This sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle we are all trying to abide by is not the path of least resistance. Recycling is definitely made easy. Composting can be difficult depending on city limitations and county critters. Utilizing single waste items for more than a second time can become costly in just washing them. Kermit The Frog said it best with, “It Ain’t Easy Being Green…”

As the market is halfway through it’s eleventh season, it finds it roots in an ever-changing society. The market relocated & celebrated on March 11th (to it’s current set up at Chattanooga Brewing) and covid-19 closed schools and changed lives before the next weeks market on March 18th. Within seven days, the non-profit market had to figure out how to operate and acclimate to the environmental and societal changes required by the city and yet still provide a safe space to shop. Limited in actual space to set up, the market has remained opened and is constantly adapting to provide a healthy space-both physically and mentally. Trying to create six feet between customers and vendors is complicated due to the lot allowed, however it is a joy to see patrons be conscious of each others’ space and be courteous.

With that being said, new vendors have begun to grace the private lot and added more dynamic to an ever-growing sustainable community that the market wants to promote. Welcome Noogagreens! Nestled atop a breathtaking three acre plot, Noogagreens is excited to bring us their microgreens, veggies and herbs.

If you did not have the chance to sample his yellow popcorn shoots at his first market this past week then you definitely need to stop by this week because they are a game changer! I think I could pop these clean, sweet shoots like tic-tacs or some other easily edible refreshing treat. These out of the ordinary mircogreens have elevated my taste buds to understand what an earthy yet sweet snack can be. Mark, owner of Noogagreens, recommends mixing them with tacos or salad but I like to keep it simple and really enjoyed these on my drive home from market.

No matter if you are visiting a first timer or a longtime vendor, trying to maneuver your way around new shoppers or decade-long patrons, share a smile (even from behind a mask) and gratitude for the community that is created every Wednesday starting at 4.

“When green is all there is to be, it could make you wonder why but why wonder…And I think its what I want to be. “—Kermit