Message From the Editor

By Felecia Przybyla, Reverse Logistics Association

I recently visited the local zoo with my children and some friends. I was so excited to see reverse logistics concepts being taught and encouraged to zoo visitors. While visiting the Okapi exhibit (the forest giraffe), I found a sign that displayed all sorts of information about the Okapi. The sign shared observational notes on how the Okapi and the Giraffe are different and similar. But when you get to the bottom of that sign, I found a circled tip:

“Help Okapi by recycling your old cell phones so that less mining is needed in their natural habitat.”

Often when we talk about sustainability and a circular economy, we are more focused on keeping products out of landfills and responsible recycling, but to go full circle we also need to discuss reusing these cell phone parts. And of course, we all know it’s not just cell phone parts, but the concept can be applied to all products and pieces in the manufacturing and remanufacturing/repair/refurbishing world.

Perhaps more educating and showing how reusing affects wildlife will help consumers make more sustainable choices before they upgrade to the latest and greatest or throw something in the trash.

Warm regards from your
RLA Magazine Editor,
Felecia Przybyla
felecia@rla.org

Felecia is the Director of Media at the Reverse Logistics Association (RLA).  She has worked with RLA since 2010 and throughout her tenure, Felecia has worn many hats, contributing to various aspects of the organization’s media,  communications and events strategies. Felecia’s extensive experience and leadership have made her an integral part of RLA’s continued growth and success in the industry.