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After Poland's entry to the European Union, Polish dairy companies were forced to change the way they functioned as far as ecologization was concerned. Efficient functioning of these organizations was possible only when environmental management had been properly implemented. This paper presents the results of research on environmental management of 32 companies conducting business activity in Poland. It was proven that in comparison to 2003, processes aimed at improving the environmental parameters of these companies were considerably intensified after Poland's accession to the EU. This resulted to a large extent from the need to adjust the organizations to EU regulations. In this case, small enterprises were in the most difficult situation for a number of reasons. First of all, due to financial reasons, such enterprises did not try to implement any, of a number of activities, that could improve their functioning. Secondly, the surveyed units took actions aimed at economizing on water supplies, minimizing waste, and changing the heating system to gas heating in order to reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide. On the other hand, environmental management systems were implemented in large companies. However, such companies did not always notice the necessity of certification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A review of the existing scientific literature regarding world trade and foreign direct investment (FDI), both theoretical and empirical, demonstrates the existence of a growing link between international business and protection of the natural environment, in both positive and negative directions. Some authors voice the opinion that accelerated deregulation and trade liberalization play a particularly important role in this relationship. Environmental norms and standards play a significant role in determining the competitiveness of goods and products on the international market. There are a number of different norms and standards concerning environmental management and the implementation of systems of environmental management. Among the most significant is the EMAS system and the concept of an integrated environmental management system according to ISO 14001 that is based on the fundamental elements of the Total Quality Management (TQM) idea. In light of the explosive expansion of international trade in environmental services that promote "clean" technologies and production equipment, a firm's proper environmental policies may have a positive effect on the international competitiveness of its products and services, yielding an advantage to those producers and exporters who first initiate and implement them. The aims of this paper are: - to analyze the general impact of international business on the environment in transition economies, - to present the results of macroeconomic comparative research concerning changes in the export and import positions of two selected groups of goods and products in countries which have undergone - to examine motives of foreign investors for investing in CEE countries connected with environmental issues and to analyze environmental protection strategies implemented by foreign investors, their participation in environmental protection programs and the influence of these activities on the competitiveness - to present the results... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]