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.

As the New York state parks system prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2024, it’s worthwhile to continuously remind ourselves that the state has one of the best public park systems in the world, open to all.

The growth of offshore wind infrastructure, an affordable renewable energy source which harnesses power from ocean winds, is leading the path towards a future of green electricity in New York.  [Register for “Why Wind Works,”  a Lunch and Learn presented by NYLCVEF and Citizens Campaign for the Environment on November 30 at noon.] Offshore wind…

After a year when the climate crisis arrived at our doorstep in the form of apocalyptic hazy orange skies and devastating floods, this year’s story about holiday green shopping tips comes with a dose of climate optimism from a lead author on Congress’ Fifth National Climate Assessment.

Election season is upon us and Our Vote is Our Power! Early voting for the general election begins on Saturday, October 28, and runs through Sunday, November 5, with Election Day on Tuesday, November 7. In the fight against climate change, every election is crucial. 

Since 1992, the Open Space Conservation Plan has served as the blueprint to guide land purchases and conservation efforts by the state. This review comes at a crucial time with the climate crisis becoming increasingly urgent and the state vowing to protect 30 percent of its land and water by 2030.

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 City’s curbside composting program is coming to all five boroughs before the end of 2024, and the next stop is Brooklyn, with collections beginning on Monday, October 2.  Under the leadership of Mayor Adams, curbside composting began as a pilot program in Queens, and in just three months it prevented a staggering 12.7…

Thinking of buying an EV but don’t know where to start? We’ve put together a list of incentives that are available at the federal and state level. We have also created fact sheets on the state of EVs in NY, the EV marketplace, range anxiety & charging, and the economics of purchasing & owning an EV.

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. 

While big changes are necessary to fight climate change on a policy level, you can start making tiny changes today in your own home to reduce your carbon footprint. Check out our tiny tips for going green at home.

Doing laundry is a chore, but did you know that it is also a burden on our planet? Residential laundry generates 8.29% of total residential carbon emissions. Make this dirty job a little less dirty by trying out some of our tips.

If you’re talking with someone who seems to be rethinking their skepticism about global warming, be an informed spokesperson for the environment by mentioning these quick facts about climate change and its impacts.

With Valentine’s Day approaching, you may be thinking of ideas for showing your sweetheart how much they mean to you. Many products sold for Valentine’s Day are not manufactured sustainably and are usually single-use. Why not also show the planet some love this year? Check out our tips for a greener Valentine’s Day.

Now that the holidays are behind us, it’s that time of year when people are trying to get back into shape. Way to go! Did you know that your workout might be impacting the environment? Give these green tips a try for a more sustainable exercise routine.

“New year, new you,” right? As we leave 2018 behind and look forward to 2019, it’s time to start thinking about our new year’s resolutions. Normally, a new year means trying to make some positive changes in your life. This year, why not incorporate some new green habits to help out the environment? Some simple changes to your lifestyle can have a huge impact.

Americans produce around 25% more waste from Thanksgiving to New Years Day. From wrapping paper, used Christmas trees, to extra cookies, how can we cut down on the waste by creating more sustainable (but still meaningful) holiday traditions? Check out our Christmas (red) and green tips.

Road salt is used to prevent ice from forming in winter, however, it also comes with an environmental price. Here are some tips for keeping roads safe while minimizing the impact on the environment.

Are you thinking of gifting clothing to your friends or family this holiday season, or stocking up on winter clothes? Don’t forget to consider the carbon footprint of clothes. Textile waste in America is at an all-time high. Read our tips on how to give secondhand shopping a try.

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