Practical Ways You Can Spark Change

Learn how to become a savvier consumer and an effective environmental and public health advocate with these toolkits and how-tos.

Featured How-Tos & Toolkits

A man and woman in winter clothing sit on a passenger bus

How to Ditch the Biggest Fossil Fuel Offenders in Your Life

May 4, 2026 How-ToUnited StatesCourtney Lindwall

Here are some high-impact ways to reduce your personal use of oil and gas and gain a little energy independence.

An illustration of a toilet flushing down trees

The Best and Worst Toilet Paper, Paper Towel, and Facial Tissue Brands

December 3, 2025 How-ToCanada, United StatesCourtney Lindwall

Tissue paper production is taking a devastating toll on forests. NRDC’s newest Issue with Tissue report can help you find earth-friendly brands.

Thanks for signing up. You’ll receive your first NRDC action alert and update email soon!

Viewing 61 - 80 of 91

Remove all filters

Filter Results

Banishing the Climate Change Blues

August 29, 2017 How-ToUnited StatesJenny Shalant

Anxious about where our planet is headed? Tip one: You’re not alone—and that means a lot.

To Shrink Your Carbon Footprint, Ease Up on the Dairy

June 2, 2017 How-ToUnited StatesJenny Shalant

Milk does a body good, but it also does a number on the planet.

Get the Dirt on Nontoxic Spring Cleaning

March 9, 2017 How-ToUnited StatesClara Chaisson

Your vacuum and a damp rag can get you pretty far. All those bottles under the sink are another story.

Attention, Online Shoppers

January 31, 2017 How-ToUnited States, InternationalMelissa Denchak

Is shopping online or in-store better for the environment? It depends—on you.

How to Be an Eco-Friendly Pet Owner

November 28, 2016 How-ToUnited StatesLiz Krieger

Caring for your pet while caring for the planet is about more than buying recycled toys and organic dog food.

Building a Healthy Home

November 22, 2016 How-ToUnited StatesMelissa Denchak

Questionable chemicals lurk in many common home-renovation materials. But safer alternatives do exist.

10 Easy Tips for Meal Planning

November 3, 2016 How-ToUnited States

Planning meals in advance can seem intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be. (No, really.) Arm yourself with these 10 easy tips, and you’ll be scheduling meals and saving food like a pro in no time at all.

Getting a Better School Lunch

October 13, 2016 How-ToUnited States, California, New York CityGinny Graves

By working with schools, parents can make their kids’ cafeteria lunches healthier and more planet-friendly.

More Sustainable (and Beautiful) Alternatives to a Grass Lawn

September 30, 2016 How-ToUnited States, Ohio, CaliforniaMary Talbot

Manicured turf grass lawns cover up to 50 million acres of land in America. But a new, no-mow movement is challenging this conformity—and helping the environment.

Should You Go Solar?

September 19, 2016 How-ToUnited StatesJillian Mackenzie

Harnessing power from the sun reduces your reliance on fossil fuels, but it can come with a price tag. How to decide if it’s worth it to you.

Attention Food Lovers: Eco-Conscious Eating Isn’t All About Distance

July 13, 2016 How-ToUnited States, California

Want to make a real difference with your grocery money? Find out where and how your food is produced.

Read This Before Cleaning Out Your Fridge

June 27, 2016 How-ToUnited StatesRamona Emerson

Debunking five popular myths that lead us to needlessly throw out meals—and money.

Composting Is Way Easier Than You Think

June 16, 2016 How-ToUnited StatesJillian Mackenzie

With minimal effort, you can turn those banana peels and apple cores into gold. Let us break it down.

Recycling: Beyond the Bin

March 16, 2016 How-ToUnited StatesMelissa Denchak

We've made huge strides in keeping the things we throw away out of landfills. Here's how you can take recycling to the next level—at home, at work, and in your community.