As a result of widespread economic growth, 3,000 to 4,000 million people have experienced substantial improvements in their incomes and standards of living since the 1960s (UNDP 1997). Overall consumption, unsurprisingly, has risen dramatically to what is probably an unsustainable level. Nevertheless, there are encouraging signs of real interest among consumers in more environmentally-sustainable products and services, and a growing number of initiatives by business and NGOs to supply this new market.
The recent emergence in many countries of a more environmentally conscious consumer public, combined with increased interest on the part of some industries in providing environmentally sound consumer products, is a significant development. Governments and international organizations, together with the private sector, should be encouraged to develop criteria and methodologies for the assessment of environmental impact and resource requirements throughout the full life cycle of products and processes. Results of those assessments would be transformed into clear indicators in order to inform consumers and decision makers.
The recent emergence in many countries of a more environmentally conscious consumer public, combined with increased interest on the part of some industries in providing environmentally sound consumer products, is a significant development which should be encouraged. Governments and international organizations, together with the private sector, should develop criteria and methodologies for the assessment of environmental impacts and resource requirements throughout the full life cycle of products and processes. Results of those assessments should be transformed into clear indicators in order to inform consumers and decision makers.