Practical Ways You Can Spark Change

How to Get More Out of Your Kitchen Stash and Minimize Your Trash

March 10, 2026 How-ToUnited StatesShelia Hu, Molly M. Ginty

With the confusing date labels that are stamped on our foods, here’s how to suss out what’s still okay to actually eat.

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.

How to Find Out If Your Home Has Lead Service Lines

October 24, 2025 How-ToUnited StatesCourtney Lindwall

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you check for lead pipes—and the questions to ask of your local water utility.

How to Protect Yourself from Lead-Contaminated Water

October 24, 2025 How-ToUnited States, Newark, PittsburghCourtney Lindwall

People across the United States continue to face high levels of this toxic metal in their drinking water. Here’s what to do if you have lead in your plumbing.

Nontoxic Ways to Protect Your Pet

August 21, 2025 How-ToUnited StatesKaren L. Smith-Janssen

How to find family-friendly flea and tick products that will provide effective care without skull and crossbones ingredients.

How to Find Relief During Summer Heat Waves in the City

June 23, 2025 How-ToUnited StatesCourtney Lindwall

Extreme heat is a serious public health threat—particularly for city dwellers. Here are some quick tips to help keep you and your neighbors cool.

How to Make a Wildfire Evacuation Plan

July 22, 2024 How-ToUnited States, WestShelia Hu

Fires can be wild and unpredictable—don’t let your reaction to them be the same. 

10 Ways to Reduce Plastic Pollution

July 3, 2024 How-ToUnited StatesSarah Engler

Help keep our marine life (and ourselves) from being overwhelmed by plastics and harmful chemicals.

Diez maneras de reducir la contaminación plástica

July 3, 2024 How-ToUnited StatesSarah Engler

Todos podemos ayudar a evitar que la vida marina consuma y nade en basura.

Learn to Spot Greenwashing

February 9, 2023 How-ToUnited StatesCourtney Lindwall

It’s tricky to separate flimsy promises from what’s actually environmentally friendly. We can help.

Protect Your Community from “Bomb Trains”

May 11, 2022 How-ToUnited States, Gibbstown, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, PhiladelphiaNicole Greenfield, Amanda MacMillan

Trains carrying highly explosive fossil fuels barrel through unsuspecting communities every day. Is yours one of them?

Cómo proteger a tu comunidad de “trenes-bomba”

May 11, 2022 How-ToUnited States, Gibbstown, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, PhiladelphiaNicole Greenfield, Amanda MacMillan

25 millones de estadounidenses residen a lo largo de rutas ferroviarias que transportan crudo -- ¿te encuentras entre ellos? Infórmate aquí sobre tus opciones y derechos.

Fighting Phthalates

April 20, 2022 How-ToUnited StatesShelia Hu, Olivia Koski

These harmful chemicals are lurking in countless products, but companies don’t have to tell us which ones. Follow these tips to reduce your exposure.

Freeze More. Waste Less.

April 8, 2022 How-ToUnited StatesDana Gunders

Your freezer could be the secret to keeping ingredients fresh, saving money, and reducing food waste.

Six Ways to Help End Neighborhood Oil Drilling in California

November 10, 2021 How-ToUnited States, California

Thanks to a new rule under consideration, now is the time for Californians to make themselves heard on this issue.

Reducing Food Waste: Eight Tips for Home Cooks

June 3, 2020 How-ToUnited StatesMadeline Keating

Whether you’ve always been the family chef or are just learning to perfect your meal planning and cooking now while stuck at home, making your food go as far as possible can be a source of solace during this difficult…

How to Keep the Environment in Mind While You Stay Home

April 6, 2020 How-ToUnited StatesCourtney Lindwall

COVID-19 has upended daily life. Here are some small steps you can take to help make your time spent indoors cleaner, calmer, and greener.

How to Combat Weeds . . . Gently

June 25, 2019 How-ToUnited StatesJillian Mackenzie

Natural solutions like mulch, cover crops, vinegar, and a little elbow grease will help keep the chemicals out of your garden—and your body.

How to Turn Your Patch of Earth From Barren to Bountiful

May 28, 2019 How-ToUnited States, CaliforniaCourtney Lindwall

For a healthier backyard garden, you need to invite nature in. Try a few strategies featured in the documentary "The Biggest Little Farm."

10 Tips for Hosting a Wonderful and Waste-Free Holiday

November 20, 2018 How-ToUnited StatesClara Chaisson

Indulge your guests without spoiling the planet this season.