The Federation of Small Businesses has reacted angrily to the Carbon Trust's claim that small businesses are not doing enough to help the environment.

A report by the small business lobby group claims that 92% of small businesses are socially and environmentally responsible and 83% already engage in waste minimisation and recycling initiatives.

"Small businesses view things like recycling and waste minimisation as plain old good business practice," said John Wright, FSB national chairman. "What is confusing for many, however, is the corporate jargon that surrounds these issues, including umbrella terms such as CSR.

"If government bodies feel that small businesses are not doing enough, then a good strategy for 2008 would be to communicate more clearly with them and offer more practical guidance on the steps they can take."

The FSB claims 76% of small businesses see green initiatives as good business practice.