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 envision a Nashville where everyone has access to opportunities for learning about sustainable living.
OUR IMPACT
How we work
Training Educators
The Classrooms Division includes the Sustainable Classrooms program.
Recently, the Classrooms Division trained educators from Isaac Litton Middle School teaching them how to bring sustainability into their classrooms and school.
Educating Households
The Households Division includes the UGL Volunteers and Sustainable in the City.
The Households Division recently relaunched Sustainable in the City as a podcast with the Nashville Department of Waste Services. Listen to it wherever you get your podcasts.
The Households Division includes the UGL Volunteers and Sustainable in the City.
The Households Division recently relaunched Sustainable in the City as a podcast with the Nashville Department of Waste Services. Listen to it wherever you get your podcasts.
Coaching Workplaces
The Workplaces Division includes the Nashville Sustainability Roundtable, Sustainable Workplaces Collaborative, and B Tennessee.
Workplaces Division recently launched a new educational program for Nashville organizations called the Sustainable Workplaces Collaborative.
Exploring Solutions
We explore solutions through our two special initiatives, the Nashville Environmental Justice Initiative and the Nashville Food Waste Initiative.
The Nashville Food Waste Initiative just installed the third mural in our "Waste Less" murals project, which highlights how food is community. The mural was designed and painted by LeAndra Crystal.
We explore solutions through our two special initiatives, the Nashville Environmental Justice Initiative and the Nashville Food Waste Initiative.
The Nashville Food Waste Initiative just installed the third mural in our "Waste Less" murals project, which highlights how food is community. The mural was designed and painted by LeAndra Crystal.
The Sustainable Changemakers Collective is more than just a membership program—it's a movement of people committed to transforming Nashville into a culture that values sustainability.
By becoming a member, you're sustaining the work of positive culture change in our city. Plus, members enjoy exclusive benefits like discounts to local businesses and VIP experiences at events.
Program Participant Testimonials
“It makes me happy that there is such a community of inspired people with the goal of making Nashville more sustainable on an individual and community level.”
- Maria Morales, UGL Volunteer
2024 annual report
For more information on our organization, programs, and impact, read our 2024 Annual Report.
UGL EVENTS
Voices Of Resilience: Celebrating Climate Perspectives
Join us at Vanderbilt University’s Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center for a time of connection and deep listening. Come experience some of the ‘Voices’ as they team up for a panel discussion to share more about being Nashvillians on the front lines of a shifting climate.
Learn MoreTHE UGL BLOG
Waste Less, Paint More: How Public Art is Sparking a Food Waste Reduction Movement Across U.S. Cities
Public art has the power to grab attention, spark reflection, and bring big ideas into everyday spaces. That’s the goal of the Waste Less Mural Cohort-a national movement using murals […]
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Woke3 to Create Newest Waste Less Mural at Nashville Farmers’ Market
Nashville Farmers’ Market, Urban Green Lab and the Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville have partnered on a grant-funded opportunity to bring awareness to food waste and sustainability practices […]
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2025 Nashville Earth Month Events
April is a big month at Urban Green Lab. It’s Earth Month! If you’re looking for ways to celebrate Earth Month or Earth Day in Nashville, we’ve got you covered […]
Read MoreUGL News
Urban Green Lab to Receive $10,000 Challenge America Award from the National Endowment for the Arts
Urban Green Lab to receive $10,000 Challenge America Award from the National Endowment for the Arts to support the Waste Less mural project.
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Urban Green Lab Co-Hosts Climate Week Cook-Off with 1 Hotel
Urban Green Lab co-hosts Climate Week Cook-Off in Nashville with 1 Hotel to showcase the connection between food waste and the climate.
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Nissan North America Donates Electric Vehicle to Urban Green Lab
Nissan North America has donated a fully electric 2023 Nissan LEAF to Urban Green Lab (UGL), continuing its support for UGL’s mission of teaching communities to live sustainably.
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