The breadth and unique nature of environmental crimes has prompted examination of choices other than
fines or custodial sentences (e.g. Parpworth 2004). Alternative sentences that have been discussed in
international environmental studies include community sentencing, corporate rehabilitation orders, and
alternatives to prosecution such as civil penalties and prohibition of trade notices (Parpworth 2004). Changes
to Australia's Environment Protection Act in 2000 now allow a court to order a person to undertake
environmental restoration work and publicise the offense in local and statewide newspapers.
All of the above examples are based on a model of deterrence and retribution in sentencing. Among
alternative approaches to environmental sentencing, restorative justice may offer special promise. That is
because it represents an opportunity to extend principles of restoration and healing to a broader
environmental context (see, e.g. Besthorn 2003). Definitions of restorative justice include the following: