Plusieurs intellectuels et militants écologistes soutiennent que la recherche du profit aurait de tout temps incité les industriels à rejeter leurs résidus dans la nature plutôt qu'à chercher à les transformer en produits utiles et à réduire par le fait même la pollution résultant de leurs opérations. Dans ce contexte, seule une réglementation gouvernementale toujours plus contraignante permettrait d'amoindrir l'impact environnemental de l'activité économique.

Most authors still believe that the search for increased profitability has traditionally been incompatible with this goal because it favours a short-term perspective in which manufacturers tend to lower their costs by dumping polluting emissions into nature. This view, however, is based on a historically inaccurate assessment. Not only are higher profits and a cleaner environment compatible, but much historical evidence suggests that industrial recycling is a long-practised, productive and, indeed, essential element of the market system.

Open Letter to the Hon. Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment.

Business profits and their consequences for the environment.

The debate over the tariffing and privatisation of our drinking water.

The effets of state regulations on garbage recycling.

Recycling in communist and capitalist countries.

Political interventions in favor of industries are often harmful to the environment.

Good old greed is responsible for declining pollution during Victorian England.

The MEI launches a study on the preservation of the environment in a market economy.