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
Green Sports Day Community Clean Up Event
Join the Nashville Sustainable Sports Alliance, Urban Green Lab, Recycle Reinvest, and Justice Industries for a morning of community harvest prep at Napier Community Garden in honor of Green Sports Day 2026.
Voices of Resilience Community Launch and Potluck Reception at West End United Methodist Church
Voices of Resilience — the traveling multimedia exhibit centering the stories of those most impacted by climate change, often first and hardest — makes its next tour stop at West End United Methodist Church on August 30th.
Free Training: Living Sustainably in Nashville – Sept 3, 2026
Join us to learn how to save money, reduce waste, and live healthier through adopting more sustainable habits and practices.
THE UGL BLOG
Nashville’s Convenience Centers: 25 Years of Keeping Waste Out of Landfills
Metro Nashville’s first Convenience Center, East Center, opened in 2001, serving Davidson County residents for 25 years by providing trash and recycling collection. Since then, the Nashville Department of Waste […]
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 […]
UGL IN THE 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.