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.

Climate Change Is In the Air

How-ToUnited States, JacksonMolly M. Ginty

As rising carbon emissions boost smog and pollen production, even breathing can be a challenge. Here’s what you can do to help clear the air.

Building a Healthy Home

How-ToUnited StatesMelissa Denchak

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

Green Your Dry Cleaning Routine

How-ToUnited StatesStarre Vartan

Chemicals used to clean clothes can be toxic—and expensive. One thing they’re not? Necessary.

Mercury Guide

How-ToUnited StatesShanti Menon
Whether you're getting dental fillings or ordering sushi, keep these tips in mind to avoid exposure.

How to Block Big Polluters

How-ToUnited States

A step-by-step guide to protecting your community from dirty development projects.

Nontoxic Ways to Protect Your Pet

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.