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
Sustainable Gifting Guide
Less is more this holiday season. Read how to celebrate sustainably, and check out our sustainable gifting guide for gift recommendations.
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Feeding Our Neighbors – There’s Enough to Go Around!
“In Middle Tennessee, 1 in 7 people are unsure where their next meal will come from, including 1 in 6 children (Second Harvest, 2025).” This is called food insecurity – […]
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Waste Less, Paint More: How Public Art is Sparking a Food Waste Reduction Movement Across U.S. Cities
Public art has the power to grab attention, spark reflection, and bring big ideas into everyday spaces. That’s the goal of the Waste Less Mural Cohort-a national movement using murals […]
Read MoreUGL News
UGL Executive Director Appointed to Mayor’s Sustainability Advisory Committee
Todd Lawrence, executive director of Urban Green Lab, will co-chair the Waste Reduction subcommittee of the Mayor’s Sustainability Advisory Committee.
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Forty-Five K-12 Educators Trained on Sustainability
This spring 45 K-12 teachers were trained on Sustainable Classrooms from 26 schools.
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Experts push alternative to recycling
There’s been a lot of bad news lately when it comes to recycling in Nashville. Instead of adding programs, the city keeps taking them away.
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