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
Nashville Sustainability Roundtable – October 19, 2026
Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at congregational sustainability in action with St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church.
Waste Less Harvest Fest – October 24th
Waste Less Harvest Fest 5th Anniversary Mural Launch Celebration “Food is what brings us together.” Join us as we celebrate this message with the unveiling of local artist Acacia Barron’s […]
Food Waste Prevention Trivia Night
Grab your friends, your curiosity, and maybe a few fun facts about food waste: it’s trivia night at Bongo East!
THE UGL BLOG
5 Ways Monthly Donors Power a More Sustainable Nashville
Monthly donors play a key role in building a more sustainable Nashville. Learn 5 ways consistent giving supports education, community, and long-term impact.
The Hidden Cost of Losing Employees – and How Sustainability Can Help
Sustainability isn’t just good PR, and it’s not just about environmental impact. It’s a workforce strategy. When you invest in authentic environmental and social initiatives, you’re investing in the conditions that make employees want to stay.
Winter Storm Fern and Extreme Weather Preparedness: Those Who Ignore History are Doomed to Repeat It
In 2008, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the Red Cross and other like organizations began to lead “urban emergency preparedness workshops.” The crisis in New Orleans opened many eyes […]
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.