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 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 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 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?

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.

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.

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 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.

24 Green Projects to Tackle Now

April 27, 2020 How-ToUnited StatesCourtney Lindwall

Commune with nature, get productive in the kitchen, occupy cooped-up kids, or connect with other environmentalists—all while staying home.

How to Raise an Environmentalist

April 19, 2018 How-ToJordan Davidson

Kids have a natural connection to the earth, as well as a drive to heal it. And that may be our saving grace.

Green Your Office

January 4, 2017 How-ToUnited StatesMelissa Denchak

10 tips for reducing your carbon footprint at work

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.