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…

On Monday, September 24th, we held a policy forum as part of our Clean Buses for Healthy Niños campaign for electric school buses in environmental justice communities. Panelists discussed the impacts of diesel pollution and pathways towards transitioning to an electric school bus fleet. Read the recap here,

While death may not be the most pleasant topic to think about, it’s important to consider how your final farewell may impact the environment. How do you make the best decision regarding end-of-life planning for you or a loved one? Read some of our tips for reducing your funeral footprint.

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.

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