Affiliation:
1. Iowa Department of Natural Resources Management Services Division Wallace State Office Building Des Moines, IA 50319 515/281-0878 515/281-6794 Fax
2. Department of Natural Resource Ecology & Management 124 Science II Iowa State University Ames, IA 50011-3221 515/294-7429 515/294-7874 Fax
Abstract
Businesses play a vital role in the balance of nature, as they use, control, and affect natural resources, wild areas, and wildlife, both directly and indirectly. This study assessed the environmental attitudes and behaviors of Iowa businesses through a 24 question environmental survey administered by mail to over 700 businesses. Results from the 316 respondents provided an understanding and awareness of Iowa business attitudes and opinions and indicated networking and partnering opportunities for interpreters and other environmental educators. Nearly half of respondents identified their businesses as having a role in providing or receiving environmental education. Certain types of industries were also more likely than others to be involved in specific types of activities and interests. Environmental attitudes of respondents were found to cluster around neutrality with a slight tendency toward being more pro-environmental. Recommendations for utilizing the potential of such educational opportunities are discussed.