Citizen's Toolkit

Our mission is to educate New Yorkers and help them become engaged and empowered advocates for the environment. The resources listed here can help you learn about environmental issues across the state and take advantage of the ways you can protect environment in your personal life and by getting involved in policy and political processes at the local and state levels. From contacting your representatives to the appropriate avenues to report environmental hazards to how to register to vote, these pages can help you protect the interests that are most important to you. As part of the Citizen’s Toolkit, we also provide weekly “Green Tips” so that you can make sustainable lifestyle choices. In the fight against climate change, every little effort can help to reduce carbon emissions and protect our planet from the worst.

Heating accounts for 56% of domestic energy use and plays an understated role in climate change and energy efficiency. It’s time to reassess our heating and cooling technologies—both for frigid cold and sweltering heat waves.

Do you enjoy a good cocktail now and then? Are you concerned about the impact your alcohol of choice may have on the environment?  This week we will provide you with more details on how to enjoy a drink while remaining environmentally conscious.  With the help of Grist, we are able to provide you with…

The Town of East Hampton has a long record of sustainability leadership, particularly on the issue of open space. But there are many steps the town can take to continue to improve its environmental performance–and the town’s elected leaders will play a critical role in this effort.] For this reason, the New York League of…

Most people think that switching to renewable energy is a costly and time-intensive endeavor. However, what many New Yorkers don’t know is that a variety of utility companies across the state offer the option to source your electricity from renewable energy sources in exchange for a slightly higher price. If you live in New York…

Did you know that New Yorkers are required to recycle electronic waste in an environmentally responsible manner? Here are some tips to make sure you dispose of your e-waste in an environmentally responsible manner.

The summer heat means more sweat, and by extension more loads of laundry to do. However there a variety of practices other than re-wearing your sweaty gym clothes that can make your laundry practices more sustainable. Wash with Cold Water Studies show that 75% of the total energy-use and carbon emissions associated with your laundry…

Deforestation is devastating some of our most precious places. From loss of biodiversity to species fragmentation to exacerbating climate change, the demand for wood and paper products is one of the most pressing threats to our planet. Thankfully there are a variety of changes we can make to reduce our impact on deforestation. Sustainably Managed…

Part four of NYLCV’s series of forums on “Getting to 80 x 50” focused on energy use and transmission within New York City, and how we can achieve the Mayor’s goal for 50% of the city’s energy to come from renewable resources by 2030.

What you wear can demonstrate your beliefs, attitude, or sense of self, but it also can show how much you value the environment. Although it doesn’t get much press, the apparel industry has a major environmental impact, accounting for 10% of global carbon emissions annually. But that’s not all: materials for clothing are extremely water-intensive…

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