Attitudes and practices are to be influenced and altered from the household to the governmental level. The objective is not a radical reduction in the living standards of those who have, thus far, had it so good, but rather a shift in consumer behaviour and the provision of incentives to alternative, less environmentally irresponsible use of resources. Developing countries are to be assisted in obtaining and implementing these same technologies as they undertake their development efforts. Above all, there is to be an international cooperative effort. At the societal level, there is to be a promotion of waste reduction, recycling, and environmentally friendly products and packaging.
Governments are to look at their own policies and practices.
Most importantly, the environmental costs of our living standards are to be internalized, meaning that the real costs in terms of resource use and waste are to be reflected in our economic calculations. Non-renewable resources, like minerals and fossil fuels are to be husbanded in the interests of conservation. Acting on the objectives set out by Agenda 21, the United Nations monitors global consumption and production patterns, identifies trends and engages in the study of relationships between consumption patterns and environmental deterioration. It also encourages Member State governments to work toward a wiser use of energy and resources, the adoption of environmentally sound technologies, the promotion of improved waste management, the steering of consumer demand, and the undertaking of environmental impact assessments of their national production patterns. Progress is reviewed by the Commission at annual meetings.