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"This paper investigates how concern for the environment translates into predictable patterns of consumer behavior. Two types of behavior are considered. First, individuals who care about environmental quality may voluntarily restrain their consumption of goods and services that generate a negative externality. Second, individuals may choose to pay a price premium for goods and services that are more environmentally benign. A theoretical model identifies a symmetry between such voluntary restraint and a voluntary price premium that mirrors the symmetry between environmental policies based on either quantities (quotas) or prices (taxes). We test predictions of the model in an empirical study of household electricity consumption with introduction of a price-premium, green-electricity program. We find evidence of voluntary restraint and its relation to a voluntary price premium. The empirical results are consistent with the theoretical model of voluntary conservation"--National Bureau of Economic Research web site

The voluntary sector & participative citizenship are interconnected in complex ways that relate to areas of political, social, & economical pluralism & the development of varied initiative taking in society. In the political dimension, the voluntary sector provides service delivery, possibly through state contracts, & also seeks social change through advocacy & activism. It, therefore, experiences tension between financial relations & the need for independence. Services & goods provided by public benefit associations constitute social economy. This work often requires entrepreneurial skills & focuses on areas that are inefficient through the public sector. It requires government support through effective policy, & often protection through umbrella organizations. The voluntary sector is important in brokering policies & establishing issues in a wide range of policy issues, & has excellent potential to share expertise for government planning. The voluntary/civil sector is a source of new thinking & a link between the citizen, the activist, & the politician. L. A. Hoffman

Introduction -- Green clubs ; an institutionalist perspective -- ISO 14001 and voluntary programs -- Adopting ISO 14001 -- ISO 14001 and firms ; environmental and regulatory -- Performance -- Conclusions and policy implications -- References.