In other reduce and reuse news, we are thrilled that the new Exchange facility on Orcas Island will re-open on Nov. 24 at 10 a.m. This will kick-off a grand opening weekend that will run through Nov. 26. Hot dogs and cider will be served at lunch, and The Exchange will be offering a junk-craft workshop for kids. Thank you to everyone at ORS for their dedication to promoting zero waste on Orcas.

Going forward, The Exchange will be open Thursday through Monday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the same hours that govern the Orcas Transfer Station. In order to manage the expected tidal wave of materials the community wants to donate, reservations will be required for all drop-offs through the end of 2017. A reservation calendar is available at www.exchangeorcas.org. In January, or once the initial influx has passed, donations will be accepted without reservations. However, reservations will continue to be required for large loads, and reservation holders will always be helped first. There are several new policies being put in place by the ORS board, including Exchange pricing and traffic patterns. A four-page guide with detailed information is available at http://bit.ly/2iCO5aV and printed copies are available at the transfer station, and at various locations around Eastsound.