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.

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A construction crew working around a ditch dug during replacement of a lead service line outside a Chicago home

How to Find Out If Your Home Has Lead Service Lines

How-ToUnited StatesCourtney Lindwall
A step-by-step guide to help you check for lead pipes—and the questions to ask of your local water utility.
Gabrielle Habeeb speaking at a public hearing in Chicago, Illinois

How to Make an Effective Public Comment

ToolkitUnited StatesJenny Shalant
Whether you’re ready to submit a written comment or state your case at a hearing, these talking points, scripting guidelines, and other tips will help you make the most of your airtime.

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

How-ToUnited States, CanadaCourtney 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.

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How to Protect Yourself from Lead-Contaminated Water

How-ToUnited States, Newark, PittsburghCourtney Lindwall

Residents of many cities continue to face high levels of this toxic metal in their drinking water supplies. Here’s what to do if this crisis affects you.

How to Stay Safe From Wildfire Smoke

How-ToUnited States, WestAlisa Opar

Breathe more easily with these tips on choosing the right protective mask, maintaining your indoor air quality, recognizing when to avoid the outdoors, and knowing who is most at risk.

Learn to Spot Greenwashing

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”

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?

Fighting Phthalates

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.

How to Find Relief During Summer Heat Waves in the City

How-ToUnited StatesCourtney Lindwall

Extreme heat is already a public health threat—now, COVID-19 may make that impact worse. Here are some quick tips and long-term strategies to help keep you and your neighbors cool.

24 Green Projects to Tackle Now

How-ToUnited StatesCourtney Lindwall

Commune with nature, get productive in the kitchen, occupy cooped-up kids, or connect with other environmentalists—all while staying home.

How to Combat Weeds . . . Gently

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.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Most of All, Reduce.

How-ToUnited StatesMelissa Denchak

Try incorporating these small tweaks into your routine. You’ll throw out less trash, and help fight climate change at the same time.

How (and Why) to Be a Seed Savior

How-ToNancy Castaldo

You can help rescue the planet’s diminishing agrodiversity . . . even if you’re more of an eater than a grower.