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.

Since Superstorm Sandy in 2012 caused $19 billion in damage and extensive flooding in the city, New York has developed a vast array of coastal protection projects. These projects have taken on more urgency as scientists predict that the city will be subject to increased flooding in years to come as sea levels rise on the East Coast. 

New York City officials earlier this month began enforcing mandatory participation in the city-wide curbside composting program. While the separation of organic waste and the promotion of city-wide composting are critical to our transition toward becoming a more sustainable city, new rules and regulations can often feel overwhelming, confusing, and even frustrating. With this dichotomy in mind, NYLCV aims to empower citizens to fully participate in the NYC curbside organics collection program for the betterment of the city. To achieve this, we must begin by addressing the questions: “Why should I compost, and how do I get started?” 

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.

Global warming has been a principal concern of the New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund since its foundation. It is an unfortunate reality that the warming of the earth’s atmosphere has not only continued but accelerated over the past decade, resulting in the NOAA reporting that January 2025 was the hottest January globally reported.

With the IBX on the move thanks to congestion pricing, NYLCVEF is pleased to present a primer on this major public transportation project that’ll connect Queens and Brooklyn. The daily ridership is expected to reach 115,000, or 40 million annually. The rail corridor is home to approximately 900,000 residents and 260,000 workers within a half mile of the proposed line.

The holiday season is in full swing! There is usually a lot of planning that goes into holiday gatherings, including parties, religious ceremonies, or small get-togethers. Follow our tips for hosting a more environmentally-friendly yet fun holiday gathering this year.

In keeping with the holiday spirit, we are offering tips on how best to shop for family and friends, while also giving back to the environment. A good way to do this, as we move collectively towards a more sustainable and equitable future, is to consider the carbon footprint of whatever you are thinking of buying.

Following the historic announcement by the federal Environmental Protection Agency of the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, the New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, a member of the NYC Coalition to End Lead Poisoning, released an interactive map and a comprehensive report to help New York City residents determine if the building they…

At the New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund (NYLCVEF), we believe in the power of voting. Voting is more than just casting a ballot; it’s an act of hope and a commitment to shaping the world around us. During the 2024 election, through our largest voter awareness campaign yet, Our Vote is Our…

Nothing is better than a beach day during the hot summer months. This summer, give back to the ocean and its beaches by being environmentally mindful in your beach-going habits.

The Fourth of July is coming up! This year, celebrate big but without a big carbon footprint. Consider some of our tips on enjoying Independence Day in a sustainable way.

Summer is finally here, which means longer days, warmer weather, and more free time to get out and explore with your friends and family. This summer, don’t forget to pack the essentials: sunscreen, swimsuits, and of course, a good book.

National Ocean Month, celebrated every June, is a time to honor the waters that we rely on. It regulates climate and is home to countless forms of life. The ocean plays a major role in everyday life, and so it is critical to preserve this resource. Check out these tips to help preserve our ocean.

Each year, Father’s Day gives us the opportunity to celebrate our dads and honor everything they do for us. This year, join us in celebrating fathers while showing the planet we all share some love.

The kitchen generates more waste than any other room in your home, eating up money and resources through daily activities like washing, cleaning, and cooking. By making some simple changes to your kitchen habits, you can do your part to benefit the environment and save some money in the process.

This Wednesday, May 29th, is National Learn About Composting Day. What better way to celebrate than to start incorporating composting practices into your daily life? We know that composting may be daunting, but this type of recycling is an effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Check out our tips and get started today!

Plastic waste is overwhelming the world. Scientists have cataloged 8.3 billion tons of plastic that have been produced, discarded or burned over the last 60 years. Plastic takes 400 years to degrade and can be found everywhere. Even the computer or mobile phone you’re reading this on contains plastic. Ninety-one percent of the plastic Americans…

Friday, May 17th is National Bike to Work Day, an opportunity to see the benefits of bike riding for yourself, try something new and get some more exercise. Before hitting the open road, check out some of our tips.

Get Involved

THANK YOU TO OUR PLATINUM CORPORATE PARTNERS