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.

Viewing 1 - 20 of 20

Filter Results

How to Ditch the Biggest Fossil Fuel Offenders in Your Life

August 8, 2023 How-ToUnited StatesCourtney Lindwall

Here are some high-impact ways to reduce your personal use of oil and gas and gain a little energy independence.

Easy Ways to Save Energy at Home

August 8, 2023 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

August 7, 2023 How-ToUnited StatesMelissa Denchak

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

A Consumer Guide to the Inflation Reduction Act

July 20, 2023 How-ToCourtney Lindwall

Here’s how to save on electric vehicles, solar panels, heat pumps, and more via tax credits and rebates.

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

Energy Vampires: Keep Your Devices from Wasting Energy and Money

May 2, 2022 How-ToUnited StatesBrian Palmer

Nearly one-quarter of home energy use is consumed by "vampires." Who can save us?

How to Shop for Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs

April 29, 2022 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.

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.

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 Find Relief During Summer Heat Waves in the City

July 13, 2020 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

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 Keep the Environment in Mind While You Stay Home

April 6, 2020 How-ToUnited StatesCourtney Lindwall

COVID-19 has upended daily life. Here are some small steps you can take to help make your time spent indoors cleaner, calmer, and greener.

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 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."

The Hiker’s Guide to Leaving No Trace . . . and in One Piece

June 26, 2018 How-ToUnited StatesJillian Mackenzie

How to be responsible, pee responsibly, and handle animal encounters when you’re out in the wild, communing with nature.

How to Talk to a Paris Accord Skeptic

July 26, 2017 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.

Should You Go Solar?

September 19, 2016 How-ToUnited StatesJillian Mackenzie

Harnessing power from the sun reduces your reliance on fossil fuels, but it can come with a price tag. How to decide if it’s worth it to you.

9 Tricks That Save Tons of Water

January 5, 2016 How-ToUnited States

So you’ve stopped doing half loads of laundry and running the faucet when you brush your teeth. Great! Did you know about all these other ways you can avoid wasting hundreds of gallons of water a day?