fbpx

We teach communities
how to live sustainably.

We teach communities
how to live sustainably.

About Urban Green Lab

Urban Green Lab is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that exists to teach communities how to live sustainably in Nashville, TN and its surrounding counties. We organize teams, train them on making sustainable choices, and connect people with services and peers to walk with on their sustainable journey. We envision a Nashville where everyone has access to opportunities for learning about sustainable living.

Educating in places where culture begins

The Classrooms programs train educators and provide confidence, tools, and community to bring a sustainable lens into any classroom.

The Households division creates sustainable living education systems that inspire residents and families to be part of the solution.

The Workplaces branch educates and builds communities and cultures of sustainability in businesses throughout the Nashville area.

Special Initiatives

Our special initiatives are focus areas of sustainability education that Urban Green Lab has chosen to highlight and incorporate throughout the divisions.

The Nashville Environmental Justice Initiative is growing a movement of environmental justice learning that protects Nashville's marginalized communities.

The Nashville Food Waste Initiative develops tools and implements strategies for decreasing food waste and growing sustainable food consumption practices to serve as a model for other cities.

2023 annual report

For more information on our organization, programs, and impact, read our 2023 Annual Report.

EVENTS

Man presents on Nashville's sustainability opportunities to a room full of people

UGL Volunteer Training – May 18

The UGL Volunteers are Urban Green Lab’s frontline ambassadors working to make Nashville a more sustainable place. Join us for volunteer training to learn more about sustainability and how to talk about sustainability with family, friends, and neighbors.

Learn More

Nashville Sustainability Roundtable: March 21

Join us on Thursday, March 21, 2024, for the Nashville Sustainability Roundtable hosted by Urban Green Lab in partnership with Schneider Electric! 

Learn More

Mural Launch Party – February 24

Join us to celebrate two murals in Urban Green Lab’s “Waste Less” murals project at Patagonia Nashville! Celebrate community art with free food and drink, educational opportunities about food waste, and Patagonia and UGL swag giveaways.

Learn More

BLOG

Urban Green Lab Publishes 2023 Annual Report

March 5, 2024

Urban Green Lab shares the 2023 Annual Report showcasing program achievements and stories from stakeholders

Read More

11 Books About Sustainability to Add to Your Reading List

March 4, 2024

Book recommendations to learn more about sustainability for all reading levels

Read More
Headshot of Jaffee Judah

How Less Trash Leads to Less Crime in Communities

January 31, 2024

In low-income areas of Nashville, the correlation between crime and pollution has reached alarming levels, with both issues deeply rooted in historical injustices such as redlining and community divestment. However, …

How Less Trash Leads to Less Crime in Communities Read More »

Read More

In the News

Urban Green Lab Publishes 2023 Annual Report

March 5, 2024

Urban Green Lab shares the 2023 Annual Report showcasing program achievements and stories from stakeholders

Read More
Students draw a city on a large posterboard

Urban Green Lab Receives 2023 Airbnb Community Fund Grant

February 1, 2024

Urban Green Lab is one of 40 nonprofits to receive a 2023 Airbnb Community Fund Grant. Learn more about how the grant will be used to teach communities to live sustainably.

Read More
Mural that says "Food is energy. Waste less." painted on a store window

Second Food Waste Mural Installed at Patagonia Nashville

January 23, 2024

Urban Green Lab, in partnership with Patagonia, placed two murals on the windows of the Patagonia Nashville store to celebrate how food can provide fuel for activity and encourage Nashvillians to waste less food.

Read More