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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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.

How to Ditch the Biggest Fossil Fuel Offenders in Your Life

August 8, 2023 How-ToUnited StatesCourtney Lindwall

Here are some high-impact ways to reduce your personal use of oil and gas and gain a little energy independence.

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.

Energy Vampires: Keep Your Devices from Wasting Energy and Money

May 2, 2022 How-ToUnited StatesBrian Palmer

Nearly one-quarter of home energy use is consumed by "vampires." Who can save us?

How to Shop for Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs

April 29, 2022 How-ToUnited StatesLauren Evans

Old incandescent bulbs can cost you more than $100 per year in wasted energy—which costs the planet as well. Do the earth a favor and invest in new, energy saving light bulbs.

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 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."

How to Protect Your Property—and Our Planet—from Harmful Wildfire

September 25, 2018 How-ToUnited States, WestJillian Mackenzie

Fire-wise tips for your home, your garden beds, the fence line, and that marshmallow roast you’re planning.

Should You Go Solar?

September 19, 2016 How-ToUnited StatesJillian Mackenzie

Harnessing power from the sun reduces your reliance on fossil fuels, but it can come with a price tag. How to decide if it’s worth it to you.

How to Buy Good Wood

March 15, 2016 How-ToUnited StatesAmanda MacMillan

Your guide to purchasing sustainably sourced lumber and furniture.

9 Tricks That Save Tons of Water

January 5, 2016 How-ToUnited States

So you’ve stopped doing half loads of laundry and running the faucet when you brush your teeth. Great! Did you know about all these other ways you can avoid wasting hundreds of gallons of water a day?