife, Cher Jefford, first came to Orcas Island in 2009. When Gary retired as a small business owner after 30 years in Alaska, they made their way onto the island. One Spring day as he was sorting out his recyclables at the Z-wall, Gary met Duff and Eric when he was instructed gently that he wasn’t recycling his cardboard correctly. After about a short chat with both of them on the merits of the work being done at ORS, Gary was convinced to join the docent team and volunteer his time to help at the Z-wall. Gary has been a great addition to the team and we want to take this opportunity to encourage others to join us.