Cox Enterprises released the results of the national Cox Conserves Sustainability Survey, which identified that small and medium-sized business owners are cautiously optimistic about the state of sustainability in the United States. The survey, commissioned by Cox Enterprises, is a national study that examines SMB owners' insights on sustainability.

While many fear that sustainable practices in the country are in jeopardy, they are also hopeful based on the improvements they've made within their respective organizations. The survey found that 72 percent of respondents think we should participate in the Paris Climate Agreement. While an overwhelming majority (76 percent) believe in climate warming, female SMB owners tend to index higher than men in this area (81 percent versus 67 percent). When asked to select a song that best describes the nation's current state of sustainability, the majority of SMBs selected We Can Work It Out by the Beatles.

"The results of this year's survey were refreshing and demonstrate that individuals can and do make a difference in sustainability," said Cox Enterprises Senior Vice President of Finance Lacey Lewis, who oversees the company's Cox Conserves sustainability program. "Although SMB owners see opportunities where the country can improve, they also recognize areas where their personal actions are contributing to the greater good."

Compared to 2015, the 2017 survey showed that there has been a significant increase in the number of SMBs that have implemented sustainable business practices. In 2015, only 62 percent of SMBs had implemented some type of company or employee-based sustainability program. This year, the survey found that number has increased to 88 percent.

Highlights from the Cox Conserves Sustainability Survey:

No Confidence in the Capital: 63 percent of SMBs feel somewhat worse or much worse about U.S. sustainability since Jan. 2017, while 24 percent feel about the same and 12 percent feel somewhat or much better.

Committed to Green: More than half of respondents say their companies are either committed or very committed to increasing their sustainable business activities. Only seven percent are not committed to this effort.

Where Physics Meets Environmental Policy: SMBs were asked which fictional character they would trust to run the Environmental Protection Agency. The majority chose Sheldon Cooper of Big Bang Theory, while Scandal's Olivia Pope ranked last.