Abstract :
Environmental issues have become a growing concern, and the problem cannot be solved by legislation alone, as has been shown by the collapse of the communist system, which illustrates how free market policies are the only way to protect the environment. It makes economic sense for companies such as Nestle to control the quality of agricultural produce, which comprises their raw materials, by limiting the amounts of biocides and fertilizers used. Concern for the environment can help companies become more competitive, while the price for excessive legislation would be a retreat into economic backwardness. The free market approach involves using reason, while to legislate for too strict controls would be reacting in too emotional a way.