Political Buttons from the Button Museum

Environmental Teach-In, 1970
On April 22, 1970, environmental activists gathered in Washington and other places to voice their anger over a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, Calif., the previous year. It is estimated that more than 20 million people participated in this teach-in, which was modeled after the Vietnam War teach-ins. This button reflects the merging of the two movements: the motif uses treelike lines to form a peace symbol. The 1970 teach-in evolved into Earth Day, which is still observed on April 22 each year.

• The Button Museum