Research Article

Environmental Education and Small Business Environmental Activity

Janice Redmond^a1 c1 and Beth Walker^a1

^a1 Edith Cowan University, Western Australia

Abstract

Environmental education is seen as a key driver of small business environmental management, yet little is known about the activities small business owner-managers are undertaking to reduce their environmental impact or in what areas they may need education. Therefore, research that can identify environmental management activities being undertaken in small businesses may provide potential targets for education. As intention to behave in a particular way is often predicated on some sort of planning, extending the research questions to ascertain if planning is occurring and its impact on environmental behaviour in small businesses is also seen as critical. The results revealed that, overall, the level of environmental activity in small business was low and that less than a quarter had an environmental plan. In addition, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and purchasing green energy are not areas of engagement for most small businesses and are recommended as potential targets for education.

Keywords

• environmental education;
• environmental management;
• owner-managers;
• small firms;
• environmental planning

Correspondence:

^c1 Address for Correspondence: Dr Janice Redmond, Small and Medium Enterprise Research Centre, School of Management, Edith Cowan University, 100 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Western Australia 6027. E-mail: j.redmond@ecu.edu.au

Dr Redmond is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Management (Small & Medium Enterprise Research Centre [SMERC]). Janice has a strong background in small and medium enterprise research with a particular focus on environmental management, strategic planning, general management, and education and training.

Professor Walker is the Director of the Small & Medium Enterprise Research Centre (SMERC) in the School of Management. Professor Walker has extensive management experience and as the Director of SMERC for many years has focused her research on education and training, environmental management, and gender issues in SMEs.