The study assesses conditions and variables affecting environmental behavior in small service family firms, and questions the relevance of SME and small business studies for micro-enterprises. All Jerusalem laundry (61) and motor vehicle repair (46) firms were surveyed, because of their aggregate environmental impact, spatial distribution, and literature on intervention programs. A key finding was the lack of correlation between environmental awareness and action. However, despite limited social and government pressure and support services, traditional micro-enterprises undertook significant environmental actions when feasible, almost regardless of owner attributes or motivations. Micro-enterprises responded selectively to non-environmental government agencies in frequent contact. Market opportunities include contractual relationships with large companies requiring professional (hence environmental) standards, and new efficient or environmental equipment and products. There was little or no market pressure and few niche markets. Firms that adopted environmental measures returned to illegal practices when environmental agencies withdrew subsidies.

This study analyzes the relationship between internal and external factors that influence environmental behaviour in traditional service micro-enterprises, focusing on Chicago motor vehicle repair (MVR) firms five years after the Clean Break amnesty program and subsequent inspections of MVR firms. The survey explored the influence of firm and manager characteristics, government intervention, and market and social pressures and opportunities on environmental awareness and action. Environmental action was significantly higher in older firms (more experienced owners) and in auto-refinishing firms practicing spray painting. While awareness levels were mixed for dealerships and franchises (contracted to larger organizations), environmental action was good for six out of the seven firms, which may reflect expectations for higher professional rather than environmental standards. However, environmental awareness and behaviour levels were mixed for trade association members. Owners obtain most environmental information from suppliers and government agencies, but confuse government responsibilities and attribute greater authority to non-environmental agencies. Finally, micro-enterprises avoid voluntary environmental compliance programs and prefer targeted enforcement and insurance requirements that promote a level playing field.

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The study investigates whether local service micro-enterprises (MEPs) in gentrifying neighborhoods face increasing complaints triggering inspections and regulatory pressure.Environmental records from 1992 to 2000 were reviewed for 383 fi lling stations, motor vehicle repair fi rms and dry cleaners in fi ve Chicago neighborhoods. Signifi cant differences in the number of complaints and inspections were found between gentrifying and gentrifi ed neighborhoods, especially in the higher-income gentrifi ed neighborhood. No signifi cant difference was found in enforcement. Regulatory pressure from environmental agencies adds to the fi nancial, social and other regulatory pressures facing service MEPs that drove away or closed manufacturing fi rms in the past. Alternatively, new market opportunities with regulatory and social pressure could provide incentives to improve environmental behavior.

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