The environmental movement became popular in Australia and around the world in the 1970s and 1980s, with the emerging awareness of the importance of the natural environment and the damage done to it without appropriate planning and controls. Large campaigns in Australia saw protests concerning the preservation of ancient Aboriginal rock carvings, the need to save Victoria’s alpine forests, and the flooding of Lake Pedder in Tasmania.

Donor Dorothy Broom says this badge was:

[w]orn on demos [demonstrations] to oppose increase in wasteful packaging (e.g. one-way drink bottles), in and outside Monaro Mall [Canberra] supermarket, 1972–73. Still very active and concerned about environmental matters. Felt proud to be trying to make a point about the importance of the issue. This badge represents efforts of a young activist.