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 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.

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

How to Apply for a Discretionary Federal Grant

March 30, 2023 How-ToUnited StatesMikyla Reta, Sasha Forbes, AICP

Follow these tips to help your community access environmental justice grants and other infrastructure funding opportunities offered by the federal government.

How to Set Up a Social Media Fundraiser

June 16, 2022 How-ToUnited States

Ask your friends on Facebook or Instagram to donate to NRDC by following these easy steps.

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?

How to Spot—and Help Stop—Climate Misinformation

April 26, 2022 How-ToUnited StatesCourtney Lindwall

The online spread of false claims about climate change is an existential threat.

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.

5 Ways to Make This Earth Day Really Count

April 5, 2022 How-ToUnited StatesCourtney Lindwall

Organize a park cleanup, support our national parks, or join a local group of fellow environmentalists.

Where to Start If You Want a Career in the Climate Space

February 24, 2022 How-ToZaria Howell

A climate job isn’t what it used to be. Neither is the path to getting one.

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 Argue with People You Know and Love—IRL

September 21, 2021 How-ToUnited StatesMarie Beecham

Disagreements these days can escalate quickly, but with the wisdom to know what to say and how to say it—and the courage to nurture meaningful dialogue—your efforts will be worthwhile. Here are a few tips.

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 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.