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
Winter Changemaker Happy Hour
Connect with fellow Sustainable Changemakers at our next Changemaker Happy Hour! This is a time to build community with other sustainably-minded individuals as we strengthen our movement toward a more […]
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Spring Changemaker Happy Hour
Connect with fellow Sustainable Changemakers at our next Changemaker Happy Hour! This is a time to build community with other sustainably-minded individuals as we strengthen our movement toward a more […]
Learn More
Summer Changemaker Happy Hour
Connect with fellow Sustainable Changemakers at our next Changemaker Happy Hour! This is a time to build community with other sustainably-minded individuals as we strengthen our movement toward a more […]
Learn MoreTHE UGL BLOG
What is Sustainability?
Sustainability exists at the intersection of society, the environment, and the economy. Rather than perfection or shame, living sustainably is based on making decisions that preserve natural ecosystems we rely on.
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6 Summer Recipes for Your Seasonal Produce
Eating seasonally helps reduce harmful emissions related to transporting out-of-season produce and goods from other parts of the world. Plus, buying locally grown produce supports the local economy. Summer in Tennessee is hot and humid, perfect for the sweet and juicy fruits and vegetables that grow this time of year. Try one of these recipes if you’re looking for something to do with your latest farmers market haul.
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What is Environmental Justice?
Environmental justice stems from wanting all people to have access to a healthy environment regardless of who they are and aims to ensure all people receive the same amount of protection from environmental and health hazards and access to clean environments to live, learn, and work.
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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