Established in 1980, Polish Ecological Club contributed greatly to the creation of an independent movement for preservation of nature and human health. In 1980, any initiative of that kind had a political background as authorities treated it as a criticism. After the political transformation of 1989, the political factor was removed and the actions of the Polish Ecological Club became more moderate. However, the existence of the Club is more justified in the times of market economy than under the communist rule. The pace of changes connected with consumerism is fast and often irreversible. Environmental protection is often viewed as an obstacle in achieving desired profits.