Sustainability isn't a destination — it's a practice. It lives in classrooms, neighborhoods, workplaces, and kitchen tables. We're here to make sure every corner of Nashville has access to it.
how we work
Educate and Train
We train educators, community members, and workplace leaders to bring sustainability into the spaces they already occupy.
Share Best Practices
We connect Nashville's organizations so what works in one place can work everywhere.
Act
Collectively
We create and coordinate campaigns and coalitions that turn individual commitment into city-wide momentum.
Inform
Policy
We make sure Nashville's sustainability decisions reflect what communities know and need.
OUR IMPACT, SO FAR
*Numbers reflect our 2025 baseline.
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
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.
Visit Us in the Village Green at the Jack Johnson Show!
We’re excited to be part of the All At Once Village Green at the upcoming Jack Johnson concert on August 25th at Ascend Amphitheater!
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
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 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.