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 Smart Seafood and Sustainable Fish Buying Guide

January 22, 2024 How-ToUnited States, InternationalNicole Greenfield

Five ways to keep the environment in mind when you shop for fish and shellfish.

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.

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.

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.

Is Now a Good Time to Buy an Electric Car?

May 12, 2022 How-ToUnited StatesCourtney Lindwall

Electric vehicles offer plenty of benefits. Here’s how to decide if you’re ready for yours.

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.

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.

How to Lobby Your Legislator

April 15, 2021 How-ToUnited StatesLauren Evans

Follow these steps to arrange your meeting, craft your elevator pitch, and ensure your legislators understand why their vote on an issue matters to you and your community.

How to Write a Successful Letter to the Editor

January 5, 2021 How-ToUnited StatesJenny Shalant

Stay active in public health and environmental issues impacting your community by making your case in a local newspaper.

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…