Some of these controls and regulations are imposed by governments, while many others are self-imposed by manufacturers and organisations who recognise the numerous benefits delivered by environmentally responsible management systems.

Among the groups making an important contribution to the environment is the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The FSC is an international non-profit organisation which was formed in 1993 to support and promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world's forests. The FSC comprises a diverse group of representatives that come from indigenous people's organisations, forestry professionals, environmental and social groups, the timber trade and community groups.

The Forest Stewardship Council is introducing an international labelling scheme for all forest products. The aim is to have a credible system of guarantee that will certify that products carrying the FSC logo meet internationally recognised standards for environmental management. The FSC have also introduced a "Chain of Custody" concept for wood and paper products which means that products are certified at each stage of manufacture. This will provide consumers with the ability to identify wood and paper products that meet the stringent environmental standards endorsed by the Forest Stewardship Council.

The more we are able to identify products coming from well managed forests, which are certified and audited, the greater our ability will be to exert influence on products that don't.