Association of Oregon Recyclers Names Eva Aguilar Recycler of the Year

For Immediate Release: Friday, June 22, 2018

Eva Aguilar, a bilingual program educator with Washington County Solid Waste & Recycling, recently received the Recycler of the Year Award at the Association of Oregon Recyclers (AOR) Conference in Eugene. Ms. Aguilar was recognized for her outstanding efforts in striving for equitable access for the Latino community related to waste prevention and recycling.

One of Aguilar’s major projects was developing the ¡Acepte el Reto! Coma Mejor, Ahorrando Más campaign, a fully transcreated version of the Eat Smart, Waste Less campaign. Prior to her work, this food waste prevention effort received only a few pledges from Spanish-speaking community members. Thanks to Aguilar’s efforts, the campaign has received 350 pledges (38 percent of total) from Spanish-speaking community members.

“This level of engagement with the Latino community far surpasses our prior efforts,” says Theresa Koppang, program supervisor for Solid Waste & Recycling. “We are thrilled that the AOR chose to honor Eva for her tremendous work.”

Aguilar has fostered lasting partnerships with Latino empowerment organizations such as Centro Cultural, Adelante Mujeres, Bienestar and Virginia Garcia. “These partnerships support the County’s waste prevention and recycling goals, reach previously underserved community members, and offer training and empowerment opportunities to community leaders,” says Koppang.

"Working in the Latino community is fun and enriching," says Aguilar. "I share time, information and resources, and I learn a lot from what I call my big family! This award is an honor."

For more information in English and Spanish about the food waste prevention campaign, visit www.EatSmartWasteLess.com or call 503-846-3605.

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