In spite of the uncertainty 2020 brought at its start, local plant nursery Bees on a Bicycle celebrated its third anniversary by earning green|light’s sustainability certification.

A small but mighty oasis in the center of Chattanooga’s Southside, Bees offers a wide range of native Tennessee plants and seasonal indoor and outdoor options. Owner and plant aficionado Cath Shaw Truelove can often be found hosting workshops or guiding her guests on how to make sustainable gardening choices. (Many of these can also be found as how-to video resources on the shop’s social media channels.)

For her business green|light certification, Ms. Truelove makes sure to specialize in Tennessee native plants at Bees, both for plant hardiness, drought-resistance, and also to provide pollinator-friendly options. The shop even limits carbon emissions by focusing on plants grown within a two-hour radius of the shop.

“We are excited to earn this certification,” Ms. Truelove said. “It is a logical next step and documentation of our sustainable approach to gardening. Believe it or not, gardening is not very environmental. Many garden centers focus on herbicides and fertilizers; plants that require these harmful products to grow successfully.”

Bees on a Bicycle’s mission statement, “Foster Community; Create Beauty” is one Ms. Truelove takes to heart. Through advisory work and donations for nonprofits, schools, and neighborhood groups, she makes sure her business’ presence has a positive impact on the community as a whole. 

She approaches each business decision focusing on the triple bottom line:  “How will this affect not only the environment and our community, but also benefit the business?”

“We are excited to celebrate Bees on a Bicycle’s green|light certification,” said Kelley Cureton, green|light program director said. “Cath considers both environmental and community impacts in every area of her business operations, and we at are green|spaces are honored to work with small businesses with such strong values. We as a community also need to support these businesses and keep our dollars local, while promoting native and pollinator-friendly landscapes.”

Green|light, Chattanooga’s green business certification, focuses on guiding locally owned businesses through the maze of corporate sustainability. As external and internal pressures build in the changing environmental economy, it’s vital businesses assess and align operations around sustainability and minimizing impacts. Green|light helps businesses with employee attraction and retention, building a stronger public image, much-needed cost savings and creating a culture of environmental stewardship. Currently there are over 50 local businesses certified or pursuing certification.

Businesses currently pursuing green|light: 

Niedlov’s Breadworks, city of Chattanooga, Crabtree Farms, Reflection Riding Nature Center and Arboretum, Chattanooga Choo Choo, Humanaut, Elea Blake Cosmetics, Wildflower Tea and Apothecary, Hummingbird Pastaria, Vibrant Meals, Feed Table and Tavern, Parkway Pourhouse, 1885 Grill, Tremont Tavern, Southern Adventist University, Frothy Monkey, Southern Squeeze, Franklin Architects, Oakleaf Cottage, The Bright School, Tennessee Aquarium, Creative Discovery Museum, Chattanooga State Community College, Hutton

green|light certified businesses: 

Compass Commissioning and Design, EPB, REV Centre for Optimal Living, AEED, Chambliss, Chattanooga Zoo, Crash Pad, Flying Squirrel, Kelly Subaru, Lupi’s Pizza, Office Furniture Warehouse, Real Estate Partners, River City Company, Ruby Falls, Sportsbarn, Strand Salon, University of Tennessee Chattanooga, Whiteboard, SPOT Venue, Bridge Financial Planning, The Mad Priest, Kyle House Fitness, Yoga Landing, Hunter Museum, Green’s Design & Supply

For additional information about green|light or to get started with a company’s sustainability plan, contact Kelley Cureton at kelley@greenspaceschattanooga.org or 648-0983.