Explain the role of business in environmental protection.

We all have a collective responsibility to protect the environment, but it lies more on businessmen because they are primarily responsible for polluting the environment. Business enterprises are leading creators of wealth, employment, trade and technology. They also command huge financial, physical and human resources. They also have the know-how to solve environmental pollution problems with a preventive approach by controlling pollutants at the source.

Generally, a slight modification in the process of production, redesign of equipment, substituting poor quality material with better ones or other innovative approaches could greatly reduce or even eliminate pollution. Some of the specific steps that a business firm can take for environment pollution are :

1. A definite commitment by top management to create, maintain and develop work culture for environmental protection.

2. Developing clear cut policies for supplying quality products at reasonable prices.

3. Complying with the rules and laws established by the government.

4. Periodical assessment of pollution control programmes in terms of costs and benefits so as to increase the progress with respect to environmental protection.

5. Employment of superior technology, using scientific techniques of disposal and treatment of wastes and developing employee skills for the purpose of pollution control.

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