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
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
UGL EVENTS
Nashville Sustainability Roundtable – May 14, 2026
Join us for the Nashville Sustainability Roundtable on Thursday, May 14th, hosted by Urban Green Lab in partnership with the Nashville Predators!
2026 Earth Month Coffee Crawl
The Earth Month Coffee Crawl is your invitation to sip local, explore the city, and show up for Earth Month in the most delicious way possible.
Nashville Sustainability Roundtable – March 26, 2026
Join us for the Nashville Sustainability Roundtable on Thursday, March 26th, hosted by Urban Green Lab in partnership with B Lab and Legend Wine Imports!
THE UGL BLOG
Mayor, Water Services Announce Start of Every Other Week Curbside Recycling for Nashville Residents
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.
Seeing Sustainability All Around as Principal for a Day
On Thursday, October 27th, our Sustainable Classrooms manager, Christina Langone, had the honor of being “Principal for a Day” at Whites Creek High School.
What is an Urban Heat Island?
Did you know some urban neighborhoods in Nashville can be up to 17 degrees hotter than in nearby rural areas? Moreover, communities of color are more likely to live in hotter places, putting them at greater risk for heat-related deaths and injuries.
UGL 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.