Two South Whidbey organizations are working together to give Whidbey Island residents new opportunities to take zero-waste actions.

The grassroots organization, rePurpose, and long-time community organization, South Whidbey Commons, recently signed a space sharing agreement, according to a press release.

Using the back room of the South Whidbey Commons on a regular basis, rePurpose will offer a variety of zero-waste opportunities to its members and the greater community, including drop-off events for hard-to-recycle items, community education workshops, reusable ware washing, and access to reusable materials for arts and education.

The groups plan to work together on aspects of their missions that align, such as creating a community space where like-minded people of all ages can connect and grow together, providing job skills training for youth and taking care of the community, the press release states.

“I’m glad we were able to build this agreement to work together,” said Wendy Cordova, board president of South Whidbey Commons. “It will benefit both organizations and the community, and I look forward to seeing what rePurpose is able to accomplish.”

After a back alley sale that the South Whidbey Commons is hosting 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug. 19-20, rePurpose will start utilizing part of the space in the back room of the South Whidbey Commons on a regular basis to collect clean and safe reusable materials — things that are commonly thrown away but can be used for arts and education. Bins will organize a variety of small, interesting items, such as colorful caps, corks, fabric samples, cardboard packaging and plastic pieces. Members of rePurpose can drop off and shop for these and other items for reuse.

“Since 100% of Whidbey Island’s trash and recyclables are trucked off the island, it’s important to rePurpose that we try to keep these resources on the island for reuse,” said Joan Green, artist and co-founder of rePurpose. “These types of reusable, open-ended materials spark imagination and are creative resources that are low cost, sustainable solutions in this time of climate crisis.”

In addition to exchanging reusable materials, rePurpose has scheduled three upcoming drop-off events for hard-to-recycle items that aren’t taken at other Island County recycling centers. There will also be one drop-off event for all community members to try out rePurpose service for free before they decide if they want to become a member. A full list of items that rePurpose is accepting is on its website, repurposewhidbey.org/recycling-drop-off-program. The group plans to add to the list of already accepted items over the next several months.

Several drop-off dates for rePurpose members have been set for the next couple of weeks in the back room of the South Whidbey Commons, while the event for the entire community will be noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16.