At Green365, sustainability isn’t just a service — it’s a movement rooted in education, empowerment, and practical action. Founder Nancy Chung recently sat down with Voyager Magazine to share how a single moment of observation sparked a mission to reshape how communities think about waste, energy, and sustainable living in the Mid-South.
Here’s her story.
A Spark That Became a Mission
Q: Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
A: In 2015, Nancy and her family moved to Memphis for her husband’s job. What should have been a simple relocation became a turning point when she noticed something hard to ignore: there were almost no public recycling receptacles throughout the city.
That small but powerful observation revealed a much larger issue — a lack of accessible, visible infrastructure to support sustainable habits.
What began as a personal passion soon became Green365, an education and consulting firm dedicated to advancing zero-waste solutions across the Mid-South.
Expanding Sustainability Through Energy Solutions
In 2022, I expanded that mission to include roofing and solar solutions. Clean energy and sustainability go hand in hand, and I wanted to give families and businesses more accessible ways to take meaningful action.
Green365 partnered with Southeast Energy Solutions and Modern Electric to offer solar installations, and in 2024, we added Green Roofing Inspector to strengthen our roofing services. These partnerships allow us to offer comprehensive, high-quality solutions that support both people and the planet.
At Green365, we believe knowledge is power. We empower our clients to make informed decisions about their energy use, recycling habits, and sustainable practices. Our goal isn’t just to offer solutions — it’s to spark lasting change through education and action.
Facing Challenges Head-On
Q: Obstacles/Challenges. Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
A: Building a more sustainable community hasn’t been easy. Tennessee has one of the lowest recycling rates in the country — just 5% overall, compared to the national average of 32%. Memphis, specifically, has faced long-standing challenges, from limited access to public recycling bins to a five-month suspension of recycling services during the pandemic.
These gaps created a cycle of distrust and apathy that’s hard to break. When recycling is mixed with trash, people stop believing their actions matter. And yet, change often begins with the simplest things — like understanding that a cup with lemon, ice, and a straw can’t be recycled until it’s emptied and cleaned. Small steps like that make all the difference.
We face similar challenges with renewable energy. Tennessee currently ranks 37th nationally for installed solar capacity. But I see this as opportunity, not defeat. Every conversation, every workshop, every project is a chance to turn skepticism into empowerment — and move the needle a little closer to where it should be.
Defining Success
Q: How do you define success?
A: For me, success isn’t a trophy or a finish line — it’s built on everyday wins that ripple outward. It’s the quiet moments when someone says, “I finally get recycling — empty, clean, separate,” or when a family decides to explore solar because they feel informed, empowered, not pressured.
At Green365, success shows up in three ways:
- Impact over applause
I measure success by the real, tangible impact we make — not headlines or awards. If one person feels more confident to take action, whether that’s starting a recycling habit or choosing renewable energy, that’s a win. Those small steps add up to something much bigger. - Sustainability in action
Real success lasts beyond a single conversation. It’s when those actions become habits, when zero-waste isn’t just a buzzword but part of daily life. That’s why I try to “walk my talk” — to live out the values I share, so others can see that change is both possible and practical. - Integrity and alignment
I’ve built Green365 on trust, education, and consistency. To me, success means staying true to those principles, even when the easier route might be to cut corners. It’s about empowering people, protecting the planet, and creating a future that reflects our shared values.
Success isn’t something I chase — it’s something that grows through collective action, one small, meaningful step at a time.
Building a More Sustainable Future
Nancy’s journey from a simple observation in Memphis to founding Green365 is proof that change often begins quietly — with one person deciding to do something about it.
Today, Green365 works with businesses and communities to bring practical zero-waste and clean energy solutions to life. By focusing on education, trust, and everyday action, the company is helping to build a more sustainable future for the Mid-South — one small step at a time.