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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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Green Your Halloween

October 9, 2018 How-ToUnited StatesClara Chaisson

Five ways to indulge your sweet tooth and your spooky side without a whole lot of waste or frightful chemicals.

Green Your School

August 28, 2018 How-ToUnited StatesCorey Binns

Eight ways to help your district’s students and parents be better environmental citizens.

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

July 31, 2018 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.