ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the development of environmental management systems and standards in the United Kingdom and summarises past consumer opinion surveys on business activity on environmental issues. It suggests the ways in which companies can mobilise their ultimate customers to influence changes in lifestyles and achieve future patterns of production and consumption which will be the basis of 'sustainable development'. The chapter presents the complete process of preparation, operation and communication within the context of an environmental management system. The battle lines were drawn, and communication between industry and environmentalists amounted to little more than shouting at each other across a vast chasm with little obvious benefit to the environment. There are many eminent people who confuse environmental management systems standards with environmental performance targets, often unfortunately called 'environmental standards'. Some consumer groups believe that the environment is not an issue for consumers at all.
