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…

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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