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.

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

October 23, 2023 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

September 21, 2023 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

September 19, 2023 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 Find Out If Your Home Has Lead Service Lines

October 23, 2023 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.

How to Protect Yourself from Lead-Contaminated Water

October 19, 2023 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 Make an Effective Public Comment

September 21, 2023 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.

Easy Ways to Save Energy at Home

August 8, 2023 How-ToUnited StatesAmanda MacMillan

Small steps can add up to big reductions in your electricity use—and your utility bill.

How You Can Stop Global Warming

August 7, 2023 How-ToUnited StatesMelissa Denchak

Healing the planet starts in your garage, in your kitchen, and at your dining room table.

A Consumer Guide to the Inflation Reduction Act

July 20, 2023 How-ToCourtney Lindwall

Here’s how to save on electric vehicles, solar panels, heat pumps, and more via tax credits and rebates.

How to Become a Community Scientist

June 30, 2023 How-ToUnited StatesCourtney Lindwall

Six steps to get you started in the world of participatory environmental research

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.

How to Cast Your Ballot Safely on Election Day

June 14, 2022 How-ToStephanie Valera

If you’re voting in person, go prepared, take the usual COVID-19 precautions—and have patience.

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?

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.

5 Ways City Dwellers Can Spur Climate Action

April 7, 2022 How-ToUnited StatesDanna Walker

Because of their massive environmental footprints, urban areas can play a huge role in curbing climate change. Ask these five questions of local leaders to see if your city is up to snuff.

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.

Climate Action Starts in Your Own Hometown

April 15, 2021 How-ToUnited StatesJenny Shalant

Turn your city into a climate sanctuary, lobby your elected officials, and try out these other ways to make change globally by acting locally.

How to Find Relief During Summer Heat Waves in the City

July 13, 2020 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.

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…