ABSTRACT
In Europe, environmental awareness as a precondition for possible change in behavior is increasing. Protection of the environment is taking an important place in society’s value systems. The transformation from awareness to action proceeds more slowly, but once awareness has been achieved, it will not disappear. This is shown by the current increase in ecological activities by consumers, industry and legislators despite the overall economic slowdown in Europe. Of course, consumer behavior still varies widely from one region to another in Europe and legislation follows national boundaries, but the trend towards harmonization and unity is pronounced.
