Eco-labeling and ISO 14000: An analysis of US regulatory systems and issues concerning adoption of type II standards

Current private and public regulatory systems may not provide an optimal degree of regulation for labels bearing environmental information, and established institutions may detract from efforts to provide for better environ mental management. The advent of ISO 14000 offers new opportunities for making eco-labeling a meaningful tool to encourage environmental, stewardship. While new federal legislation offers the best vehicle to introduce these standards into US law, the slow pace of the legislative process may recommend an alternative system. Multinational and civic-minded firms may be expected to employ private programs to nurture benevolent environmental management practices until mote definitive governmental institutions can be put in place.