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.

Learn to Spot Greenwashing

How-ToUnited StatesCourtney Lindwall
It’s tricky to separate flimsy promises from what’s actually environmentally friendly. We can help.

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?

How to Shop for Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs

How-ToUnited StatesLauren Evans

Old incandescent bulbs can cost you more than $100 per year in wasted energy—which costs the planet as well. Do the earth a favor and invest in new, energy saving light bulbs.

Fighting Phthalates

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.

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.

How to Combat Weeds . . . Gently

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.

Green Your Halloween

How-ToUnited StatesClara Chaisson

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

Green Your School

How-ToUnited StatesCorey Binns

Eight ways to help your district’s students and parents be better environmental citizens.

How to Talk to a Paris Accord Skeptic

How-ToUnited States, InternationalMelissa Denchak

We know that you know that Trump’s assessment of the Paris Agreement is way off base. Here’s how to convince those who don’t.

Climate Change Is In the Air

How-ToUnited States, JacksonMolly M. Ginty

As rising carbon emissions boost smog and pollen production, even breathing can be a challenge. Here’s what you can do to help clear the air.