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.

Featured How-Tos & Toolkits

A man and woman in winter clothing sit on a passenger bus

How to Ditch the Biggest Fossil Fuel Offenders in Your Life

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.
An illustration of a toilet flushing down trees

The Best and Worst Toilet Paper, Paper Towel, and Facial Tissue Brands

How-ToCanada, United StatesCourtney 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 Survive a Flood

How-ToUnited StatesShelia Hu

Be prepared for the next major storm by planning ahead and staying vigilant when floodwaters arrive.

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.

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.

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 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.

Learn to Spot Greenwashing

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

How to Protest Safely

How-ToUnited StatesCourtney Lindwall

Taking to the streets is a way to both lift our spirits and to effect real change. But before you head out, read these tips on how to stay vigilant, protest respectfully, and keep your community’s safety in mind.

To Vote Early, Start Here

How-ToUnited States

Your state probably allows early in-person or absentee voting. What are you waiting for?

How to Vote by Mail or with an Absentee Ballot

How-ToUnited StatesCourtney Lindwall, Stephanie Valera

Here’s everything you need to know to securely vote from home, from registering to tracking your ballot’s delivery status.

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.

Freeze More. Waste Less.

How-ToUnited StatesDana Gunders

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