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.
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
UGL Volunteer Training – June 7
The UGL Volunteers are Urban Green Lab’s frontline ambassadors working to make Nashville a more sustainable place. Join us for volunteer training to learn more about sustainability and how to talk about sustainability with family, friends, and neighbors.
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UGL Volunteer Training – September 13
The UGL Volunteers are Urban Green Lab’s frontline ambassadors working to make Nashville a more sustainable place. Join us for volunteer training to learn more about sustainability and how to talk about sustainability with family, friends, and neighbors.
Learn More
Nashville Sustainability Roundtable- May 29
Become a member and attend! Join us for the Nashville Sustainability Roundtable on Thursday, May 29, hosted by Urban Green Lab in partnership with Nashville Soccer Club! This event is by […]
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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Savor the Season Sustainably
Each quarter, our UGL Volunteers in Nashville learn and discuss sustainability, and this quarter we are talking about sustainable holidays. This blog is an excerpt of content shared with our UGL Volunteers.
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Nashville Summer Social Events
Nashville is buzzing with community events that bring people together. Spending more time volunteering at community gardens, or going to farmers markets and block parties can create a sense of belonging, community, and friendship. Engaging in social gatherings amplifies the sustainable impact we can make as a community. These gatherings provide the opportunity to build a supportive network of people you can rely on to sustain your life and well-being.
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The First Lab Recogntion Graduating Cohort!
Our first cohort of community institutions has successfully completed their first year in our recognition program!
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The Green Issue: Environmental Justice Initiative Educates About Environmental Racism
“The environmental sector suffers from an alarming amount of whiteness,” says Patrick King, the sustainability education manager of local nonprofit Urban Green Lab. “There’s a perception that it’s a space only for affluent white folks, when in reality, when you look at the numbers, the overwhelming majority of people who believe in climate change and believe that things have to be done around climate change are Black and brown.”
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The Green Issue: So You Want to Recycle Responsibly
Voting with our dollar and buying into eco-friendly companies may become even more important in Nashville, as many of our landfills are set to fill up and close in the next few years. Todd Lawrence, executive director of nonprofit Urban Green Lab, says the organization educates residents about Metro’s priorities, like the current Solid Waste Master Plan, which “will serve as a roadmap to achieving Zero Waste over the next 30 years,” according to Metro’s website.
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