The government is keen to introduce rules that will make our every-day consumer items more eco-friendly.

Suggested ideas include labelling goods to inform the public of a product's impact on the environment, setting minimum levels for products' environmental performance and recognising "clean" consumer items with "green" awards.

Although no legislation has been introduced, there is already a body of opposition to the proposals.

For many producers "green" controls mean increased costs and the loss of their competitive edge.

Many consumers complain that the costs of these reforms will be paid for from their pocket.

Supporters of the proposals point to the long-term advantages.

They argue that while there may be some short-term difficulties, these will disappear as green markets are fashioned.

They claim that over a period of years, attitudes of consumers will change and as the uptake of green products increases, prices will fall.

From a legal perspective, it is asked whether legislation is the most effective tool of reform?

Many lawyers feel strongly that only the rule of law can change consumers' attitudes, whereas others point out that without the law's interference, consumers have become more eco-aware over the past decade.

The debate has just begun. The government has released a consultation paper and will think about proposing legislation in the New Year.

Depending on the results of the consultation exercise, legislation (if it comes at all) may be introduced just in the UK or may even form part of a Europe-wide exercise.

Jonathan Oxley is a partner at Lee & Priestley Solicitors, Bradford.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.