According to a report on the BBC News website, the laws will target some of industry’s biggest names and make them prove that their cocoa, soy, rubber and palm oil is ethically sourced and demonstrate where the commodities have originated from. The law, which sits with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is currently under review as part of a six-week consultation period and is thought to be one of the first legislations of its kind. Speaking to the BBC, International Environment Minister, Lord Goldsmith said: “There is a hugely important connection between the products we buy and their wider environmental footprint, which is why the government is consulting today on new measures that would make it illegal for businesses in the UK to use commodities that are not grown in accordance with local laws.” Deforestation in the Amazon has hit the headlines once again this year, with the Brazilian government sending in troops to curb the problem after satellite images revealed that the area destroyed in April was 64 per cent bigger than in the same period last year. Ministers are keen to address the issue, with the bulk of deforestation across the globe thought to be illegal and contributing to 11 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. At iOffset we want to plant trees, not destroy them. By signing up to one of our simple to set up subscriptions you can offset your carbon footprint and help plant trees.