As outlined above the everyday things we buy and use can have an enormous impact upon the health of our planet’s environment. Choices that we make when buying a product or utilising a service can and will make a difference.

Consumer pressure can play a major part in persuading companies to go ‘green’, adopt environmentally sustainable business practices and get them more likely to start stocking greener products. As a result more and more companies are taking their environmental responsibilities seriously.

The changes that are made are usually implemented through a company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy or through an Environment Management Scheme (EMS). For larger firms these are usually set out in an environmental report, which is normally available on the company’s website, and highlights the steps that the company is taking to reduce its impact upon the environment and the progress that is being made. Measures can include working with environmental charities and local communities or participating in a carbon offsetting scheme.