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.

Lead is a dangerous contaminant. There is no safe level of lead exposure. Children are especially vulnerable, facing increased risks of developmental delays, learning disabilities, and other serious health impacts.

As the weather is warming up, the sun-fueled fun of summer makes it one of the most anticipated seasons of the year. As you get ready for longer days and warmer nights, there are many ways to reduce your environmental impact to ensure you have an eco-friendly yet exciting summer. 

By Mia Fitzloff 430 million tons of plastic are produced every year, and every piece ever made still exists today. While that’s a difficult concept to fully grasp, it’s true. This plastic sits in landfills, pollutes our oceans, and slowly breaks down into toxic microplastics. Although we never see our straws, wrappers, or lids after we’re…

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.

The letters sections of newspapers and magazines are prime forums for getting your message to a wide audience.

Fall cleaning is here! It’s time to knock out some chores to get ready for the coming winter to prevent damage accumulating and keep your home working efficiently. Make sure to respect your health and the environment while getting ready for the changing season with these tips: Use safe cleaning products. Toxic cleaning products don’t…

Summer has been flying by, and we’re at the time of year to start thinking about school. With all the excitement surrounding classmates, teachers, and color-coded binders, it is important to remain environmentally conscious when preparing for the new school year. According to the American Federation of Teachers, educational facilities are among the biggest waste…

Most people think that switching to renewable energy is a costly and time-intensive endeavor. However, what many New Yorkers don’t know is that a variety of utility companies across the state offer the option to source your electricity from renewable energy sources in exchange for a slightly higher price. If you live in New York…

The New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund is pleased to present this 2017 Green Guide as a resource for all candidates running for public office in New York City. This document, released at our Environmental Candidate School, is a one-stop-shop for candidates to learn about new opportunities and approaches to persistent sustainability problems….

Did you know that New Yorkers are required to recycle electronic waste in an environmentally responsible manner? Here are some tips to make sure you dispose of your e-waste in an environmentally responsible manner.

Eating locally is easy in the summer, when farm stands seem to be overflowing with fresh fruits, veggies, and leafy greens, so now is the best time to build a seasonal eating habit. Here are some more tips to help you green your diet:

The summer heat means more sweat, and by extension more loads of laundry to do. However there a variety of practices other than re-wearing your sweaty gym clothes that can make your laundry practices more sustainable. Wash with Cold Water Studies show that 75% of the total energy-use and carbon emissions associated with your laundry…

Deforestation is devastating some of our most precious places. From loss of biodiversity to species fragmentation to exacerbating climate change, the demand for wood and paper products is one of the most pressing threats to our planet. Thankfully there are a variety of changes we can make to reduce our impact on deforestation. Sustainably Managed…

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