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
Cool Off For a Cause at Jeni’s East – August 13th, 2026
When you make a purchase during the event (including scoops, pints, and merchandise) a portion of your sale will support Urban Green Lab’s work to build a more sustainable Nashville
Climate Week Cook-Off – September 24th, 2026
The Climate Week Cook-Off, presented by Nissan, is the most delicious way to celebrate zero-waste cooking practices, local chefs, and the work of Urban Green Lab to create a more sustainable Nashville.
Nashville Sustainability Roundtable – July 21, 2026
Join Urban Green Lab for a behind-the-scenes look at sustainability in action with LEO Events: a woman-owned, award-winning experiential agency.
THE UGL BLOG
From Farm to Tray: Valor Students Investigate Food Waste Solutions
For over a decade, Urban Green Lab has helped adults across Nashville build sustainable habits at home, at work, and in their communities. This summer, we took an exciting step […]
How We Move Shapes Who Can Move: Transportation, Climate, and Equity in Nashville
If you want to understand a city’s values, look at how it moves people. Transportation is not just infrastructure. It is a daily equity test. Who can get to work […]
Turning Plans into Practice: An Earth Month Charge
Earth Month is an inspiring time to examine our practices, make plans, and put new, more sustainable habits into action. The newness and freshness of spring provides a certain energy […]
UGL News
Networking On Purpose: How B Corps Are Creating Connections And Building Their Community In The Southeast U.S.
The local community level is where many companies can make the biggest impact, as shown by Certified B Corporations that include community as one of their stakeholders and prioritize local ties and the strength they can provide, especially in times of challenge like they’ve seen in 2020.
Urban Green Lab Works to Prevent Food Waste at Food Distribution Sites
Urban Green Lab’s Diana Andrew was interviewed by a local news station about food assistance for Metro Nashville Public Schools students and families.
TSU and UGL partner to create “Nashville Environmental Justice Initiative”
Urban Green Lab and Tennessee State University team up to train about equitable decision-making.