By Natalya Bucuy
Celebrating 55 years of environmental action
In 1970, April 22 fell on a Wednesday. It fit between Spring Break and Final Exams. Denis Hayes, a student activist, picked that day with hopes of maximizing the student turnout for the action. Hayes spent most of the 1960s fighting for anti-war causes as a student at Stanford University. Now, Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson partnered with Haynes to organize a large-scale student event to spark environmental action.
Heynes took the challenge beyond the campus. In the time predating the internet, with a staff of 85 across the U.S., he organized what became known as one of the biggest secular events in history. Over 20 million participants - that’s ten percent of the U.S. population - showed up nationwide that day in support of environmental concerns. First Earth Day was born.
“The power of collective action can have a profound impact,” Hayes said. In 2025, traditionally on April 22, Earth Day celebrates its 55th anniversary. Since the movement’s ignition, it brought change to the way we treat our planet. Its message spread to 180 countries across the globe. By the end of 1970, the U.S. formed the Environmental Protection Agency, sparking further education and action. Lawmakers passed legislation to protect and maintain a clean environment, such as the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts. Environmental education entered academic curriculums. In 2024, the Earth Day theme of Planet vs. Plastics encouraged worldwide conversation about plastic pollution. With its theme, “Our Power. Our Planet,” Earth Day 2025 aims to focus on renewable energy. The message highlights the importance of ending human reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing the damage to the environment and human health. “For years we have been fed the lie that only fossil fuels can power the planet. That is not true,” Heyes, now Board Chair Emeritus of Earthday.org says. “By the 2030s, the largest source of electricity generation on the planet will be solar power.” To learn more and participate in the Earth Day cause this April and every day, visit earthday.org.
As Doylestown’s own Margaret Mead wrote, “Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Bucks County Businesses Power Sustainability
How can we, busy individuals with to-do lists as long as our arms, can participate in environmental action? Our power lies in our everyday choices. In honor of Earth Day 2025: “Our Power. Our Planet,” we explore some of Bucks County businesses and organizations that help environmental causes with sustainable practices. Each of these community gems has a story to tell and aims to make the world a better place.
Sustain by Lotus
After losing her mother to breast cancer, Renee Bergere knew the dangers of toxic chemicals in everyday household and personal products. And so she took her desire for healthier, toxin-free living and turned it into a Doylestown community resource.
Bergere researched and developed all-natural alternatives. Her Sustain by Lotus store at 51. W. State Street carries candles, lotions, and essential oils. She carefully selects sustainable, GMO-free raw materials, ensuring her products are free from parabens, synthetic fragrances, and artificial colorings.
Recently, Bergere added a refillery service to the business. It provides an eco-friendly and sustainable way to buy natural everyday household products such as shampoo and conditioner, laundry detergent, and cleaning solutions. Customers are encouraged to bring their own containers to help eliminate waste. And so, Bergere invites everyone to join her mission of reducing waste and “keeping life simple.”
Visit Sustain by Lotus Wed. and Sat. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thurs. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., or Sun. 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, check out lotus8.com.
The Larder
Emily Jefferson and her husband opened the Larder 37 years ago. During a shopping trip, the couple got the idea for a stand-alone independent dry bulk food supply store. “The Larder,” a common European term that means “family food supply,” made the perfect name for the venture. Since then the store became a Doylestown staple. It is the place to stock up on bulk products such as coffees, candies, grains, nuts, seeds, cereals, spices, jellies and jams, and baking supplies. Bringing own containers is encouraged and allows to eliminate packaging waste while supporting local economy.
“Bulk” doesn’t mean large quantities here. One can purchase a 50lb bag of flour or sugar at the Larder, or an ounce, whatever the customer’s needs may be. Much of the inventory comes from local sources, not available in the larger stores. The store sells environmentally friendly household items such as sheet laundry detergent, eco-friendly brushes, and other cleaners and soaps. The company also makes custom gift baskets for special occasions.
Visit the store at 800 N. Easton Road Mon. through Thur. 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Fri. 9:30 to 8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sun. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit larderofdoylestown.com.
Doylestown Farmers Market
Marking its 50th year in the borough, Doylestown Farmers Market on South Hamilton Street, between West Oakland Avenue and West State Street returns on April 19. Running every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the market will offer fresh and local farm produce and other products from local vendors.
The Market features live music weekly, as well as tasting events, interactive workshops, chef demos, and showcases of local nonprofits and children’s programs. Some of the offerings include USDA Certified Organic, chemical-free, and IPM vegetables, fruits and mushrooms, pastured Certified Organic meats, eggs, cheeses, fresh and dried herbs, and cut flowers.
Artisan bread, baked goods, jams, sauces, olive oil, honey, maple syrup, condiments, pickles, hand-crafted soaps, aromatherapy items, alpaca yarn, knife sharpening, dog treats, and handmade jewelry, Fair Trade and Certified Organic coffee, microbrew beer, mead, wine and kombucha with farm-grown ingredients.
The open-air market will feature more than 30 rotating vendors through Nov. 22. One the oldest continually operating farmers markets, it was established in 1975. In 2017, Bucks County Foodshed Alliance took over the operations and has been in charge since. By inviting local farms, food, and goods producers, the Doylestown Farmers Market promotes sustainability and supports community food accessibility. For more information, visit doylestownfarmersmarket.bucksfoodshed.org.
BCS Compost and Kona Compost Co.
Did you know that as much as 50% of our municipal trash is compostable? “Putting food scraps and yard waste in the landfill creates methane gas which is harmful to our environment,” says Heather Guidice, founder of Kona Compost company. “Composting is easy and a resource we can use to grow food, flowers and trees.”
With many years of composting and gardening experience, Guidice aims to help reduce food waste. Kona offers residential and business compost services throughout the Bucks County area. For more information, visit https://www.konacompost.com/
As public interest in everyday environmentally conscious practices grows, so are the local options that meet that need. BCS Compost, another curbside compost service provider operates in the Hatboro-Horsham, Doylestown, and Abington areas.
The company collects food waste and other organic materials from residential and commercial businesses, diverting them from landfills. It then composts them into rich organic nutrient-dense soil that it gives back to customers or donates to community gardens. “We aim to help communities reduce their carbon footprint by working together to start an environmental revolution to live a more sustainable life,” says Brian Schneider. “We are fighting an uphill battle to change our environmental issues but the little bit more we do every day as an individual, family, and community we can make a huge difference.” For more information, visit bcscompost.com.