Do voluntary programs work?

"This article takes a close look at the current state and concludes that voluntary programs cannot reliably maintain the status quo or even make significant progress towards achieving national environmental goals. Unfortunately, most companies do not participate; some companies do not play by the rules; and others skim off the public relations benefits. Meanwhile, the actions of these laggards and braggarts raise charges of "greenwashing," besmirching companies that really are making environmental improvements".