Letter from the Editor

by Chris Morrow

Reverse Logistics Magazine, May/June 2007

Manufacturers and service providers alike are acutely aware of the "need to be green." Both from a regulatory requirements standpoint and also in an effort to be good corporate citizens, companies are taking steps toward improving their recycling processes and overall reduction of waste stream.

At RLA, our mission is to make people aware of the reverse logistics process which through the repair, reuse, refurbishment and recycle of products, contributes to the reduction of waste and ultimately the protection of the environment. We raise awareness through publications and events.

In a previous issue, I touched on magazine reuse – how excess inventory of magazines at RLA never go to waste; they are distributed at RLA and partner events. But what about RLA events…I have recently heard the terms “green meeting” and “carbon-neutral” and after some investigation, I’m happy to say that we already incorporate some green planning in our events. For example:

Paperless Technology—RLA utilizes online registration, confirmation and advertising. In addition, we incorporate conference information and VIP notification in our RL Magazine and by making RL Magazine multi-purpose, we have eliminated the need for direct mail conference advertising.

Instead of printing lists of attendees and providing printed copies of presentations, we make both available for viewing and download from our website.

Food and Beverage—In an effort to minimize waste, we ask delegates, through our pre-conference survey, to identify which social events they will attend and provided meals they will eat, so we can more accurately calculate quantities.

We request venues use reusable cutlery, dishware and linens, whenever possible and that left over food be donated to a local food bank or other charity. Beverages are provided in recyclable packaging (i.e. glass, aluminum cans) and we specify that they are to be recycled.

Now that we are aware of all the possibilities, we can increase our efforts to be “green.”

Best Regards,