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.

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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

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

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

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

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

How-ToUnited StatesMelissa Denchak

Healing the planet starts in your garage, in your kitchen, and at your dining room table.

How to Stay Safe From Wildfire Smoke

How-ToUnited States, WestAlisa Opar

Breathe more easily with these tips on choosing the right protective mask, maintaining your indoor air quality, recognizing when to avoid the outdoors, and knowing who is most at risk.

How to Apply for a Discretionary Federal Grant

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.

Protect Your Community from “Bomb Trains”

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

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

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

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 Find Relief During Summer Heat Waves in the City

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.

24 Green Projects to Tackle Now

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.