Explanation

In the past, the 'side effects' of a business or industry on the local environment or community were often ignored. Nowadays, most businesses are keen to show that they are taking care of the environment and demonstrate this through safe and environmentally friendly practice. Many businesses and industries regulate themselves, while the government has also passed laws to make sure that businesses do not damage the environment or the communities in which they operate.

Many businesses are keen to be seen as being friendly to the environment - this may even be one of the main objectives of a business. Environmental sense also, however, makes good business sense. Insulating a building not only saves on the use of fossil fuels, but also lowers heating bills; less packaging means a better deal for the environment (fewer raw materials being used, less waste) and lower costs for a business.