For example, the U.S. Federal government has a program for environmentally preferable purchasing. Companies that prove that their products are environmentally superior must by law be given preference in government purchasing. And several states have requirements for environmentally preferable purchasing as well. Similar programs exist in other countries, notably Germany and the Nordic countries. With these programs, the environmental aspects of sales drive sustainable business practices.
Today is an age where good business strategies and good environmental practices are converging.
The globalization of trade and the sale of goods in environmentally conscious markets are increasing the speed of this convergence. However, this does not mean that capitalism and industrialization are naturally environmentally benign. Our own history shows this to be a fallacy. A mere 25 years ago, rivers caught fire on a regular basis in the Midwest. Since then, the development of environmental legislation, regulation and enforcement have rapidly reduced the pollution derived from industrial sources, with a concomitant improvement in our environmental quality.