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.

There is no such thing as a “safe amount of lead” in drinking water. And with an estimated 555,696 active lead service lines in New York State alone, the burden of this issue is not equally distributed. In this blog we look at the progress made, the gaps that remain, and the way forward.

The use of road salt to keep streets safe during winter storms has become an urgent environmental and public health concern. While salt is effective for melting ice and preventing dangerous driving conditions worldwide, including here in New York State, its overuse has significant public health and environmental consequences, especially regarding its impact on drinking water.

With fall almost here, it’s a great time to fight climate change at home with energy efficient changes and upgrades. Even small adjustments made by renters, homeowners and businesses, when added up town by town and city by city, can make a significant difference in reducing our collective carbon footprint. 

In New York City, the general election is coming up. Election day is November 4, and early voting runs from October 25- November 2. This year, in addition to candidates running for office, there are six proposals on the ballot. NYLCVEF is hosting an educational webinar with more information on Wednesday, October 22. RSVP to join. 

By Liam McGowan Electric school buses (ESB’s) are rolling in, and with them, significant beneficial changes. Brand new data from the World Resources Institute (WRI) and Carleton University solidifies electric school bus benefits over diesel buses.  This new study from WRI shines a light on what states and counties stand to gain from a transition…

Fall is often ripe with an abundance of food and filled with activities such as apple picking and pumpkin pie baking. However, with abundance also comes food waste that , with some careful planning, can be eliminated.

Autumn brings upkeeping tasks for outdoor spaces. With falling leaves and dropping temperatures, we want to make sure that you’re equipped with sustainable yard care tips.

New York made history with its 2023 fiscal budget by becoming the first state to mandate a fully zero-emission school bus fleet. Starting in 2027, all new school buses purchased must be electric, and by 2035, all operating buses on the road must be zero-emission. This shift isn’t just about cutting down carbon emissions, but about cleaner air for kids and greater equity for disadvantaged communities. The transition has a clear focus on environmental justice communities. 

Major New York arenas like Barclays Center and UBS Arena are leading efforts to eliminate single-use plastics and reduce environmental waste through new compostable products, water and energy conservation tactics, and community partnerships.

Creating eco-friendly habits in the workplace is an important step toward lowering one’s environmental impact.

In honor of Black History Month, learn about the concepts that undergird the environmental justice movement, as well as the prominent black thought leaders who have led and are leading the movement.

Recognizing the increasing demand for seafood, it has become even more important for consumers to support sustainable fishing practices. Learn what to consider when buying safe and sustainably caught fish.

There are thousands of toxins in our environment, and we are exposed to many of them every day. This is particularly concerning for children who are still developing and are at greater risk from exposure.

Young people from Generation Z and Generation Alpha may have less interaction with nature itself than generations before.

There is no shortage of environmental podcasts out there. In this Green Tips, we recommend some of our favorites.

There is no better way to start a new year and a new decade than with outdoor activities. Getting fresh air is incredibly important for your mental and physical health, so be sure to bundle up and head outside this winter. About 20% of Americans suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) which typically occurs in…

As we ring in the new year, why not kick it off with the environment in mind? Changing a few things in your daily routine can reduce your environmental footprint and may inspire friends to do the same! Read our Green New Year Resolution ideas and see which ones you want to incorporate (or do them all!).

The holiday season usually coincides with an increase in travel across the nation. Last year, it was forecast that one-third of Americans would travel during the holiday season. If you plan on traveling, consider your environmental impact while planning your trip. Read on for our green tips about travel this holiday season.

Get Involved

THANK YOU TO OUR PLATINUM CORPORATE PARTNERS