By Asifa Pasin
Sounder reporter and Exchange board member
Imagine this: A family pulls up to The Exchange, their car filled with recyclables. They’re eager to do the right thing, but as they step out, they hesitate, unsure where everything goes. A tangled mess of confusion sits before them: Can soup cans go with aluminum? What about that clamshell container? And where does this weird piece of plastic belong?
Now, picture a friendly, knowledgeable Exchange docent stepping in. With a warm smile and a few simple instructions, the family leaves feeling empowered, knowing they’ve done their part. They drive away lighter, not just from unloading their recycling, but from gaining a deeper understanding of waste reduction.
That docent? That could be you! The Exchange is on a mission to keep Orcas Island clean, sustainable and environmentally responsible. But proper recycling isn’t always straightforward, and that’s where our volunteer docents come in. They are there to help community members sort correctly, reduce contamination and maximize the impact of their recycling efforts. Improperly sorted recycling can lead to contamination, rendering entire batches unusable and diverting them to the landfill instead of being repurposed.
The Exchange’s lead docent is Dave Zoeller. He has been at The Exchange for several years.
“I’ve been a docent for three years now. I’m doing it since it’s a small commitment for a good cause — envisioning a ‘zero waste’ future,” Zoeller said. “Most folks want to do the right thing but just need a little education. Getting some more help here would be great — there are so many hours uncovered now that it’s discouraging to put in several hours cleaning up the mixed recycle bin only to have it filled with plastic bags and non-recyclables later.”
As a docent, you’ll play a critical key role in keeping valuable materials out of the waste stream and ensuring they get a second life. Beyond that, volunteering fosters a stronger, more connected community.
Jim “Duff” Duffield is a docent and past president of The Exchange board. He is also the originator of the docent program.
“We originally had about eight docents and could cover many of the hours we were open. We are now down to two — Dave and Duff — and it is disappointing to not have more success bringing on new docents,” Duffield said. “It really does serve a valuable purpose, and every volunteer hour is a great community service.”
Being an Exchange docent has other benefits: You’ll meet like-minded people, educate others and inspire a culture of waste consciousness and environmental responsibility. Whether you’re guiding a first-time recycler, chatting with a neighbor or learning something new yourself, your time as a docent will make a tangible difference.
Join us today! Or better yet, when you see Zoeller or Duffield, ask them some questions about volunteering and how rewarding it is. Helping guide people through the recycling process is so helpful and important.
Zoeller noted that it is completely free to recycle your aluminum cans, your corrugated cardboard and your glass. The Exchange is also now running a pilot program separating steel cans, and that is also free. All you need to do is sort it and bring it to The Exchange, depositing it into the available containers.
The Exchange’s website has all kinds of info on how to recycle correctly. Click the “What is Recyclable” link for detailed information. To learn more or get involved, stop by and chat with us, check out the website at www.exchangeorcas.org, or write to us at info@exchangeorcas.org.
Let’s work together for a cleaner, greener and more connected Orcas Island!
