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.

Buying locally produced food and dining at farm-to-table restaurants is one way we can all work together to fight climate change. You can start out by visiting one of the many urban farms in New York City or elsewhere in the state, and then you can dine at one of the many farm-to-table restaurants.

The term spring cleaning should take on new meaning as we all strive to make our homes and communities more environmentally sustainable. We’ve compiled a list of suggestions to help you get started.

From a panel discussion on how to get to a zero-emission vehicle fleet, to a series of Earth Day Festivals, to PlaNYC and our advocacy work around congestion pricing, as well as an update on the state budget and a call for support in honor of Earth Day, it’s been a action packed month for NYLCV.

On Tuesday, April 4,  NYLCVEF hosted a webinar with the NY Offshore Wind Alliance and Citizens Campaign for the Environment on whale protection called Whale Tales and Whale Facts.

New York state, and particularly Long Island, took another step forward recently in the state’s multi-pronged effort to achieve 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2040.

It’s called greening the grid, and New York State is racing to do this by 2040. New York has committed to achieving 100 percent clean energy within 17 years from now (and we’re counting!) and the state is pushing forward on multiple fronts to reach that goal.

As we head into the final weeks of winter, New York City weather continues to alternate between cool February drafts and warmer, above-average temperatures. Instead of spending the next few weeks holed up inside, spend a day or two outside with all these activities that the city has to offer.

by Peter Aronson There are several ways to think about composting your food scraps. One way is to realize that by doing so, you are actually – honestly, truly – reducing your carbon footprint and helping fight climate change.  Another angle is that it’s a fun family project that can include the kids and also…

The period from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day is full of holiday cheer, but it also marks the time when we generate the most waste: 25% more than during any other time of the year. Unsurprisingly, much of this waste comes from gift wrapping. With just a little extra thought, you can help make a huge impact in reducing waste. Check out this week’s Green Tips to learn how to gift wrap the eco way!

One hundred and forty-five animals are protected in New York under the Endangered Species Act. Amongst these, there are 39 bird species that are either endangered, threatened, or under special concern. Follow these tips to learn how you can protect endangered birds.

Many local environmental groups organize day-long cleanup events to invite the public into their ongoing conservation campaigns. In addition to attending these events, organizing your own is a great way to support and engage your community in protecting the environment! You can follow the steps to organize your own community cleanup event,

Many of us have a standard bath and beauty routine. What we may not realize is that the cosmetics, skin and hair care products we have grown accustomed to using may incur immense environmental damages. Follow these tips to become a more eco-conscious consumer.

Art has long been a force for positive change and a central part of social justice movements. Now, art is playing an essential role in conveying the ecological, social, and economic repercussions of climate change, as well as in building support for the climate movement.

September is approaching and it’s time to start thinking about how you can kick off this school year in the most sustainable way possible. We have put together some tips to help make this school year the greenest yet.

Although we may not often consider how what we wear impacts the planet, the clothing and textiles industry makes an immense contribution to global warming. As public recognition of the connection between our outfits and our carbon footprint grows, it’s up to us to go on the hunt for a more climate-conscious style.  Here are some tips to get you started.

Summer activities can take a toll on the environment and contribute to our greenhouse gas emissions, but you can make these last days of summer a little greener by following some of our tips.

Pets require resources that can take a toll on the environment including chemicals in cleaning products, processed foods, and toxic toys. However, there are many ways to reduce these potentially harmful effects. We have compiled a few here.

Our buildings have a monstrous carbon footprint, accounting for almost 40% of national carbon emissions nationally. This massive energy expenditure not only accelerates global warming, but also contributes to local air pollution.

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