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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How to Lower Your Energy Bills in Any Season

How-ToUnited StatesAshley Leung

From weather-stripping windows to using the right fan settings, these simple tips can reduce your electricity costs—and keep your family comfortable all year-round.

How to Protect Yourself from Lead-Contaminated Water

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.

The Energy-Efficient Home Makeover

How-ToUnited StatesJenny Shalant

No demolition required. A few small tweaks to each room could dramatically shrink your carbon footprint.

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 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.

Freeze More. Waste Less.

How-ToUnited StatesDana Gunders

Your freezer could be the secret to keeping ingredients fresh, saving money, and reducing food waste.

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.

Reducing Food Waste: Eight Tips for Home Cooks

How-ToUnited StatesMadeline Keating

Whether you’ve always been the family chef or are just learning to perfect your meal planning and cooking now while stuck at home, making your food go as far as possible can be a source of solace during this difficult…

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.

Green Your College Dorm Room

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

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.