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.
How we work
Training Educators
The Classrooms Division includes the Sustainable Classrooms program.
Recently, the Classrooms Division trained educators from the Nashville Public Library and discussed how to incorporate sustainability into their children's and teen programming.
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 Zero Waste Nashville. 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 Zero Waste Nashville. Listen to it wherever you get your podcasts.
Coaching Workplaces
The Workplaces Division includes the Nashville Sustainability Roundtable, Urban Green Lab Certification, and B Tennessee.
Become a member and join the Workplaces Division for their upcoming Nashville Sustainability Roundtable at the Nashville Public Library's new Donelson Branch.
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.
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
2023 annual report
For more information on our organization, programs, and impact, read our 2023 Annual Report.
UGL EVENTS
Nashville Sustainability Roundtable – October 24
Join us for a sustainability networking event on Thursday, October 24, hosted by Urban Green Lab with The Good Fill!
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Climate Week Cook-Off with 1 Kitchen
Get ready for a spectacular evening of innovation and sustainability in honor of Climate Week as 1 Kitchen partners with Urban Green Lab for an exciting zero-waste culinary competition! On September 24, witness three top local chefs battle it out to create the ultimate zero-waste dish. As they turn kitchen scraps into culinary masterpieces, you’ll have the chance to savor complimentary tastings and light bites, all while learning about cutting-edge sustainability initiatives.
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UGL Volunteer Training – September 28
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 MoreUGL RESOURCES
Nashville Summer Social Events
Nashville is buzzing with community events that bring people together. Spending more time volunteering at community gardens, or going to farmers markets and block parties can create a sense of belonging, community, and friendship. Engaging in social gatherings amplifies the sustainable impact we can make as a community. These gatherings provide the opportunity to build a supportive network of people you can rely on to sustain your life and well-being.
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I Never Thought of Tennessee as a Prairie State–I Was Wrong.
Read our latest blog post written by the Cumberland River Compact to learn why we should protect our grasslands and what Nashville residents can do to help.
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Environmental Justice is Social Justice
Each quarter, our UGL Volunteers learn about a topic in sustainability, and this quarter we are learning more about environmental justice. This blog is an excerpt of content shared with our UGL Volunteers.
Read MoreUGL News
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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Urban Green Lab and Zero Waste Nashville Launch Podcast About Sustainability in Nashville
Urban Green Lab and Zero Waste Nashville announce the launch of their podcast, Sustainable in the City, where Nashville sustainability champions take the spotlight to share their stories.
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Urban Green Lab Announced as Nashville SC Community Partner for Greener Goals Starting XI Initiative
Nashville SC announces Urban Green Lab as a community partner for Greener Goals Starting XI Initiative addressing environmental challenges.
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