Sustainability isn't a destination - it's a practice. It lives in classrooms, neighborhoods, workplaces, and kitchens. We're here to make sure every corner of Nashville has access to it.
Sustainability isn't a destination — it's a practice. It lives in classrooms, neighborhoods, workplaces, and kitchens. We're here to make sure every corner of Nashville has access to it.
HOW WE WORK
If you'd like to know how it all connects, check out our new five-year strategic plan "Living Sustainably Together".
If you'd like to know how it all connects, check out our new five-year strategic plan "Living Sustainably Together".
OUR IMPACT, SO FAR
*Numbers reflect our 2025 baseline.
ENLISTING CHANGEMAKERS
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.
TESTIMONIALS
"Overall, teaching sustainability helps my students become responsible global citizens. They are able to consider the long-term consequences and outcomes of their actions to make better decisions, becoming better knowledgeable individuals in their life stages.”
- Carlos Calderón, Sustainable Classrooms Educator
"The Roundtable opened our eyes and helped us come to know other like-minded businesses in Nashville that care about how business gets done. There's business as usual, and then there are those who come to the Sustainability Roundtable to see how it can be done, factoring in true social responsibility."
- Greg Crofton, Nashville Sustainability Roundtable Member
“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
UGL EVENTS
Green Sports Day Community Clean Up Event
Join the Nashville Sustainable Sports Alliance, Urban Green Lab, Recycle Reinvest, and Justice Industries for a morning of community harvest prep at Napier Community Garden in honor of Green Sports Day 2026.
Voices of Resilience Community Launch and Potluck Reception at West End United Methodist Church
Voices of Resilience — the traveling multimedia exhibit centering the stories of those most impacted by climate change, often first and hardest — makes its next tour stop at West End United Methodist Church on August 30th.
Free Training: Living Sustainably in Nashville – Sept 3, 2026
Join us to learn how to save money, reduce waste, and live healthier through adopting more sustainable habits and practices.
THE UGL BLOG
Construction debris is filling up landfills; Nashville is trying to do something about it
Today, Mayor John Cooper announced plans that starting on Monday, January 30, 2023, Nashville Metro Water Services (MWS) will provide Nashville residents with every other week curbside recycling pickup services.
Dispatches from the Field: The Elephant Sanctuary
When you think of an elephant’s habitat, what comes to mind? Our guess is that Tennessee is low on your list. However, to the surprise of many, Hohenwald, TN is […]
Dispatches from the Field: Tennessee’s First Regenerative Organic Certified Farm
Learn about Tennessee’s First Regenerative Organic Certified Farm.
UGL IN THE 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.
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.
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.