Practical Ways You Can Spark Change

​​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.

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 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.

Colony Collapse Disorder: Why Are Bees Dying?

April 29, 2022 How-ToUnited StatesAlexandra Zissu

Bees keep dying at record rates, putting our food supply at serious risk. Here’s how you can help take the sting out.

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.

So You Want to Be a Beekeeper...Or Just Be There for the Bees

May 20, 2021 How-ToUnited StatesCourtney Lindwall

Grow a pollinator garden, help your hive thrive and, if you’re lucky, land yourself some honey with these tips.

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.

How to Find Joy in Nature When You Need It Most

July 29, 2020 How-ToUnited StatesCourtney Lindwall

These six tips will help you fend off feelings of isolation by finding safe ways to play, explore, and connect with the wild world outside.

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.

Green Your College Dorm Room

August 14, 2019 How-ToEmily Deanne

Want to make your life on campus more eco-friendly? Stand up for our climate with these simple tricks to conserve power, water, and food.

How to Combat Weeds . . . Gently

June 25, 2019 How-ToUnited StatesJillian Mackenzie

Natural solutions like mulch, cover crops, vinegar, and a little elbow grease will help keep the chemicals out of your garden—and your body.

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."

Green Your Halloween

October 9, 2018 How-ToUnited StatesClara Chaisson

Five ways to indulge your sweet tooth and your spooky side without a whole lot of waste or frightful chemicals.

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.